Author: yvettesojourner

Celebrating Cultural Milestones and Personal Growth

Greetings to all! This week, Yvette Sojourner brings you a rich selection of readings and listenings that celebrate cultural heritage, personal empowerment, and the beauty of transformation. Dive into historical narratives, explore personal development tips, and enjoy poetic expressions that highlight the diversity and richness of the Black experience.

📚 Enlightening Reads

• “A Different World” Supports HBCUs: Discover how this iconic show is hitting the road to support Historically Black Colleges and Universities, fostering education and community engagement.
  Read on The New York Times
• Enhancing Relationships Through Communication: Learn how scheduling weekly ‘house meetings’ can transform relationships and foster deeper connections.
  Explore Communication Strategies on Self
• Exploring the Black Internet: The Atlantic takes you on a journey through the history and significance of BlackPlanet, a pioneering social network that shaped digital Black culture.
  Read The Atlantic’s Feature
• The Challenge of Accepting Compliments: Understand why some individuals struggle with receiving praise and learn how to graciously accept compliments, explored by BBC.
  Discover on BBC
• Spring Cleaning for Wellness: The Everygirl offers seven easy ways to rejuvenate your entire wellness routine in just one day, perfect for the spring season.
  Refresh Your Wellness on The Everygirl
• Megan Thee Stallion’s Humanity: Jezebel highlights Megan Thee Stallion’s recent reminders of her humanity amidst public scrutiny and media pressure.
  Read on Jezebel
• Celebrating Black Humor: Sisters From AARP lists the 17 funniest Black TV shows of all time, celebrating humor, culture, and historical impact.
  Explore the List on Sisters From AARP
• Natural Hair and Segregation: Popsugar discusses whether the hair type scale contributes to further segregation within the natural hair movement.
  Read the Discussion on Popsugar
• Zendaya Reflects on Her Journey: Vogue captures an intimate conversation with Zendaya as she discusses her recent projects and her thoughts on future roles and personal growth.
  Zendaya’s Vogue Interview

🎧 Listen

• All of Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’: Dive into Beyoncé’s latest album which explores themes of identity, empowerment, and heritage, living “rent-free” in many fans’ heads.
• Well-Read Black Girl Recommendations: Celebrate Women’s History Month and National Poetry Month with selections from iconic writers like Toni Morrison and poets such as Maya Angelou.
  Explore Well-Read Black Girl Selections

📚 Celebrating National Poetry Month

• Classic Poetic Reads: Engage with the profound works of Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, Gwendolyn Brooks, and June Jordan this poetry month. Explore collections that have shaped the literary world and continue to inspire generations.
  • The Essential Gwendolyn Brooks
  • Passion
  • Phenomenal Woman: Four Poems Celebrating Women
  • The Collected Poems of Langston Hughes

This week’s collection is a vibrant celebration of cultural milestones, personal empowerment, and the continuous journey of self-discovery. Each piece offers unique perspectives and wisdom to enrich our understanding and appreciation of the diverse narratives that shape our world.

Enjoy this journey of exploration and growth!

With love and curiosity,
Yvette Sojourner 💖

Celebrating Authenticity, Creativity, and Personal Growth

Greetings, dear community! Yvette Sojourner here, delighted to weave together this week’s tapestry of insights and narratives. From exploring the depths of creativity and mindfulness to embarking on journeys of self-expression and empowerment, this collection is a testament to the multifaceted beauty of our experiences and the transformative power of authenticity.

📚 Enriching Reads

• Thrifting with Style: Discover Maidene Morris-Dixon, celebrated as Canada’s Most Stylish Thrifter of 2024, and dive into the world of sustainable fashion.
  Meet Canada’s Thrift Icon
• Embracing Your Lane: Overcome envy and flourish with Inc.’s insights on thriving in your personal and professional life.
  Thrive in Your Lane
• Redefining Social Circles: Forbes guides us on how to start anew, make friends, and refresh your network in six steps.
  Refresh Your Network
• Body Neutrality with Lizzo: The New York Times shares Lizzo’s journey towards embracing body neutrality, impacting how we view self-acceptance.
  Lizzo’s Body Neutrality
• The Challenges of Classic Thrifting: Business Insider examines how the boom in the secondhand market is changing the thrifting landscape.
  Explore Thrifting’s Evolution
• Achieving Work-Life Balance: The Everygirl presents nine ways to destress and unwind in the age of remote work.
  Find Balance in Remote Work
• Quinta Brunson’s Creative Vision: The New Yorker delves into Quinta Brunson’s innovative approach to sitcoms, highlighting her unique voice in storytelling.
  Quinta Brunson’s Sitcom Revolution
• Finding Flow in Productivity: Lifehacker explains the eight elements of ‘Flow State’ and how they can enhance productivity and contentment in our endeavors.
  Harness Your Flow
• Cover Story: Lithub shares a compelling narrative on why one author chose to be the cover model for their novel, exploring themes of representation and self-identity.
  Author as Cover Model
• Navigating Financial Compatibility: The Everygirl discusses how financial incompatibility has emerged as a significant factor in relationship dynamics.
  Understanding Financial Compatibility

👀 Visual Exploration

• Creativity and Mental Health: Open Culture shares David Lynch’s perspective on why depression stifles creativity and how meditation can unlock our creative potential.
  David Lynch on Creativity

🎧 Auditory Gems

• The Shift to De-Influencing: NPR explores the trend of de-influencing, challenging the consumer culture perpetuated by influencers and promoting authenticity.
  Listen to the Era of De-Influencing

This week’s selections inspire us to navigate the complexities of modern life with intention, authenticity, and creativity. May these stories and insights encourage you to celebrate your unique path, foster meaningful connections, and embrace the joy of living true to yourself.

With warmth and encouragement,
Yvette Sojourner 💖

Navigating Personal Growth and Financial Independence

Greetings, vibrant spirits! This week, let’s delve into a curated collection that shines a light on personal development, financial strategies, and the beauty of embracing life’s simpler pleasures. From understanding different approaches to financial independence to celebrating resilience and self-compassion, these pieces offer valuable insights for anyone on the journey toward self-discovery and financial savvy.

📚 Enlightening Reads

• Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) vs. Financial Independence, Live Early (FILE): Discover which lifestyle and financial strategy aligns with your goals and aspirations.
  Explore Your Financial Path
• The Emotional Complexities of the Stay-at-Home Girlfriend: Cosmopolitan examines the intricate dynamics and potential vulnerabilities within modern relationships.
  Understand the Dynamics
• A New Banksy Artwork Meets an Untimely Fate: NPR reports on the recent defacement of Banksy’s latest mural, sparking conversations about art, public space, and vandalism.
  Reflect on Public Art’s Impact
• Romanticizing Your Life This Spring: “40 Ways to Romanticize Your Life This Spring” from The Everygirl encourages us to find beauty and joy in the everyday moments, transforming the mundane into something magical.
  Discover Ways to Cherish Life
• The Power of Pause: “Rest If You Must, But Don’t Quit” from Becoming Minimalist serves as a gentle reminder of the importance of rest in our pursuit of goals and dreams, highlighting that sometimes, taking a break is the bravest thing we can do.
  Learn the Value of Rest
• Sisterly Support for Your Dreams: “These Sisters Will Have Your Back and Support Your Dreams,” shared by Sisters From AARP, celebrates the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood and the incredible support system it provides in achieving our dreams.
  Embrace Sisterly Bonds
• Body Acceptance and Mental Wellness: “Mental Health Expert Tips for Embracing Your Body — Even If You Don’t Love Everything About It” from Shape and “I Hated My Natural Hair Until My Son Said He Hated His” from Popsugar offer profound insights into the journey of self-acceptance and the significance of embracing our natural selves.
  Nurture Self-Acceptance
  Empower Natural Beauty
• Understanding ‘Money Dysmorphia’: “Nearly half of young adults have ‘money dysmorphia,’ survey finds. Here are the symptoms,” by CNBC, sheds light on the psychological aspect of how we perceive our finances, urging a healthier relationship with money.
  Explore Financial Wellness
• Decluttering Your Mind: “Want To Declutter Your Brain? Cross Something Off Your ‘Needle List'” from HuffPost introduces a refreshing approach to mental decluttering, emphasizing the liberation found in tackling those lingering tasks.
  Clear Your Mental Space

👀 Visual Delights

• Inside Claudia Schiffer’s Personal Sanctuary: Join Vogue for an intimate tour of Claudia Schiffer’s home, where personal stories are interwoven with unique collections.
  Step Into Claudia’s World

🎧 Auditory Exploration

• Cowboy Carter: Immerse yourself in the storytelling and soundscapes of Cowboy Carter, a journey into narratives that resonate with depth and authenticity. Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter highlights the long history of Texas’ Black cowboy culture.
  
• Sheryl Lee Ralph Full Podcast Interview: For those inspired by Sheryl Lee Ralph’s resilience, the full podcast interview offers deeper insights into her experiences and wisdom.
  Listen to Sheryl’s Full Story

As we explore these narratives, may we find connections to our own lives, drawing strength, inspiration, and joy from the stories and experiences shared. Here’s to a week filled with discovery, reflection, and the beauty of embracing our journeys.

Warmest regards,
Yvette Sojourner 💖

Yvette Sojourner’s Weekly Digest: Embracing Resilience, Self-Discovery, and Triumphs

Hello cherished community! Yvette Sojourner here, thrilled to bring you a collection of this week’s finds that have stirred my soul, expanded my mind, and infused my heart with strength and joy. From insightful interviews and empowering reflections to enlightening discussions on personal and societal growth, this week’s picks are all about embracing our full selves and celebrating every step of our journey.

📚 Inspirational Reads

• Resilience and Authenticity: Sheryl Lee Ralph shares her life philosophy in “Sheryl Lee Ralph: ‘You Gotta Have Guts to Live’,” reminding us of the power of living truthfully and fearlessly.
  Dive into Sheryl’s Wisdom
• Flourishing on Your Terms: Vox’s “Who gets to flourish?” explores the evolving definitions of well-being and success, inviting us to redefine what a good life means to us.
  Explore What Flourishing Means
• Navigating Friendships: “6 signs a friend is quiet-quitting your friendship” from Business Insider provides insight into recognizing and addressing changes in friendships.
  Understand Your Friendships
• In Pursuit of the Next Icon: The New York Times asks, “Will She Make the Next Birkin?”, highlighting the creative journey of seeking the next big trend in fashion.
  Discover the Creative Quest
• The Power of Loud Budgeting: Refinery29’s “Manifesting Money Wasn’t Working For Me, So I Successfully Turned To Loud Budgeting” shares a transformative approach to managing finances.
  Embrace Financial Clarity

👀 Must-Watch Exploration

• Empowering Sports Documentaries: Self curates “12 Women’s Sports Documentaries You’ll Want to Stream Immediately,” celebrating female athletes’ resilience and achievements.
  Be Inspired by Their Stories

🎧 Thoughtful Listening

• Understanding Grief: The Washington Post’s “What grief does to your brain, and how to cope with it” offers valuable insights into the process of grieving and healing strategies.
  Learn About Grief and Healing

✨ Wrapping Up with Love and Light ✨

This week’s curation is a reminder of the beautiful complexity of our lives—from the personal journeys of resilience and authenticity to the collective explorations of friendship, success, and self-celebration. As we navigate our paths, may these stories, documentaries, and discussions inspire you to embrace your truth, cherish your growth, and celebrate every victory, big or small.

Until next time, walk gently, love fiercely, and thrive in your unique brilliance.

Warmly,
Yvette Sojourner 💖

✨ Yvette Sojourner’s Weekly Digest: Illuminating Paths to Self, Growth, and Restful Nights ✨

Hey there, beautiful souls! 🌸 It’s Yvette Sojourner, back with another curation of readings, a watch, and a listen that have touched the chords of my being this week. From embracing our truths to navigating the complexities of life and finding solace in sleep technology, I’ve found pieces that speak to the journey of becoming our most authentic selves. Let’s explore these discoveries together.

📚 Must-Read Reflections

• SZA’s Journey of Self-Love ❤️: SZA shares her experience with breast implants and the importance of listening to our bodies, as reported by Self.
  Embrace Your Truth
• Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 🚀: The Everygirl tackles “How to Combat Imposter Syndrome So It Doesn’t Stunt Your Career Growth,” offering strategies for self-assurance.
  Gain Confidence
• The Power of a ‘Couch Friend’ 🛋: HuffPost illuminates why “We All Need A ‘Couch Friend’ In Our Lives,” a testament to the ease and comfort of true friendship.
  Cherish Your Connections
• Embracing Body Positivity 🌟: The New York Times delves into the complexities faced by body-positive influencers who undergo weight changes, sparking a broader conversation on body image.
  Reflect on Body Positivity
• The Debate on Higher Education 🎓: Business Insider presents two contrasting views on the value of a college degree in today’s job market. An intriguing look at skill-based hiring versus traditional education.
  Explore Both Sides
  Peter Thiel’s Alternative
• The Joy of ‘Freudenfreude’ 😊: Discover through HuffPost how “Freudenfreude Might Be Just What Your Friendships Are Missing,” celebrating the happiness we find in our friends’ successes.
  Celebrate Together

👀 Watchful Discoveries

• The Quest for Better Sleep 💤: CNET’s exploration of sleep technology, including Eight Sleep, offers insights into how tech can enhance our nightly rest.
  Embark on the Quest 

🎧 Harmonious Listening

• Valuing Yourself 🌈: “You Get What You Pay For” from the Therapy for Black Girls podcast is a profound conversation that delves into self-worth and the importance of investing in oneself.
  Tune In and Value You

✨ Yvette Sojourner’s Heartfelt Insights ✨

This week’s selection has been a deep dive into the many facets of our lives where authenticity, self-care, and personal growth intersect. From SZA’s courageous decision and the battle against imposter syndrome to the celebration of our friends’ joys and the contemplation on education’s value, each piece has offered a window into the continuous journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

As we navigate through these stories, may they serve as reminders of our own paths to finding what truly matters to us, the beauty of genuine connections, and the importance of listening to our inner voices amidst the noise of the world.

And as we ponder the role of technology in our quest for better rest, let’s remember that the essence of wellbeing lies in tuning into our bodies and minds, seeking harmony within ourselves and with the world around us.

Until we meet again, may your days be filled with small victories, moments of joy, and the peace of knowing you’re on the journey meant for you.

With warmth and wisdom,
Yvette Sojourner 💖

✨ Yvette Sojourner’s Weekly Chronicles: Nourishing Mind, Body, and Soul ✨

Hello, Lovelies! 🌷 Yvette Sojourner here, wrapping another week with a heart full of stories, fashion insights, and a sprinkle of wisdom from voices that resonate deeply with my spirit. This week’s curation is a testament to the power of self-discovery, inclusivity, and historical reverence. And, as a special treat, I’m sharing a selection of reads that have inspired me in honor of Women’s History Month.

📚 Must-Read Musings

• Discovering Financial Love Languages 💸: Dive into “Your Love Language Is the Secret to Finding Financial Bliss,” and let The Everygirl guide you to monetary harmony.
  Explore Together
• Generational Journeys 🕰: “These Revised Guidelines Redefine Birth Years and Classifications for Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha,” a thought-provoking read from Mental Floss that sheds light on our societal fabric.
  Define Your Era
• The Joy of a ‘Couch Friend’ 🛋: HuffPost delves into “We All Need A ‘Couch Friend’ In Our Lives,” reminding us of the simple, profound comfort in true friendship.
  Value Simplicity
• Accessorize with Whimsy 🍭: Harper’s Bazaar’s “Why Don’t You … Store Your Lollipop in a Leather Fendi Case!” tickled my fancy with the delightful absurdity of high fashion.
  Indulge in the Playful
• Kendrick Lamar’s Cultural Symphony 🎵: Reflect with Lithub on “What Kendrick Lamar’s Pulitzer Win Meant For American Music,” and the doors it opened.
  Honor the Art

👀 Must-See Magic

• Quinta Brunson’s Empowering Message 💖: “I Like Myself, America and You Can’t Stop Me” | Quinta Brunson | TEDxUCSD is a declaration of self-love and resilience.
  Embrace Your Story

📚 Empowering Reads for Women’s History Month

Celebrate with “10 Books to Read This Women’s History Month,” a collection curated by Well-Read Black Girl, fueling our minds with stories of incredible women.

1. The Source of Self-Regard by Toni Morrison
2. Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches by Audre Lorde
3. A Black Women’s History of the United States by Daina Ramey Berry and Kali Nicole Gross
4. Ordinary Notes by Christina Sharpe
5. Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot by Mikki Kendall
6. New Daughters of Africa: An International Anthology of Writing by Women of African Descent by Margaret Busby
7. I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
8. Thick: And Other Essays by Tressie McMillan Cottom
9. Mouths of Rain: An Anthology of Black Lesbian Thought by Briona Simone Jones
10. Lighting the Fires of Freedom: African-American Women in the Civil Rights Movement by Janet Dewart Bell

🎧 Soulful Serenades

Starting my mornings with Max Richter and winding down with RIOPY before bed has become my sacred ritual. Their music, a sanctuary for the soul, gently escorts me through the day’s highs and lows.

✨ Wrapping Up With Heartfelt Reflections ✨

This week’s selections are a mosaic of the beautiful, complex, and sometimes whimsical experiences that shape our lives. From exploring the nuances of financial love languages to the profound impact of Kendrick Lamar’s artistry, each piece has enriched my understanding of the world around me.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let these empowering reads inspire you to discover, reflect, and grow. Until next time, may you find joy in learning, solace in music, and comfort in the stories of those who walked the path before us.

With love and light,
Yvette Sojourner 💕

✨ Yvette Sojourner’s Week in Wonders: Embracing Stories, Sounds, and Soulful Insights ✨

Hello, my beautiful friends! 🌟 It’s Yvette Sojourner, wrapping up another week filled with discoveries that have warmed my heart, provoked thought, and inspired my soul. From historical journeys to musical surprises, this week has been a rich tapestry of experiences. Let’s dive into the stories and sounds that have shaped my days.

📚 Must-Read Musings

• Historical Heroics 🕊: “2 Black Heroes, 2 Cities in New York: A Journey Into the Past,” by The New York Times, took me on a profound journey through history with Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman.
  Walk With Giants
• Joyful Savings 💸: “The Happiness Habits That Save You Money” from Sisters From AARP reminded me that joy doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
  Save & Smile
• Rihanna’s Confidence Codes 🌟: “Want to Be As Confident as Rihanna? Here Are Her Best Tips,” by The Everygirl, had me taking notes and strutting my stuff around the house.
  Boost Your Confidence
• Beyoncé’s Country Roots 🎤: Times’ “Beyoncé Has Always Been Country” resonated with me deeply, reminding me that artists, like all of us, contain multitudes.
  Explore Beyoncé’s Versatility
• Reflecting on Relationships 💔: Slate’s “In Defense of Divorce” and The Cut’s “The Lure of Divorce” offered contrasting yet compelling views on the complexity of ending marriages.
  Consider the Perspectives
  Dive Deeper
• Love Languages Debunked 💬: Vox’s “What the 5 love languages get right, and what they get very wrong” gave me a fresh lens through which to view relationship dynamics.
  Reassess Your Love Language
• Navigating Family Ties 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦: Self’s “6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Cutting Off a Toxic Family Member” was a timely reminder of the importance of boundaries.
  Set Healthy Boundaries

👀 Heartwarming Watch

• Keyshia Cole’s Surprise 🎶: Witnessing students perform a rendition of “Love” and Keyshia Cole surprising them was the dose of joy I didn’t know I needed.
  [Feel the Love](Link not provided, but imagine the joy and surprise!)

🎧 Soothing Sounds

• Morning Serenity & Evening Peace 🌅: My days begin with Max Richter and wind down with RIOPY, their music framing my days in beauty and calm.

✨ Wrapping Up With Love ✨

This week’s selections have been a beautiful blend of the powerful and the poignant, the enlightening and the emotional. Each story and song has been a reminder of the rich tapestry of human experience, and I’m so grateful to have shared this journey with you.

Until we meet again, may you find joy in the small moments, strength in the stories of others, and beauty in the world around you.

With all my love and light,
Yvette Sojourner 💖

✨ Yvette Sojourner’s Personal Picks: A Week Wrapped in Wonder ✨

Hey lovely people, Yvette Sojourner here! 🌺 This week, I’ve been on a whirlwind adventure through pages, pixels, and podcasts that have left my heart full and my mind buzzing. From unraveling the mysteries of modern relationships to embracing the emotional rollercoaster of life, each piece has touched me in a way that’s too special not to share. So, grab your favorite cozy blanket, pour yourself a cup of something warm, and join me on this journey of discovery.

📚 This Week’s Heartfelt Reads

• Micro-Cheating Musings 💔: I stumbled upon “Wait…What, Exactly, Is Micro-Cheating?” in Vogue, and it got me thinking about the fine lines in relationships we sometimes dance around.
  Ponder With Me
• Wardrobe Whimsies 👗: The Everygirl’s “Feel Like You Have Nothing to Wear? You’re Probably Making These 5 Mistakes” made me chuckle and nod in agreement. Oh, the tales my closet could tell!
  Giggle & Learn
• The Return Grift Gripe 🚫: “The Return Grift Is Over” by The Cut hit close to home. As someone who’s had their fair share of online shopping mishaps, this read was a real eye-opener.
  Dive into the Debate
• Color Quiz Quirks 🎨: Sisters From AARP’s quiz on color had me laughing at myself. “Color Me Badd” indeed – but hey, I love my neutrals, and I’m proud of it!
  Take the Quiz
• Morning Musing: Hurkle-Durkle ☀️: “‘Hurkle-Durkle’ Is the Scottish Morning Habit You Need to Try Tomorrow” from Apartment Therapy. Let’s just say, I’m not a morning person, but this? I might actually try.
  Explore the Habit

👀 Watch with Warmth

• Taste Exploration 🍽️: “How To Discover Your Own Taste” – a podcast episode turned visual guide – resonated with me as I navigate through my own journey of self-discovery and personal taste.
  Discover With Me

🎧 Listen with Love

• Expatriate Lives 🌏: The stories of “Black Women Expats” on Therapy for Black Girls touched me deeply, highlighting the beauty and complexity of forging paths in new lands.
  Listen and Feel

📚 Library Corner 

Before we part ways, a reminder of the treasure that lies within your local library. My library card has been a key to worlds unknown, granting free access to a wealth of knowledge, including the New York Times among others. If you haven’t already, take a moment to uncover the magic within your own local library. The gems you discover may surprise you!

✨ Yvette Sojourner’s Week in Reflection ✨

This week’s picks have been a rollercoaster of emotions, insights, and revelations. From laughing at my own fashion faux pas to nodding along to the complexities of modern love, each piece has been a reminder of the beautiful mess that is life. And in sharing these with you, I hope to spark a little joy, curiosity, and maybe even a moment of self-reflection.

Let’s continue to embrace our journeys, the missteps, the triumphs, and everything in between. Until next week, keep finding wonder in the little things and big feelings.

With all my heart,
Yvette Sojourner 💕