Birthday in Bali

I have no idea how I became one of the grown-ups. I set the intention to go to Bali for my 50th birthday this year, and here I am just a few sleeps away from fifty. Covid (plus my unfortunate salary and some unexpected expenses) thwarted those plans, but I plan to take the trip next year.

Some folks have asked about presents. Truth is the best gift is your PRESENCE in my life. That said, as awkward as it feels, I'm practicing receiving gracefully, so if you’re feeling gifty, I am accepting donations to my Travel Fund because what I’d love most is a real vacation. My last one was on a long weekend in Aruba in 2000 that I managed by booking one of those free-room-if-you-attend-our-time-share-sales-pitch trips. (omg, remember those!?)

I have a lot to mourn and even more to celebrate. My therapist says I need to do a lot more of both. She’s not wrong. I realize I have not done much of either over the years. I never took a grad trip, a bar trip, or even put my diplomas in frames. I even swore my oath to be admitted to the bar with a notary at the AAA office while taking care of my car registration because I didn’t get to attend a swearing-in ceremony with my friends and colleagues.

Life’s been a LOT, and I’ve kept it pushing; I never stopped to focus on just healing from some pretty awful experiences. I learned as a kid that “Black girls don’t have time to break down.” If I’m honest, it’s kinda true. That’s why making and taking time and space for rest, pleasure, and joy are revolutionary acts. That’s exactly what this trip is about, so thanks for helping me do rad shit.

In Gratitude,

Nikki