“When I dare to be powerful — to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.”—Audre Lorde
Author: yvettesojourner
“You either walk into your story and own your truth, or you live outside of your story, hustling for your worthiness.”
-Brené Brown
“Holding on is believing that there’s only a past; letting go is knowing that there’s a future.”
-Daphne Rose Kingma
“The day you stop racing, is the day you win the race.”
-Bob Marley
“Rest and be kind, you don’t have to prove anything.”
-Jack Kerouac
“But fear of making mistakes can itself become a huge mistake, one that prevents you from living, for life is risky and anything less is already a loss.”
– Rebecca Solnit
Here’s what I’ve been reflecting on this week. As Haruki Murakam once said, “If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking.” I believe this is applicable to everything we read.
READ
Yes, please and thank you! Best Books Written by Black Women, ProWritingAid
Mines did after multiple prolapses. Does Your Vagina Need Physical Therapy?, Thinx
Try half-assing it. Here’s How I Took Back My Life, Sisters From AARP
Alright. Everything You Need to Know to Vacation Alone, Thrillist
I’m listening. “My Self-Care Is My Joy”—5 Black Women Share the Rituals That Help Them Show Up As Their Fullest Selves. Camille Styles
Number 5 is everything to me. The Lifestyle That Could Finally Help You Achieve Financial Freedom, The Everygirl
In case you need it. 60 Monthly Journaling Prompts to Help You Make the Most of 2023, Silk Sonder
listen
SZA’s Ruination Brought Her Everything, The New York Times Magazine
WRITE
“A Plethora of Answers.” Black Music as Nourishment and Inspiration, LitHub
What I Do: I don’t have access or a subscription to various newspapers or magazines i.e. the New York Times. So, I checked with my local library. I’ve learned I have access to the New York Times free with my library card. Always check with your local library to see what offerings are available to you.
“Never make someone a priority when all you are to them is an option.”
-Maya Angelou
“IF THEY DON’T GIVE YOU A SEAT AT THE TABLE, BRING A FOLDING CHAIR.”
–SHIRLEY CHISHOLM
“Look closely at the present you are constructing: it should look like the future you are dreaming.”
-Alice Walker