Welcome back to another edition of “Reflecting On.” This week, we invite you to explore a dynamic range of articles that not only highlight the artistry of costume design but also delve into sports narratives, emotional intelligence, and self-improvement. Join us as we traverse different landscapes—from the racetracks of F1 to the emotional terrains of our relationships.

Read:

1. I See You OHIO! Dressing for the Emerald City by The New York Times. Dive into the mesmerizing world of costume design for the anticipated movie adaptation of “Wicked,” featuring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Read here.
2. Grandma with Chunky Sunglasses Becomes Unlikely Fashion Icon by BBC. A delightful tale of how age is just a number in the fashion world, featuring a grandma who’s setting trends. Read here.
3. These Black F1 Fans Are Changing the Narrative Around the Sport by Popsugar. Explore how Black fans are reshaping the F1 viewing experience and bringing new perspectives to the motorsports community. Read here.
4. What to Ask When a Loved One is Upset by Sisters From AARP. Gain insight on the right questions to ask to offer support without overstepping boundaries. Read here.
5. 5 Signs You Complain Too Much—and What to Do Instead by Self. Reflect on whether your venting habits are constructive or if they’re spiraling into negativity, and learn how to adjust. Read here.
6. Here’s What That ‘Little Treat’ Can—and Can’t—Do For You by PS. Discover the psychological and emotional impacts of treating yourself and when it helps versus when it doesn’t. Read here.

Listen: Dive into “Gather Me” by Glory Edim, a memoir that narrates the journey of finding one’s identity amidst the challenges and triumphs of life. Listen and be inspired by the story of resilience and self-discovery. Listen here.

Since we mentioned Well Read Black Girls very own Glory Edim, here’s a starter list of must-read memoirs from WRBG:

• Gather Me by Glory Edim
• I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
• Breathe: A Letter to My Sons by Imani Perry
• Wrong Is Not My Name by Erica Cardwell
• Memorial Drive by Natasha Trethewey
• Letter to My Daughter by Maya Angelou
• Finding Me by Viola Davis
• Bone Black by bell hooks
• Somebody’s Daughter by Ashley C. Ford
• How To Say Babylon by Safiya Sinclair
• Undiplomatic by Deesha Dyer
• White Supremacy Is All Around by Dr. Akilah Cadet
• Thicker Than Water by Kerry Washington
• Lessons for Survival by Emily Raboteau

These memoirs explore a breadth of experiences and are an essential addition to anyone’s reading list, providing deep insights into personal and collective histories of resilience and identity.

Closing: This week, as we reflect on the myriad ways our lives intersect with culture, relationships, and self-awareness, let’s embrace the learning and growth that come from diverse experiences and perspectives. Each story we’ve shared today invites us to think deeper, feel more profoundly, and engage more authentically with the world around us. Thank you for joining us on this journey of reflection and discovery. May you find inspiration and insight in every page you turn and every story you encounter.