Stylishly Detached: My Little Escapes from Reality

Happy Friday, everyone! I hope you all enjoyed your Valentine’s Day last week.

I was talking to a friend of mine the other day, and they said that playing the game is an escape from reality for them, and it got me thinking. Do I have anything in my life that allows me to “escape reality” for a bit?

I’ve turned the things I’m passionate about into what I do for a living. I’m passionate about dance and fashion.

Before becoming a dance teacher, dance was my escape from reality. I appreciated taking classes, getting a good session in with friends, and performing. I love the rush and I love the feeling of letting it all go on the floor. Even though I still loveeeee dancing, choreographing, and performing, it’s not always an escape for me. It’s my nine to five as a dance teacher in the public school system – which is stressful within itself. I’m the one coming up with everything all the time. I’m the one having to make sure all my students are learning and executing properly. It’s so much pressure on me to be great. So, unless I’m dancing for someone else, or participating in someone else’s class, it’s not the same escape from reality it used to be.

Fashion is still somewhat an escape from reality for me, but as a fashion content creator and a stylist, it’s not always fun. There’s so much pressure on me to be stylish. And though my style is unique to me, sometimes I get mind blocked. I’m always putting looks together for others and for content, and then when it’s time for me to actually go somewhere for myself I have no idea what to put on.

Now don’t get me wrong, I do still enjoy doing all those things. When I’m making content and putting looks together, I’m in my element. I lose track of time. I’m not thinking about any of life’s troubles. So maybe with that it’s an escape from reality. But there’s still pressure on me of some sorts. It’s not like playing the game.

That made me wonder—what do I have that lets me truly unplug? Something that’s just for me, with no pressure attached? And as I started thinking deeper, I definitely have little small things. For one, jamming to music in my car. Listening to music is an escape from reality. It’s me and my car concerts against the world. Especially on somedays when I have to really motivate myself for work, or when I’m feeling down and I need a good cry; a release.

Another one is watching tv. I enjoy watching a good series – preferably one with not much drama. Right now I’m watching a few series: Paradise on Hulu, High Potential on Hulu, Elsbeth on Apple TV, The Good Wife on Apple TV, and Will Trent on Hulu. They’re all good, I recommend you watch them; especially Paradise.

I mostly like shows that resolve the plot by the end of the episode. I like cop shows, lawyer shows, doctor shows, and firefighter shows. I don’t really too much care for shows like Power... I know, I know. Don’t shoot me lol. But, shows like that give me anxiety. I try to be careful of what content I let get into my spirit, and my life is enough drama as is.

And last but not least, a fun night with family and/or friends. Spending quality time with people I care about is top tier. You know how they say, “One night out with your friends and life is worth living again.” I really feel that. Laughing and having a good time with your people is a perfect escape from reality. I definitely forget all my troubles when I’m with my people, or even with a guy I’m dating. My brain literally is able to turn off and I feel so free.

Growing up I told myself that I didn’t want work to feel like work. So, I went to college for things I enjoy. I’m learning to balance making money from my passions while still keeping the joy that made me fall in love with them in the first place.What about you? Do you have something that helps you escape from reality, or have your passions turned into work too? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Stylishly yours,

Azha Moné