“Because one believes in oneself, one doesn’t try to convince others. Because one is content with oneself, one doesn’t need others’ approval. Because one accepts oneself, the whole world accepts him or her.”
-Lao-Tzu
Author: yvettesojourner
“I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. Life’s a bitch. You’ve got to go out and kick ass.”
~ Maya Angelou
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
I use Thinx all the time especially when I travel. Softdisc were my go to before I learned about Nixit. Prior to my prolapses Nixit was the only thing I used which is a more sustainable option than Softdisc. This list is a MUST see. These 11 Convenient Period Products Are the Move the Next Time You Travel, POPSUGAR
Yes, please and thank you! How Toni Morrison Wrote Her Most Challenging Novel, The New York Times
Interesting. Black or Bot? The Long, Sordid History of Co-opting Blackness Online, Mother Jones
Loving this! Wonder what Tina Turner thinks. Mattel Introduces Tina Turner Barbie Doll To Celebrate 40th Anniversary of “What’s Love Got To Do With It”, My Modern Met
I’m not a believer in forgive and forget. I forgive and let go with reflection, time and applying tons of grace. What Is Toxic Forgiveness? And Is It Really Possible to “Forgive and Forget”?
After suffering from two prolapses personally, please, please, please read this and take it very seriously. The Secret Is Out: You Can Hire a Rehab Pro to Help Rejuvenate Your Lady Parts, Sisters From AARP
Interesting. Powerful and Multifaceted: Maya Phillips on the Responsibility of Black Superheroes, LitHub
Good question for those who don’t. If you don’t care for apps use a journal or pencil and paper. Why Aren’t You Tracking Your Period?, Thinx
WATCHING
‘Sherman’s Showcase’ Is Back, Silly Smarts Intact, The Mew York Times
LISTEN
Because being a superwoman is unrealistic and unsustainable. Shedding Your Superwoman Status, Therapy For Black Girls
WRITE
I added this one because I like Mary Karr 😏. But also, all of what I write relies on my memory. Mary Karr on Navigating Memory While Writing Memoir, 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.
“Give yourself permission to heal from the same thing more than once.”
–Alex Elle
“I judge success by how many naps I took in a week, and how many times I told somebody no; how many boundaries I upheld.”
-Tricia Hersey
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
Yassssss! The Nap Bishop Is Spreading the Good Word: Rest, The New York Times
I’ve seen this several times. Thoughts? Hair-Straightening Chemicals Can Double the Risk of Cancer; Here’s What to Know, PopSugar
Yessssss, learn how to respond but also avoid giving one accidentally. When You’re Told, ‘You Look Good for Your Age,’ Here’s How to Reply, Sisters From AARP
I’m not a minimalist. Tried it and it just wasn’t for me. This article presents an interesting concept. Easier said than done but interesting nonetheless. Present Bias: How It Affects Us and How to Overcome It, Becoming Minimalist
To answer the question, atrociously bad. I’ve had one in the past. How Bad Can A Lawyer Be?, The Atlantic
Did you know about this? I Survived Stage 0 Breast Cancer, Shondaland
I read this when it first posted but came across it again. How Would You Describe Yourself in Five Words?, Cup Of Jo
I’m always working to strengthen my relationship with myself. 9 Ways to Build a Stronger Relationship With Yourself, Wit & Delight
Since Shadow Work is number 3 of the previous article this is fitting. The Power of Shadow Work, Therapy For Black Girls
I’ve had to advocate for myself time after time when it comes to my health. Let me tell you, entering into perimenopause, a phase no one talks about, has been difficult. Educating myself, tracking my cycle, speaking up for myself and continuously openly communicating with my Primary Physician and Gynecologist has been a game changer. Doctor Not Hearing You? Try Menstrual Cycle Charting, Thinx
LISTEN
Therapy for Black Girls podcast. Here are a few episodes that might be helpful.
Session 115: What to Expect At Your First Session
Session 107: Am I Doing This Right? And 5 Other Questions About Therapy
Session 127: Your Questions About Therapy Answered
WRITE
Just a reminder. One is never too old to start a writing career. Five debut authors over 50 share their stories, Poets & Writers
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.
“Radical self-love summons us to be our most expansive selves, knowing that the more unflinchingly powerful we allow ourselves to be, the more unflinchingly powerful others feel capable of being.
-Sonya Renee Taylor
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
Interesting read. How The “NEW YORK TIMES” Covers Black Writers, Public Books
I have PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) so anxiety and depression are apart of my everyday life. Do You Have Adult ADHD, Anxiety, or Depression?, Therapy for Black Girls
I also experience monthly PMDD coupled with PMS symptoms. I know, I know, how do I do it? I educate myself and have learned to apply tons of self care. Is Your PMS Really PMDD?, Thinx
This is yet another good article on PMDD. I Thought I Had Depression. Turns Out It Was Undiagnosed PMDD., Thinx
I’m not a believer in the Superhero/heroine or Strong woman… What I am an avid believer in is having a toolkit/arsenal. Peloton’s Robin Arzón Shares Her “Superhero ToolKit” For Times of Stress, PopSugar
Thoughts? I Got Pregnant at 48, Shondaland
Yasssssss! The New Rule That Completely Changed My Friendships, The EveryGirl
Indeed it is. Normal marital hatred is real. Here’s what to do about it.
This is a must! Why Setting Healthy Boundaries Is Good for You (And How to Do It), Wit & Delight
Yes, please and thank you. 40 Foods Every Black Woman Over 40 Should Consider Eating, Sisters From AARP
LISTEN
Revealed: A new formula for lifelong happiness, Fast Company
WRITE
Interesting. On Seeing and Being Seen: Poet Ama Codjoe in Conversation with Maggie Millner, 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.
“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.”
-Audre Lorde
Because of Paris Fashion Week and the change in season (Yay FALL!!!) this week my inbox was flooded with tons of fashion articles. I included a few. Admittedly, I don’t follow trends. I wear whatever I feel comfortable, confident and classy in. Sooooo, whatever makes me feel like myself. 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
I own several of the styles listed. 15 Stylish Coats I Love for Fall and Winter 2022, Wit & Delight
The classic staples on this list I agree with but the more trendy items, no. Thoughts? 14 Fall Trends We’re Ready to Wear… Like, Now, Byrdie
Want to make sure you have options. 23 Wardrobe Staples Our Editors Are Wearing This Fall, Camille Styles
Doable. But is it too basic? It’s Here: The Everygirl’s Fall 2022 Capsule Wardrobe, The Everygirl
Which made me go back to this. The 9 Fashion Trends That Are Dominating Fall 2022, The Everygirl
Oh, yes they are. 7 Sisters Who Are Shaping the Conversation About Black Women’s Bodies, Sisters From AARP
Absolutely! Always! Do You Tell Your Friends ‘I Love You’?, Cup of Jo
Vogue’s November cover star! Michaela Coel on the Persistent Problem of Subconscious Prejudice, Vogue
LISTEN
As per ush, catching up on Jill Scott Presents: J.ill the Podcast
Writing
This made me pause and think. 21. Brute Force, A Writer’s Notebook
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.