Double Dutch Hangout

I moved back to LA around mid-July after having left a decade ago. So, being back also brought out my inner 12-year-old — the one who missed the sunshine, palm trees, dry air, and culture. I started getting strengthening my long time sporadic hobby: journaling [shoutout to my therapist because she focuses a lot on inner child work and the importance of housing the space for that “child” to play]. Through inner child work, I started asking myself more questions like “what would make you feel supported today?” and “what are things you want to do?” Some things that came up are collaging, rollerblading, but especially — double dutch. I remember how fun and exciting double dutch was for young Marí at recess and at P.E. (since I hated the mile and the pacer test).

So, with the help of reflection and my therapist, I bought double dutch ropes (literally haven’t double-dutched since 6th grade but nevertheless, we ball). I originally was going to double dutch with my best friend and anyone else we could grab but I started thinking, “maybe I could open this to the community.”

I started telling my friends about it to gauge some interest and everyone seemed up for it. However, my ego was afraid of no one enjoying and started to push back whenever I wanted to plan the event. The fear of rejection when throwing an event (or presenting something personal) will always be there but it’s important to house a space for community and love no matter what. As long as you are enjoying and move with genuine intentions, it doesn’t matter whatever happens in terms of logistics.

So, after working through my fears, I began drawing flyers and posting them online and gained some traction.

When the day came at Pan Pacific Park with only: a speaker, DD ropes, some snacks, and some picnic blankets; I realized:

1. Community will always pull through - people crave genuine connections that aren’t tied to traditional partying, networking, or daily adult life activities.

2. Playing is so important for the mind and body - I see why these teachers pushed P.E. and recess so hard.

3. With practice, you can double dutch (legit, by the end of the night my friends and I became pretty good aka jumping for 5 seconds straight)!

My friends and friends of friends came and brought snacks, frisbees, guitars, and skateboards. Throughout this sunny day, we played ultimate frisbee, double dutched, and enjoyed each others energy together! Even my friend who I hadn’t seen since 6th grade double dutch class came out. I started crying because it truly was a full circle moment. It was such a fun event and I can’t wait to throw more of these types of events.

In conclusion: do what you love, uplift your community, always fight those doubtful feelings, and create meaningful impact for yourself and others :))

hugs and well wishes,

Marí