I Took Myself on Creative Solo Dates for 40 Days

Here’s what happened

Creative solo dates — reading, doodling, and watching the sky change over Jamaica’s Blue Mountains. Collage made by author

For the longest time, my evening routine was nonexistent. After finishing my work, I was glued to my phone, scrolling mindlessly. I seldom went to the balcony, took a picture of the sunset, posted it to my story, and called it a day. It felt nice for a while—until it didn’t.

I needed more from my days. I wanted my evenings to be meaningful & my time accounted for. What was I even doing if not living intentionally during the most beautiful part of the day? Living on an island would mean nothing if I was glued to my phone 24x7.

After getting tired of this pattern, I put my phone in airplane mode and went straight to the terrace with a notebook and a pen. It felt wild. But once I was outside the four walls of my apartment beneath the sky, I felt invincible—nothing I’d felt in a long time.

Instead of journaling, the next time I packed my iPad, I permitted myself to draw anything my heart desired without worrying about the results. I felt like a child, free and excited.

What made these dates possible was asking my husband or friends to join me. I removed all the excuses that made me cancel my plan to be free and happy.

Right before sunset, 5:30 PM was now my time to be myself.