here we grow.

thoughts on striving for excellence + reads & vibes for your weekend.

Jun 16, 2023

Happy Juneteenth, family! This weekend I hope you take a moment to sit back and reflect on your freedom, what it means to you, and what you can/should be doing with it. It was an expensive purchase - you should make the most of it.

Let’s jump right in.

thoughts at large.

Have you ever thought about what it takes to go from good to great?

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve started to recognize my personal seasons better. I can feel when things shift in my life and I start to get back in that mode. I’ve always been a “get it done” type of girl, but I’m also self-aware enough to know that I’m not continuously operating at the highest level. There are seasons when I’ve slacked off. Where I haven’t given my best effort, or where I know I just wasn’t meeting the mark. It always feels good to come out of that with a fresh perspective and refocus on what matters most.

I’ve learned most recently that it’s also important in these times to ask for feedback. There are things that we can’t always see while we’re in the work, but there are people in our lives that can provide us with perspective on our blind spots. I have accountability partners in my life that I can go to and ask “Am I tripping?” or “What can I do better?” I encourage you to find those people in your community that will do that for you without judgment.

It’s one thing to be good at something. You could literally walk through your entire life being good and really have a solid life. But if you decide that you want to make the most out of life and all of the experiences that come with it, you’ll realize that you will have to be better than good. It takes moving out of your comfort zone - trying something new, or letting something go. Regardless, today I’m encouraging you to find your way from good to great - if that’s what you want for your life.

Love you, mean it!

need you to know.

reads & vibes.

Allyson Felix: Tori Bowie Can't Die In Vain via Time (trigger warning: this article focuses on Black Maternal Health & mortality)

Trying to Get Your Crush’s Attention on Instagram Can Emotionally Break You via TeenVogue

Five Reasons Why 2023 Has Yet to Yield a No. 1 Hip-Hop Album or Single via Billboard

Gabrielle Union's “My Journey to 50” is now on BET Plus. Trailer:

ABC Released a documentary called Superstar: Aaliyah. It’s available now for you to watch on Hulu. It’s tough to do a documentary on Aaliyah that really sheds light on anything new because so many people that were close to her still have a hard time being honest about what was going on… but it might be worth the watch.

The new film “Flamin’ Hot” which explores the creation of the Flamin Hot Cheeto by a Mexican Frito Lay janitor named Richard Montañez, is available now on Hulu. The film was produced by Eva Longoria & Devon Franklin.

The trailer for the new Netflix film “They Cloned Tyrone” was released this week. The film stars Jamie Foxx, Teyonah Parris, and John Boyega. It premieres on July 21st.

Tank’s episode of Tiny Desk premiered this week, and he ran through a medley of 14 songs in 18 minutes. It’s good - and not to mention that he brought Brooke Valentine, Lonny Bereal, and Luke James (😍) along on background vocals. Watch here:

Adam Blackstone’s Tiny Desk episode premiered this morning. If you’re into jazzy vibes like I am, you will enjoy this. He brought along DJ Jazzy Jeff and Musiq Soulchild. Watch it here.

Ambrè has a new EP called Who’s Loving You? - if you like indie R&B I highly recommend. Listen here on Spotify or Apple Music.

Gunna released a new album today called “a Gift & a Curse” - I’ve lightly listened and if you like Gunna - you’re going to love it. Check it out on Spotify or Apple Music.

I added a lot of new music to The Update Weekly playlist (Spotify | Apple) but the one I’d like to call your attention to is “On My Mama” by Victoria Monet. If you want something to set your weekend off… please turn that up to ignorant levels. There’s also new music from SiR, Kiana Lede & Bryson Tiller, Alex Vaughn, Jesse Boykins III & more.

That’s all for this week. I’d like to give a shout-out to all of the Daddies out there. Happy Father’s Day - and a special shout out to my Dad who I know reads this weekly. Love you.

Stay cool friends!