Depending on where you live and your perspective on time, we’re slowly approaching the halfway mark of the summer. This time during the season presents a unique opportunity to not only reflect on all the memories that you’ve already encapsulated but also take inventory of how you’d like to spend the remaining days ahead.
Summer bucket lists have long been a staple tool to document our desired adventures and keep track of lasting memories that have marked our summer days. And while most people create their bucket list before summer gets into full swing, it's never too late to create a list to put yourself on the road to making the most of what’s left in the season offerings.
Whether you've been caught up in the hustle and bustle of life or simply looking for some inspiration, a mid-summer bucket list can infuse your remaining days with spontaneity and intentional joy — since the spirit of adventure knows no time constraints or time limits.
Before diving into creating your mid-summer bucket list, it’s always best to have a moment to reflect on the experiences you've already had this season. Sometimes when we live in a city that gets a lot of action with concerts, festivals, and everything in between, it can be overwhelming to decide what it is you actually want to put your energy into going to. But when you take time to recall the moments that brought you joy and the nights that made your heart race (in a good way), they can give you the foundation for your future summer shenanigans.
Just because the calendar says the summer days are winding down doesn’t mean you can’t still embrace the wonder of trying new things and a sense of excitement for the unexpected fun that lies ahead. As long as you have warmth and extended sunlight at your disposal, it's never too late to start your summer checklist, and to get you started, we’re providing you with all the inspiration you need to create one that reflects your unique desires.
1.Beach Day with Friends:
Spend a day at the beach with your closest girlfriends, soaking up the sun, bronzing up your melanin, and indulging in a refreshing tipsy drink (or two).
2.Take A Road Trip Adventure:
Plan a spontaneous road trip to explore nearby towns, hidden gems, and breathtaking landscapes. Embrace the freedom of the open road and create unforgettable memories along the way.
3.Get Aquatic With A New Water Sport:
Whether it's paddleboarding, surfing, or kayaking, challenge yourself to learn a new water sport and experience the thrill of riding the waves.
4.Take Your Workout Outside:
Find a serene spot in nature or a group outdoor class to rejuvenate your mind and body while connecting with the beauty of the outdoors.
5.See Your Favorite Artist In Concert:
Something about summer ‘23 has all our favs touring, which is perfect for us: the fans! Grab your tickets and get lost in the sounds of your most-loved tunes, you won’t regret it.
6.Outdoor Movie Night:
There’s nothing like watching the sunset while a classic rom-com is playing in the background. Hit the nearest rooftop and organize a cozy outdoor movie night with friends, complete with blankets and popcorn — extra points if you get a good cry in.
7.Attend A Farmer's Market:
Explore a local farmer's market, supporting local businesses while discovering fresh produce, handmade crafts, and unique artisanal products.
8.Try Trendy Summer Recipes:
With the TikTok kitchen at our disposal, there’s always room to experiment with refreshing and Instagram-worthy summer recipes. From colorful smoothie bowls to homemade popsicles and fresh salads, you can keep your meals light and cute.
9.Switch Up Your Appearance:
Maybe you’ve been eyeing a hair color or a curly cut on your Pinterest mood board. Whatever your flavor, summer is the perfect time to test out a new look and switch your style up.
10.Pick Up A Book:
Remember when we used to read for fun? We do too! For book recommendations, check out our Good Reads section and our series, "I Read It So You Don't Have To," by clicking here and here. Why not use the summer to tap into your inner bookworm?
11.Go For A Sunset Bike Ride:
There’s one thing to see the city on foot. There’s a whole other thing to see it on a breezy route while biking. Take the long track while taking in the scenery of your neighborhood and city.
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Featured image by Luis Alvarez/Getty Images
'Sistas' Star Skyh Black On The Power Of Hypnotherapy & Emotional Vulnerability For Men
In this insightful episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Sistas star Skyh Black, as he opened up about his journey of emotional growth, resilience, and self-discovery. The episode touches on emotional availability, self-worth, masculinity, and the importance of therapy in overcoming personal struggles.
Skyh Black on Emotional Availability & Love
On Emotional Availability & Vulnerability
“My wife and I wouldn't be where we are today if both of us weren't emotionally available,” he shared about his wife and Sistas co-star KJ Smith, highlighting the value of vulnerability and emotional openness in a relationship. His approach to masculinity stands in contrast to the traditional, stoic ideals. Skyh is not afraid to embrace softness as part of his emotional expression.
On Overcoming Self-Doubt & Worthiness Issues
Skyh reflected on the self-doubt and worthiness issues that he struggled with, especially early in his career. He opens up about his time in Los Angeles, living what he calls the “LA struggle story”—in a one-bedroom with three roommates—and being homeless three times over the span of 16 years. “I always had this self-sabotaging thought process,” Skyh said. “For me, I feel therapy is essential, period. I have a regular therapist and I go to a hypnotherapist.”
How Therapy Helped Him Heal From Self-Doubt
On Hypnotherapy & Empowering Self-Acceptance
Skyh’s journey is a testament to the power of tapping into self-development despite life’s struggles and being open to growth. “I had to submit to the fact that God was doing good in my life, and that I'm worthy of it. I had a worthiness issue and I did not realize that. So, that’s what the hypnotherapy did. It brought me back to the core. What is wrong so that I can fix it?”
Watch the full podcast episode below:
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Quinta Brunson Gets Real About Divorce, Boundaries & Becoming
Quinta Brunson is the woman who chooses herself, even when the world is watching. And in her June 30 cover story for Bustle, she gives us a rare glimpse into the soft, centered place she's navigating her life from now. From leading one of television's most beloved series in the last decade to quietly moving through life shifts, the creator of Abbott Elementary is walking through a personal evolution and doing so with intention, grace, and a firm grip on her boundaries.
Back in March, the 35-year-old filed for divorce from Kevin Jay Anik after nearly three years of marriage, citing "irreconcilable differences." The news hit the headlines of news outlets fast, but Quinta hadn't planned to announce their dissolution to the public so quickly.
Quinta Brunson On Divorce, Public Scrutiny & Sacred Boundaries
"I remember seeing people be like, ‘She announced her divorce,’" she told Bustle. “I didn’t announce anything. I think people have this idea that people in the public eye want the public to know their every move. None of us do. I promise you. No one wants [everyone] to know when you buy a house, when you move, when a major change happens in your personal life. It’s just that that’s public record information."
In regards to her private moves becoming tabloid fodder, Quinta continued, "I hated that. I hate all of it."
"I Am An Artist First": Quinta On Cutting Her Hair & Reclaiming Herself
Still, the diminutive phenom holds her crown high in the face of change and is returning to the essence of who she is, especially as an artist. "Cutting my hair reminded me that I am an artist first. I want to feel things. I want to make choices. I want to be a person, and not just stuck in having to be a certain way for business." It's giving sacred rebirth. It's giving self-liberation. It's especially giving main character energy.
And while the headlines keep spinning their narratives, the one that Quinta is focused on is her own. For her, slowing down and nourishing herself in ways that feed her is what matters. "It’s a transitional time. I think it’s true for me and my personal life, and it’s how I feel about myself, my career, and the world," Quinta shared with Bustle. “I feel very serious about focusing on watering my own gardens, taking care of myself and the people around me who I actually interact with day-to-day."
That includes indulging in simple rituals that ground her like "making myself a meal" which has become "really, really important to me."
That spirit of agency doesn't stop at the personal. In her professional world, as the creator, executive producer, and lead actress of the critically-acclaimed Abbott Elementary, Quinta understands the weight her choices carry, both on- and off-screen. She revealed to Bustle, "People used to tell me at the beginning of this that the No. 1 on the call sheet sets the tone, and the producer sets the tone — and I’m both of those roles."
She continued, "I understand now, after doing this for four years, how important it was that I set the tone that I did when we first started."
Quinta doesn't just lead, she understands the importance of curating the energy of any space she enters. Even amid a season of shifts and shedding, her power speaks loudly. Sometimes that power looks like quiet resistance. Sometimes that power is soft leadership.
And sometimes that power looks like cutting your hair and taking back your name in rooms that have forgotten you were an artist long before you were a brand.
Read Quinta's cover story on Bustle here to witness the fullness of Quinta's becoming.
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