(ThyBlackMan.com) Brothers there comes a time when we need to get away. Its great to see sisters embracing travel, and girl trips. Its wonderful to take a vacation with your Queen whereby you can spend time bonding, and strengthening the foundation of your relationship. However, we must consider that sometimes we need to destress, and traveling can help meet that need. Black men in America live in a climate that exudes stress, and the constant concern about your life safety. So many of us have never been outside of our state or region, and even fewer can speak of leaving the country.
Getting a passport and leaving this country to clear your mind will allow you to see life through a different lens, and give you some much needed time to relax. For those of us that are family men, yes even you need time to relax. Me time is not just something that applies to women, and mothers. It applies to all of us. Taking a trip by yourself to get in touch with you, hit the reset button, and come to terms with the challenges you face would not only help you, but it will help you to be a better family and community member.
Stress, and blood pressure, is a serious health issue for black men. Some have it dubbed the silent killer. Planning to take a trip will definitely give you something to look forward to that is exciting, and a source of positive energy. Effectively planning your adventure so that you are able to enjoy the trip without coming home to a financial fallout is very important. If you are married of course setting aside time for your trip that accommodates your spouses schedule would be helpful.
Going on a trip to a place you have never been will allow you to feel free, and devoid of obligational pulls. Exposure to different cultures, how they interact with each other, and you could be just what you need to see every place is not like America. Yes, racism is everywhere but other places are rather different from America.
On your trip, most importantly, you are allowed the space to deal with your thoughts, assess your goals, and let the negative energy go. Its like hitting a much-needed reset button that will allow you to go home rejuvenated to tackle whatever lies ahead. This is not just for women…. we also need to invest in our wellness. Many of us are stressed, angry, tired, and mentally exhausted. Taking the time to unburden yourself of these things will allow you to be a better you. This is something you deserve. Invest in you for the sake of yourself, and others.
Once you have decided where you want to go, especially if its outside of the country, have an idea of the local laws there, and know where the US Embassy is located. You never want ignorance to ruin your trip with a bad encounter. Have some idea of places you may want to go to take in the culture, and allow yourself the permission to relax. Brother if you need to sleep do so, and table the work until you get home. If you have the ability to unplug even for a few hours allow yourself to do so. Taking the time to be in the moment, and face the action of destressing is important. Its Many of us really don’t know how to relax or take a load off. This is important for your health, and well-being.
Family vacations are a wonderful time, and they should be cherished. However, never neglect to take some time for you if needed to refocus, balance yourself, and relax. We all need to hit that reset button, and traveling is a wonderful way to do so while experiencing different places the world.
Staff Writer; Larry Jackson
LJ is an old school poet, new school writer… Also the “Web Admin” for the following blogs; ThyBlackMan, ThySistas, and BlackFitness101…