It's June & I'm Outside
I kicked off my first Substack with this post detailing how my foray into documenting my life began with my childhood journal. I still have it and recently, my children listened intently as I read a few passages to them from when I was 10 years old (my son’s age now). Hearing their laughs and how they were rapt with attention asking me to continue reading after each entry brought me joy and, I believe, brought us closer together as they began to see the childhood version of me that made me into the current version of their mother.
This line in particular seemed to be their favorite (for obvious reasons!): “When I grow up and have kids, I’ll let them do whatever they want as long as they don’t hurt others or themselves.” I asked them if that was true and they thought about it and realized that it is within reason. I’m very much an “activities” mom signing them up for all Boston has to offer, often free, and letting them try various hobbies and sports. I do the same for myself, and although my consistent digital presence didn’t come about until I was in my 20s, I still try my best to ensure offline > online. This means I also try my best to parent in an analog way, which often results in me being called a “mean mommy” since according to my kids, apparently, all other kids they know are allowed to be on social media, watch certain shows, etc. (you probably know the drill if you’re a parent or had “strict” parents growing up).
The result is that I absolutely enjoy being outside, and this year has marked a milestone in my health journey where I’ve physically been able to be mostly comfortably being outside, officially healed in a way that I’m absolutely taking full advantage of.
I’m especially grateful for friends who put walking dates on my calendar way in advance and am delighted when the weather cooperates when the date finally arrives.
I feel lucky when, despite my silent notifications and DND status, the algorithm allows me to see free tickets are available for Boston’s Mayor Wu’s Civic Summit and I actually snag one! (This also means I miss things like when I got off the waitlist to meet Julia Quinn, the author of the Bridgerton series at the Lovestruck Books this week but missed the email.)
I often put myself and my family on waiting lists for things, unsure if our schedules will allow us to attend when the actual date approaches. When it does, I’m elated!
I try to do things that stretch me in creative ways and force me to try new-to-me activities that introduce me to other “mean mommies” in neighboring communities allowing us to commiserate.
I’m grateful to be invited back to Boston University to speak to CELOP students - something I’ve been doing for over 5 years which builds such incredible international connections. The students always challenge me with such thought provoking questions including my response to one this week in which a student asked me what my dream was, I responded to end gun violence in the United States. You can read my survivor post here.
I’m humbled when I’m invited to celebrate fellow entrepreneurs like Tracy Skelly and the opening of The Tot Café - her Little Cocoa Bean Co. outpost at the Boston Children’s Museum. Thanks to their partnership, families visiting the Museum will now have options for affordable, delicious and nutritious meals!
All of this to say, the little me who liked to be outside is still very much the same person, and I remain in gratitude for all of these ways I’m building community. I continue to believe that to survive the current climate, we have to try our best to be the support as best we can for each other.
And speaking of community, if you’re in the Boston area, please save the date for Juneteenth Joy happening the following weekend of this post: June 14, 2025.
Register here for free and to be eligible for special giveaways.
How are you finding community lately? If you’re in the Boston-area always feel free to share local events and campaigns with me.