✨ Yvette Sojourner’s Weekly Sparkles: A Journey Through Insight and Imagination ✨

Hello, beautiful souls! 🌟 Yvette Sojourner here, wrapping up another vibrant week with a curated collection of reads, a must-watch gem, and an auditory delight that have all sparked joy, introspection, and a dash of enlightenment in my world. Let’s embark on this journey together, shall we? 

📚 Captivating Reads

  • Journaling Magic 📝: Dive into “An Easy, Stress-free and Addictive Way to Journal” and discover the transformative power of putting pen to paper with Sisters From AARP.
    Embrace Your Story
  • Financial Freedom 💸: “Forget ‘Quiet Luxury’ — 2024 Is All About ‘Loud Budgeting’,” says Popsugar. Ready to amplify your financial wellness?
    Get Loud & Proud
  • Empower & Support 🖤: “Absolutely! 40+ Black-Owned Businesses We Love to Support Now and Always,” curated by The Everygirl. Let’s uplift and celebrate together.
    Support the Dream
  • Musical Influence 🎶: “The Tremendous Power and Lasting Impact of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” explored by lithub. Dive into the legacy of a musical masterpiece.
    Feel the Beat
  • Healing Insights 💔: “What Is Anticipatory Grief? The Definition And How To Cope, According To Experts,” offers solace and understanding via Women’s Health.
    Navigate Your Heart
  • Relationship Real Talk 💬: “6 signs your spouse is quiet-quitting your marriage,” reveals Business Insider. An eye-opener for the committed.
    Uncover the Signs
  • Fashion Secrets Unveiled 👗: “How to Tell If Clothing Was Made Specifically for a Discount Retailer,” by lifehacker. Shop smarter, not harder.
    Know Before You Buy
  • Musical Mastery Proven 🎼: “Mathematicians have finally proved that Bach was a great composer,” via New Scientist. For the lovers of harmony and numbers.
    Explore the Genius
  • Self-Love Manifesto ❤️: “The Everygirl’s 28-Day Self-Love Challenge.” Embrace your inner beauty and worth with open arms.
    Begin Your Journey

👀 Must-Watch

  • Creative Genius at Play 🌵: “On The Podcast: Pharrell Williams’s Wild, Wild West,” presented by Vogue. Step into the world of Pharrell, where creativity knows no bounds.
    Watch the Inspiration Unfold

🎧 Tune In

  • Mindful Boundaries 🚫: “How to mind your own business,” by NPR. A guide to creating healthy boundaries with family and friends.
    Listen and Learn

📚 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!

✨ Parting Sparkles

As the week wanes, may these stories, insights, and melodies enrich your spirit and spark endless curiosity. Here’s to embracing the beauty of our journeys, learning from each layered experience, and stepping into the weekend with a heart full of hope and a mind brimming with dreams.

Catch you on the next wave of wonder,
Yvette Sojourner 🌟

Dear Community,

Today, I’m thrilled to present something uniquely special and profoundly aligned with our ethos: “Unleashing the Power of Self-Expression: A Path to Wellness.” This article explores the transformative power of creative expression in enhancing our well-being, a theme that resonates deeply with me personally and professionally.

While this piece marks a departure from our usual content and schedule, I am confident that the insights and stories shared here will inspire and resonate with each of you. It’s a reflection of our shared commitment to embracing the full spectrum of our experiences and the healing power of storytelling and creativity.

In my own journey (here and here), storytelling and art have been more than just outlets; they’ve been vital pathways to healing, understanding, and empowerment. By sharing my narrative, I found the courage to voice my experiences of adversity and resilience, highlighting the undeniable power of self-expression.

So, as you delve into this piece, remember that it’s not just about the act of creating but about finding and reclaiming our voices through the art we produce. Let’s continue to grow, express, and heal together in the most authentic ways possible.

Enjoy the read, and let’s cherish this journey of self-expression and wellness together.

 

 

Self-expression stands as a cornerstone of human experience, offering a conduit to enhanced mental, emotional, and physical health. The act of conveying our innermost thoughts, feelings, and ideas—whether through artistic endeavors, writing, music, or heartfelt conversations—brings with it a profound sense of catharsis. It’s through these avenues of expression that we find a boost in confidence, a decrease in stress and anxiety, and a significant improvement in our overall well-being.

 

This article hosted by Yvette Sojourner delves into the myriad ways self-expression enriches our lives. From traditional artistic expressions to the vast possibilities within digital creativity, we uncover new avenues to channel our creative energy. Let’s embark on this journey of discovery.

 

Harnessing Self-Expression to Combat Stress

Diving into our emotions through self-expression allows for the processing of complex feelings, clearing the mental clutter that contributes to stress. Creative pursuits offer a vital outlet for those emotions that defy simple articulation, enabling us to explore and convey our feelings in a secure and constructive environment. This journey towards self-expression is not just liberating; it’s a powerful strategy for fostering a positive mental state, combating stress and anxiety in the process.

 

Building Confidence and Self-Esteem Through Self-Expression

The freedom to express oneself openly and without fear plays a critical role in developing confidence and self-esteem. This authenticity encourages a deeper sense of personal security, positively impacting our psychological health. Moreover, sharing our inner world fosters stronger, more trusting relationships, enhancing our social connections.

 

Enhancing Emotional Intelligence with Self-Expression

Effective communication, untainted by overwhelming emotions, is key to elevating our emotional intelligence. High emotional intelligence involves recognizing our emotions and understanding their impact on others, which is instrumental in navigating challenging situations and preempting conflicts. Self-expression is a vital tool in this developmental process, enabling us to respond to and manage situations with empathy and awareness.

 

Cognitive Benefits of Self-Expression

Engaging in self-expression not only nurtures our emotional and social health but also stimulates cognitive growth. It prompts innovative thinking, bolstering problem-solving abilities, creativity, memory, concentration, and focus—essential elements for mental clarity and overall wellness. Furthermore, it opens us up to diverse perspectives, enriching our understanding and challenging our preconceptions.

 

Connecting with Our Creative Core

At its heart, self-expression is the gateway to our creative essence. It allows us to delve into our innermost selves, unlocking the door to creativity. Whether we’re writing, painting, making music, or exploring other mediums, self-expression propels us into a realm of imagination and discovery. It’s here that we gain fresh perspectives, uncover novel ideas, and forge a deeper understanding of our unique creative identity. The journey of self-expression is one of continual learning and self-discovery, revealing the boundless potential within us all.

 

Navigating the World of Digital Creativity: A Guide to Expressive Freedom

Venturing into the realm of digital creativity offers a rich and fulfilling pathway to personal expression. The digital age has blessed us with an abundance of tools and software, opening up endless possibilities for creative exploration. For those poised to embark on this digital journey, platforms like Adobe Express stand ready to empower your creative endeavors with an extensive array of accessible tools.

 

Crafting Compelling Videos

In the digital creativity toolkit, video stands out as a profoundly effective medium for storytelling and expression. It offers a vibrant and immersive way to share your thoughts, emotions, and experiences, potentially making a deeper impact than many traditional forms of communication. Videos allow you to narrate your story, document your journeys, and forge meaningful connections with your audience.

 

Adobe Express’s video editor emerges as a formidable ally in this creative venture. It equips you with a comprehensive suite of editing tools and features, enabling you to transform your creative vision into captivating video content.

 

Designing Your Personal Website

Creating a website is a powerful avenue for self-expression, offering a canvas to display your aesthetic sensibilities, ideas, and passions. Whether you’re an emerging artist, writer, entrepreneur, or simply someone with a story to tell, a personal website is a pivotal tool for establishing your brand and engaging with a community of like-minded individuals.

 

The process is made more approachable with Adobe Express’s website page maker, which offers a selection of pre-designed elements such as templates, images, and fonts. These resources are readily customizable, ensuring your website resonates with your unique style and message.

 

Launching a Blog

Blogging has emerged as a dynamic platform for self-expression, allowing individuals to articulate their thoughts, share life experiences, and highlight their talents. Beyond its creative benefits, blogging serves as a reflective practice, offering a space for introspection and connection with others who share similar interests.

 

For those considering this path, Adobe Express provides blog page templates that simplify the design process. These easy-to-use, customizable templates ensure a smooth transition from concept to a fully realized blog, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: your content and creative expression.

 

The journey of self-expression is a transformative path that leads to a richer, more fulfilling life. It is a powerful means of navigating the complexities of our emotions, thoughts, and experiences, offering a therapeutic outlet that enhances mental, emotional, and physical well-being.As we embrace the myriad forms of self-expression, we unlock the door to self-discovery, resilience, and a deeper appreciation for the intricate tapestry of human experience.

 

“Embracing self-expression is not just an act of creativity; it’s a profound journey towards discovering our true selves and unlocking the doors to wellness”

Yvette Sojourner

 

🌟 Weekly Wonders with Yvette Sojourner 🌟

Happy Friday, dazzling souls! 🎉 As we glide through the final moments of this week, I’ve handpicked a treasure trove of enlightening reads, an eye-opening watch, and a rhythm-filled auditory adventure. These gems have sparked joy, provoked thought, and illuminated new pathways for me. I’m thrilled to share them with you, hoping they’ll sprinkle a little magic into your life too. 💫

📚 Enlightening Reads

  • Ooooooo! Tainted Love: On Nina Simone’s ‘Baltimore’, The MIT Press Reader
    Plunge into the soul-stirring depths of Nina Simone’s ‘Baltimore’ and its timeless resonance.
    Dive Into the Story
  • FYI. A Practical Guide to Quitting Your Smartphone, The New York Times
    Embark on a journey to reclaim your mental peace by dialing back on smartphone usage.
    Unplug & Explore
  • This is worth sharing. We’re Calling It: This Will Be Your New Favorite Way to Reach Your Finance Goals, The Everygirl
    Uncover a fresh, exciting method to achieve your financial dreams.
    Find Your Method
  • And because I can’t resist… Here’s Why “Slow Travel” Should Be on Your 2024 Bucket List, The Everygirl
    Slow down to see the world through a more immersive, enriching lens.
    Embrace the Journey

🎥 Must-Watch Moment

  • A Day in the Life of Hermès’s Leather Goods Creative Director, Vogue
    Step behind the scenes for an exclusive peek into the world of Hermès creativity.
    Watch the Magic Unfold

🎶 Tune Into the Vibes

  • Every song from the Grammys
    Let the Grammy-nominated beats and melodies transport you to a world of musical excellence.

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!

💖 PARTING SPARKLES

As we drift into the weekend, may these selections uplift, inspire, and intrigue you in every possible way. Let’s keep our hearts open, our minds curious, and our spirits high. Here’s to a weekend filled with wonder, reflection, and perhaps a little bit of whimsy. 🌈

Catch you on the flip side with more gems to share!

Stay sparkling,
Yvette Sojourner ✨

Hiya, Yvette Sojourner here❣️ As we bid adieu to another week, I’m buoyed by Haruki Murakami’s sage words: “If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking.” It’s with this ethos that I’ve curated a collection of reads that veer off the beaten path, sparking curiosity and challenging the status quo. As we segue into the weekend, let these thoughtfully selected pieces inspire your thoughts and conversations. Discovered any hidden gems of your own lately? Share with us and let’s enrich our collective journey with newfound wisdom.

Read

  • Listen, it can definitely be a struggle. I want to work out more, but …, The New York Times
    Read more
  • This is definitely worth a read. When to Say When, Sisters From AARP
    Explore here
  • Seriously!? Americans Can’t Decide What It Means to Grow Up, The Atlantic
    Learn how
  • Alright. Forget Girl Math—Here’s How to Increase Your Financial Wellness This Year, The Everygirl
    Discover why
  • This part here, “As Black women, we must continue to speak our truth regardless of the distractions.” The Glass Cliff Effect and Why Black Women Leaders Are Often “Last In, First Out”, Popsugar
    Read the story
  • This is an interesting approach. How ‘Values-Based Budgeting’ Can Help You Spend More Mindfully, lifehacker
    Get empowered
  • Flying to France is 8 plus hours so I’m always looking for something to watch. I prefer to watch new releases or to sleep. What Makes a Perfect “Plane Movie”?, Slate
    Journey here

Watch

Sticking to my current binge-watch obsession, Everybody Hates Chris. It’s my daily dose of laughter and a light-hearted reminder to navigate life with a bit of humor. Who knows what life lessons we’ll stumble upon in its witty episodes?

Listen

To enrich your auditory experience, dive into Scientists can tell how fast you’re aging. Now, the trick is to slow it down, NPR. A fascinating exploration into the science of aging and how we might influence our own longevity.
Listen here

Weekend Thoughts

As we embrace the weekend, let’s ponder on the week past and the adventures that await. Whether it’s embarking on a new culinary adventure, soaking in the tranquility of nature, or indulging in some well-deserved self-care, let’s make it memorable. The stories we live are the ones we’ll cherish and share.

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!

 

Wishing you a weekend filled with discovery, joy, and moments of tranquility. Until our paths cross again, continue to seek out the extraordinary in the everyday and share the treasures you find.

Yvette Sojourner 💖

 

Hiya, Yvette Sojourner here❣️ Kicking off this week’s reading list, I’m reminded of Haruki Murakami’s insightful words: “If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking.” This thought has been my guiding star as I explored a variety of articles, each unique and thought-provoking in its own right. I believe in venturing beyond the mainstream to discover diverse perspectives and ideas. So, here’s my curated selection of reads from the week – each article a step away from the ordinary and a leap into a world of unexplored thoughts and ideas. Dive in and let these pieces challenge, inspire, and expand your horizons, just as they did for me. What hidden gems have you come across in your readings? Share and let’s enrich our journey with collective wisdom!

READ

  1. Interesting. “How Starting Your Day With a ‘Brain Dump’ Can Make You More Productive” from Lifehacker. A fascinating dive into boosting productivity right from the morning. Read more
  2. I LOVE spending time with my thoughts. “How to be alone with your thoughts” from Vox. An insightful piece on embracing solitude and the power of self-reflection. Explore here
  3. FYI. “10 Things to Try When You’re Too Depressed to Get Out of Bed” from Self. Practical tips for those challenging days. Discover more
  4. This is why mentoring and supporting others is so important. “Camille A. Brown Met Debbie Allen at 11. More Than 30 Years Later, Allen Is Still Championing Her” from Shondaland. A beautiful story of enduring mentorship. Read the story
  5. I’m actually considering making a vision board this year. Thoughts? “Everything You Need to Know to Make a Vision Board That Actually Works ✨” from The Everygirl. Are you a vision board person? Find out here
  6. Good question. “Feminist Media Is Mostly Gone. Where do Feminist Writers and Stories Go Now?” from Study Hall. An important discussion on the future of feminist narratives. Explore the issue
  7. Something to think about. “How Group Chats Rule the World” from The New York Times. The evolving dynamics and influence of digital communication. Dive in

Just a little tidbit before we wrap up: Did you know that your local library can be a treasure trove of resources, especially for us avid readers and content creators? For instance, I don’t have subscriptions to various newspapers or magazines like the New York Times. But guess what? I discovered that my library card is a golden key! With it, I have free access to the New York Times and so much more. It’s amazing what you can find when you explore your local library’s offerings. So, here’s my nudge for you: check out your local library and uncover the wealth of resources waiting for you. Who knows what gems you might find!

 

Hiya, Yvette Sojourner here❣️ This is 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

Yassssssssss 👏🏾 Niecy Nash-Betts Cries, Thanks Herself and Honors ‘Unheard, Yet Over-Policed’ Women Like Breonna Taylor in Rousing Emmys Speech, Variety

Exhaustion happens and being able to be honest with yourself and others is important. 5 Little Ways to Be a Better Friend When You’re So, So Tired, Self

Worth considering. How to Reset Your Relationship With Tech (for Real This Time), The New York Times

 

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.

Hiya, Yvette Sojourner here❣️ This is 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

Incase you need it. 57 Gratitude-Journal Prompts That Will Help You Find the Good Every Day, PopSugar

Yassssss! Joy is a Muscle. This is the Workout., Sisters From AARP

I posted a ‘NO-spend’ article last week and here’s another one! How to Pull Off a ‘No-spend’ Weekend That Doesn’t Suck, lifehacker

If you’re decluttering or pondering it. “You Have to Get Rid of Everything,” and 9 More Decluttering Myths to Ignore, Apartment Therapy

If you’re interested in starting to meditate.  Here’s How to Meditate If You Haven’t Gotten Into It Yet but Really Want To, Self

FYI. How to Feel a Little Better in 2024, HuffPost

There are so many good gems in this. 💎 A few of my faves are number 5 and 7.  17 Life-Learnings from 17 Years of The Marginalian, The Marginalian

I have used my old devices as mini televisions for my office and bathroom. I also use one in my kitchen for recipes. As for my old phone I use it as a iPod for running. In the end, we take them to France to use but also give them to family so they can have a second life. The Seven Best Uses for Your Old iPhone or iPad, lifehacker

Art

I’m thinking of purchasing several pieces from Old Made Good. I do wish there were some pieces with women of color though.

listen

I’m binge listening to all the 2023 hits. This goes to show how much I keep up with music 🎶 🎼🎵

 

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.

Hiya, Yvette Sojourner here❣️ This is 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

Let’s do this! 31 Ways to Have a Hopeful January, Sisters From AARP

Oooooooo! 6 Green Flags You’re Becoming Your Best Self, The Everygirl

It’s that time of the year. The Best Self-Care and Gratitude Journals For 2024, PopSugar

I’m always immediately drained when around others BUT I’ve developed a fabulous plan which consists of complete alone time following every event or meeting. Such a great way to recharge and recover. How to Recover When Socializing Has Totally Drained Your Battery, Self

Stop Making Excuses: Why There’s Always Time to Follow Your Writing Dreams

 

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.

Hiya, Yvette Sojourner here❣️ This is 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

Oldie but goodie. I’m a Personal Trainer, But You’ll Never Hear Me Say ‘New Year, New You’, Self

Hellooooooo and yassssssss. Quiet Luxury Is a Duuupe—Here’s Why, Vogue

Something to think about. Your Clothes Were Never Meant to Fit You, The New York Times

This is too good not to share!!! I Met Alice Walker and Her Advice Changed My Life, Sisters From AARP

Yes, please and thank you 🙌🏾 How to Find a Dermatologist Who Actually Knows How to Treat People of Color, Self

WRITE

Zadie Smith on Radical Work, 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.

Hiya, Yvette Sojourner here❣️ This is 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

Yasssssss❣️ I Tried This, and it Was Sooo Relaxing!, Sisters From AARP

Listen after becoming a content creator I’ve learned to create, upload and… even if I think it’s terrible. It’s not about the destination but the journey. It’s okay to suck when you try something new, Vox

Hello! How to avoid overdoing it this holiday season, Los Angeles Times

FYI: 11 Things You Can Do for Yourself That Only Takes 60 Seconds a Day, Everygirl

Please read. 3 Black Women Share the Symptoms That Led to Their Heart Failure Diagnoses, Self

I use a combination of my Eight Sleep bed and AppWatch to track and monitor my sleep. What I Learned From Tracking My Sleep With an Apple Watch, lifehacker

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.