Gone Fishin'

I bought a fishing license, y'all.

The first and last time I went fishing was 1997 at a family reunion.  

It was a simpler time. The most important things in my life were:

• Basketball.
• Painting on the walls as I watched Bob Ross for inspiration.
• Writing "deep" poetry that made my teacher question my home life.  
• Protecting my books from a cousin who loved to rip the covers off.  

It was a time when I sang "Un-Break My Heart" by Toni Braxton and "The One I Gave My Heart To" by Aaliyah with all the vibrato and passion of a recently scorned divorcee.  

A time when "I dipped, you dipped, we dipped." And oh, how I have longed to dip my rod in a body of water since. There was something about fishing that I loved. And I have been waiting for someone else to take me fishing all this time.

After almost 30 years, I finally realized that I didn't have to wait.

I could buy my own license, and I did just that at Meijers, of all places.

I could buy my own pole (that sounds dirty), and I did, on Amazon.

I could get a fishing hat, and I did! I've been wearing it everywhere. This is who I am now. In fact, I ordered additional colors after looking and feeling sensational in it.

Most importantly, I could watch YouTube videos, read a book, do a Google search, or visit a bait shop to learn how to bait a hook.

So, the only thing that prevented me from doing something I had desperately wanted for nearly three decades was waiting for another person to initiate it because I didn't believe I could do it myself. Moreover, it never even crossed my mind that that was an option.

And you know what? This wasn't just a one-time theme. I have waited on...

Relationships.

Folks to come alongside me for projects.

Aspirations I felt I couldn't accomplish alone.

Places I've wanted to go.

And so many more things.

And just like that, I have decided I'm not waiting for anything or anyone. At least not while stagnant, without intention or a plan. And assuredly not at the mercy or whim of another. So if you come looking for me, know there might be a sign on my door, "Gone Fishin'."

I want to give that little girl in me all the desires of her heart. No matter how big or small. She deserves it, and so do you. What are you waiting for?

Goodies

She's Gotta Have It: Ice C.R.E.A.M For No Money, No Dollar, Dollar Bills Y'all

Flo(w):  Do You Know What The Most Popular Song Was When You Graduated?

Cravings:  Watermelon Sticks?

Pregnant Pause:  June Selfcare