“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.”
-Audre Lorde
Author: yvettesojourner
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.
“If you aren’t good at loving yourself, you will have a difficult time loving anyone, since you’ll resent the time and energy you give another person that you aren’t even giving to yourself.”
-Barbara De Angelis
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
Please. Think Before You Comment on Someone’s Body, Thinx
While we’re on the subject. Why (And How) I Stopped Body-Shaming Myself, Thinx
You’re welcome. If you didn’t know. Yes, Lizzo is a classically trained flutist. Lizzo Plays New Notes on James Madison’s Crystal Flute from 1813, New York Times
Then there was this: Conservatives Very Offended by Lizzo Twerking With Slave Owner’s Crystal Flute, Jezebel
Loving this. Cropped and Lovely, Sisters From AARP
Because self care is more than going to a spa. Even though it can indeed include it. 12 Self-Care Practices You Haven’t Thought Of (That Are Completely Free), The Everygirl
Interesting. Why ‘Passive Income’ Is a Myth, lifehacker
YESSSS!!! From prison to the art gallery, New York Times
I want to know. Why Everyone’s So Afraid of the Clitoris, Dame
I’m here for it! Own Your Presence and Get Mad Respect, Sisters From AARP
LISTEN
As per ush, catching up on Jill Scott Presents: J.ill the Podcast
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.
“You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead, pursue the things you love doing and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off of you.”– 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
Put this in your period arsenal. A Dermatologist Explains “Cycle Syncing”—and Why It Could Be the Cure for Your Hormonal Acne, Camille Styles
I may have posted this before but it’s worth thinking about. Are You Friends With a Trauma Dumper?, PopSugar
In case you needs it. After My Emotional Well Ran Dry, I Learned to Uplift Myself From A to Z, Sisters From AARP
I’m listening and taking notes. 9 Ways to Build a Stronger Relationship With Yourself, Wit & Delight
Eeeeeeeeppppp, YASSSSSS!!! This is EVERYTHING!!!!! Wash Day Diaries, Lithub
Alright. Head Turners: Photographer Flo Ngala on Finding the Light, Shondaland
Can we chat about Hip Hop for a sec? The Good Spirits of “Drinking Champs”, The New Yorker
Now well into my 40s, I learned this. Regardless of your age, if you’re unaware of this take note. This is applicable to all relationships. Many Women Over 40 Who Seem ‘Lucky’ in Love Actually Know This, Sisters From AARP
LISTEN
As per ush, catching up on Jill Scott Presents: J.ill the Podcast
I have also been listening to tons of rap. I know right! A majority of the rappers are women and I’m LOVING them!!! I listen as I walk and let me tell you, they keep my feet moving and my heart rate up. Yes, please and thank you!
WRITE
Telling the Story of Yourself: 6 Steps to Writing Personal Narratives
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.
“When you don’t slow down by choice, your body can make you slow down by force. Make self care and rest a priority.”
-Katrina Leggins
“Rest is a bridge between where you are and where you want to be.”
-Octavia Raheem
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. Read & download the ‘Abbott Elementary’ pilot script, No Film School
I love natural hair stories. Nathalie Emmanuel on The Pivotal Moment That Helped Her Love Her Natural Hair, Byrdie
I’m a life long learner, I mean seriously, soooooo I’m just going to put this right here. These sites offer thousands of free online classes on just about everything, Fast Company
Thoughts? Black Women Are Embracing the Soft Life: “I Deserve Good Things All the Time”, PopSugar
I shared an article on this previously. Here’s an update. Slack publishes playbook for hiring formerly incarcerated workers, Fast Company
While we’re on the topic. I came across this a while ago and am still pondering ‘soft life’. I appreciate Precious Mayowa Agbabiaka perspective. Why you’re probably using ‘soft life’ wrong, INews
WATCHING
It’s interesting seeing how the world of natural haircare has evolved. Now there are a lot more products for naturals. Taraji P. Henson is building a haircare empire, Fast Company
LISTEN
Had to do it. You’re welcome. If you haven’t seen her at the Emmys PLEASE do. Actor Sheryl Lee Ralph, NPR
We shall see. Serena Williams’s Final Run, The Daily
WRITE
Pondering this. The Memoir Method: 7 Steps to a Powerful Personal Story, ProWritingAid
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.
“One of the greatest tragedies in life is to lose your own sense of self and accept the version of you that is expected by everyone else.”
-K.L. Toth