#HEYGRRRLFRENNNS AHHH! How the heck are you!! We literally chat all the time but honestly this week has felt like a thousand years have passed so I just want to get straight into the big question that is on my mind. I know we outsiiiiiide this summer, but like where are we all going?? I only ask because I just got back from my world tour, aka a few summer vacations, and now I think I caught a serious case of the permanent travel bug! I mean, I’m a sagittarius, so I am already highly susceptible to feeling the urge to look up flights during any free time I may have or any minor inconvenience I may encounter, but now it’s even worse! To catch you up to speed, a couple of weeks ago I went to Cancun, and I am currently on the plane coming back from my first trip to New Orleans for Essencefest (Incredible! I WILL be back!!) and I can’t help but think that traveling, seeing the world, and making new memories is one of my top three radical self-care love languages.

Since we are one in the same, I know if I’m feeling this way my grrrls must be too. So this week, I want to talk in more detail about my current need for expansion and exploration. Remember grrrls, we are on a radical self-care j-o-u-r-n-e-y, which kinda suggests that there will be some travel included! This is obviously open to interpretation, you could take it as a metaphor for self-discovery orrrr you could take you, your growth, and that new summer wardrobe with you on the open road. Hasta la Vista Babbbyyyyy! I feel like I am always going back and forth between explaining that radical self-care is a hard process and a fun process but both are completely true in that “hard work pays off” kinda way like when the main character learns an important lesson in a movie. So if you’re curious on how to get started, or just want some travel inspo for the remainder of the summer, let’s put the pedal to the metal and spill the tea on taking our show on the road grrrly pops!

Stay Calm + Staycation

If I could jet set to Europe and live the la dolce vita lifestyle in Italy over the summer obviously radical self-care would be a lot more easier and delicious… but currently my bank account is on Chef Boyar sit your lil booty down. Mamaaaa Miaaaaaa! I’m all about keeping it real, and that means prioritizing advice that is realistic. Getting away is nice but not nicer than having a roof over your head, groceries in the fridge, and wifi to watch Love Island USA on because this season is FIRE. If you feel me on this, then planning a mini-vacation at home with fun activities and relaxation is the right move for you. You do NOT need to travel far and wide to enjoy a vacation, or your radical self-care journey. All it takes is a little creativity to transform your home into a fun sanctuary of relaxation and that’s totally free. You can even theme your staycation around a particular culture or destination, complete with cuisine, music, and decor. The goal is to break your routine and indulge in activities that make you happy. However, If you do start to go stir crazy you can always leave the house and explore new places you haven’t tried yet in your home city. Seeing your city with fresh eyes can rekindle your love for your home town and remind you why you moved there in the first place. It can also be a great reminder of your evolution from when you first arrived. You are in the process of growing and changing and now your hang out spots can reflect that!

I’m Ridin Solo

The idea of getting a wig, changing my name, and fleeing the country has been a day dream of mine for at least two decades but until I get TSA pre-check and that jet black middle part 30 inch bussdown I’ll settle for a good ol fashioned solo trip to wherever the wind takes me. I know it sounds a little scary, or maybe even boring to some, but traveling alone can be an incredibly empowering experience if you really give it a chance because it gives you the freedom to set your own pace, follow your interests, and truly connect with yourself. Solo travel allows you to reflect, grow, and enjoy your own company, making it a powerful act of radical self-care. Plus, the confidence you gain from navigating new places on your own is *chef’s kiss*. You just have to choose a destination that suites you, so this is where getting to know yourself really comes into play, but also there is no pressure if you end up going somewhere you don’t like. Something my mom says to my sisters and me is that the bright side of experiencing what you don’t like is that it still helps you figure out what you do like. Talk about a win win! You can also use travel as an opportunity to spark your creativity by bringing along a journal, a sketchbook, or a camera, and document your adventures. I am all for collecting memories and truly experiencing life. I tell y’all every week that I plan to have at least 10,000TB of life stories and experiences stored on my memory card in the future when we are all robots. Documenting your journey allows you to process your thoughts and feelings, making your travel experiences even more meaningful and have a lil DIY souvenir for after the trip is over!

Grrrls Gone Wild

There are few things in life that are better than booking a trip with your besties and seizing the day, but I’ m biased because I’m still on my grrrls trip high and I was born a certified grrrls grrrl Triple platinum status! When you are on a grrrls trip suddenly the food tastes better, the sun shines brighter, and the jokes are legitimately ten times funnier. There is something freeing about being at a destination where no one knows that really embarrassing thing that you did that one time that no one would really ever bring up but you know everyone is secretly thinking it. You can just wake up and think about how the possibilities to have a fabulous day with your closest friends are endless, which does wonders for your aura by the way! We have talked about how radical self-care presents the perfect opportunity for you to get to know yourself better and that it’s a unique opportunity for each individual, but you do not have to experience it entirely alone! Honestly, half of the fun of going on a grrrls trip is that you can really let loose and be wild enough to be yourself with zero judgement. In fact, they will most likely gas you up and celebrate the fact that you are genuinely happy and living your best life. Whether it’s a beach getaway, a mountain retreat, or a city escape, traveling with your grrrlfrens is a top tier way to relax, have fun, and support each other. So go call up all of your grrrls and go create new experiences and memories that will last a lifetime!

While the sun is still shining and it still feels like summer, let’s embrace travel and exploration as a fun way to practice radical self-care. By stepping out of our comfort zones and experiencing new places, we can find joy, inspiration, and a deeper connection to not only ourselves but our friends too. Remember, radical self-care is about taking time for yourself and doing what makes you feel alive and happy so pack your bags, grab your grrrlfriends, and get going. Traveling, whether near or far, opens up a world of possibilities and gives us the chance to see life from new perspectives. Think of each trip, no matter how big or small, as a gift to yourself—a chance to explore, learn, and grow. By prioritizing your well-being and happiness, you’re not only caring for yourself but also setting an example for others to do the same. Here’s to a summer filled with exploration, self-discovery, and unforgettable memories! Now go and be great you lil grrrly pop! TTYL!