This week was one of my favorites from the summer and 2024! Why? Because I decided to take a chance.
Sunday Spotlights 23: Take A Chance — You Never Know What Will Happen If You Try!
This last week was incredible for many reasons. But, when reflect on why this was one of my favorite of the season and the year, it comes down to one thing. The new relationships I’m developing. If you’ve been following along with my TikTok, I’ve spent the past 40 days doing something new. I was inspired by the movement I saw and felt in my life from this past Spring and I wanted to keep that feeling of growth and achieving my goals, but in a more exploratory way.
Over the last seven days, I co-worked with a friend from a new location. I also went to a bakery with a new friend from my volunteer group. I had a tough conversation with another friend and asked for support, which they graciously provided. I made plans with another new friend from my volunteer group for lunch this week and said yes to it being at a spot I’ve never been to. But, the thing that stands out from this week was Calahan Skogman’s event for his book tour.
Calahan Skogman’s Blue Graffiti Book Tour
When Calahan posted on his Instagram that he would be stopping in Chicago on his book tour, I immediately bought tickets. No seriously, it was the fastest I’ve ever bought a ticket to a book event before! I didn’t even finish reading the informational blurb he posted.
However, after I purchased the ticket I started to feel self-conscious about going alone. I wasn’t afraid or embarrassed to go alone. I’ve done plenty of events/ activities solo and I also enjoy them. But, this event felt different. I didn’t want to go alone because I wanted to share this memory with a friend.
And, it turns out, I did!
On the day of the event, I was in line outside. My spot was near the end and I decided to film a clip of the line for a mini vlog. When I was filming, I noticed someone on my screen that looked familiar. I thought it was someone who I went to high school with. I hadn’t seen her in about ten years, so I quickly texted my friend to confirm it was who I thought it was. Sure enough, it was!
I left my spot in line to ask if she was who I thought she was and before I could finish asking, she blurted out my name. It was the most serendipitous reunion and a story. I can’t help but smile every time I tell it — or in this case, write it. And guess what? I ended up joining her group the night and we had a blast. She and her sister met another gal who came alone. The four of us band together to face the humidity and the countdown to our event.
Throughout the night, there were so many jokes we whispered to each other and ideas we shared. We bounced suggestions of what we could ask Calahan when we had our chance to meet him. And, of course, when we did meet him, the four of us gals reminisced about how we stood there awkwardly at first when it was our turn to say hi and get our books signed. We also collectively forgot what exactly we said to him. But, as we walked home and the excited nerves settled, we shared the moments that came to mind and chuckled at our encounters. Overall, it was such a light-hearted, beautiful, and meant-to-be experience that wouldn’t have happened if I had chosen not to buy a ticket and go alone.
Last Week’s Favorites:
Now, for your dose of entertainment. Continue reading for recommendations!
What I’m Watching:
Emily In Paris Season 4 Part 1. I binged this the day it came out. I loved the season. It was light-hearted and exactly the type of show I needed. I’m going to rewatch it again this week.
What I’m Reading:
Blue Graffiti by Calahan Skogman. Are we surprised by this answer? I started it on the train ride home and it’s amazing!
Blue Graffiti By Calahan Skogman
“Living in the home he inherited from his mother and abandoned by his father, painter and construction worker Cash has never known anything beyond the fields of Johnston, WI–never particularly wanted to, either. Why would he when his friends are there, his work is there, his history is there? He loves Johnston. But when an emerald-eyed stranger named Rose blows into town one summer evening in his favorite local bar, everything changes. It’s love at first sight. For Cash, anyway.
What follows is an intimate reflection on the love, faith, and tragedy that courses through the blood of America’s backbone. Cash and his closest friends find themselves vital threads in the fabric of their community, the memory of those forgotten, and partners in a new enterprise.”
What I’m Listening To:
I’m still streaming The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology. My Classical Taylor Swift playlist has been on repeat, too.
You Might Like:
- How To Get & Read Books For Free (Legally)
- I Challenged Myself To Live Sustainably For One Month – Here’s How It Went
Looking To The Week Ahead:
As we enter a new week, I encourage you to stop and reflect. You can write this down on a piece of paper, use these as discussion points with friends/family/loved ones, think about this independently, or with your therapist. I’m trying to get better at carving out intentional space each week. This is my reminder to pause and think about what worked, and what didn’t, to set intentions for the days ahead.
This Week’s Intention/Mantra/Encouragement:
I believe in myself to take a chance on the opportunities and ideas that present themselves.
Challenge:
Take a chance. This week, do something exciting, new, or what you’ve been too shy to do. You never know what will happen or who you’ll meet — even if that person is a deeper version of yourself.
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