we're not getting any younger.
thoughts on aging + reads & vibes for your weekend.
Hey Friend! Happy Friday!
Let’s jump right in!
thoughts at large.
I’ve been thinking a lot about aging - and what it means to go through transitions in life. This could be a symptom of my 35th birthday inching closer, or me accepting that I am now of legitimate auntie age & experience.
As someone who is chronically online, I get to see a lot of interesting conversations. One that has been increasingly intriguing to me is the constant beef between Gen-Z & Millennials. The younger generation doesn’t really see it for us 😂 ! And that’s fine, but I wish they weren’t ready to throw everything we’ve ever done away. I think the funniest thing, is them giving instructions on how to use social media apps we built. I feel like a grandpa yelling on my porch every time I see that.
I do, however, think that there is a conversation to be had about allowing ourselves to embrace the process of getting older and aging out of certain things. Even the Bible tells us about that:
“When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things.” 1 Corinthians 13:11 NLT
We’ve got to be okay with growing up, friend.
I am now at a place where I don’t know all of the names on XXL’s Freshman 15. I am now at a place where - if you show me a picture of a group of rappers that high schoolers love, I probably will not be able to name them. And you know, what - I’m okay with that. The issue arises when we try to hold on to things that are behind us instead of embracing the possibilities ahead of us. Think about it - if you’re moving forward, and you’re still holding on to something that is physically behind you - you’re going to cause yourself unnecessary strife.
We have to free up our hands so that we can grasp onto the new things that are waiting for us on the other side of the fear of stepping into a new era.
So what era are you in right now friend?
I am walking into my boss-up era! More on that later. But for now, I hope you’ll embrace the season you’re in and the one you’re walking into. Reflect on the past, take those lessons, and apply them as you move forward. Let’s get older & wiser together friend!
need you to know.
HISD to eliminate librarians, turn some libraries into discipline centers at 28 campuses
House Democrats Introduce Bill Aimed At Ending Solitary Confinement, A Form Of Torture
Trump accused of asking staffer to delete camera footage in Florida classified documents case
reads + vibes.
"THE ESSENCE FEST OF THE PAST DOES NOT EXIST ANYMORE. IF YOU WERE BEHOLDEN TO THAT IDEAL OF YOUR MOTHER’S ESSENCE FEST, IT’S GONE." - Taylor Crumpton via Essence.
“Growing up, summers were a time for block parties and barbecues. How is Gen-Z working to keep this vital tradition of community alive?” - Daric L. Cottingham via Harper’s Bazaar
Searching for a Fortress Built by People Who Escaped Slavery - Matthew Hutson via The New Yorker
I’ve been trying to figure out how to stand in solidarity with the writers & actors that are on strike in Hollywood - so I need you to know that the following information is not being paid for by a studio or a marketing agency connected to a studio. These are my real and unbiased opinions, and it’s important that we continue to support the great work of the actors and writers as they work toward a fair & livable wage in the age of streaming.
I recently watched Season 3 of Sweet Magnolias, Survival of The Thickest, and Hack My Home on Netflix. I’d recommend you check out all of them. Just binge friend. You’ll enjoy.
I went to see Barbie last weekend and although the doll is for kids, the movie is really not. It’s a socio-political commentary on patriarchy. If that’s your vibe you’ll enjoy it. Check it out.
This weekend I plan on catching up on TV One’s dating show “The One” hosted by Kirk & Tammy Franklin. I’m a fan of dating shows, I guess it’s my guilty pleasure, and I’ve been binging it. If you’re watching let me know.
Tori Kelly’s new EP tori is available now. It’s giving early 2000’s R&B vibes. I dropped my favorite tracks on The Update Weekly Playlist, but you can listen to the entire EP here on Apple Music or Spotify.
Travis Scott’s first album in 5 years, UTOPIA, is out now. I’ve listened to most of it, and it’s very interesting to me that there is literally, a Beyonce song on the album. I would have never expected that. It’s a track called “DELRESTO (ECHOES)”. You can listen to the entire album here on Apple Music or Spotify.
The Update Weekly Playlist has been updated and features new music from Leon Thomas & Victoria Monet, Saweetie, Cardi B & Offset plus more. It is available on Apple Music & Spotify.
That’s all for this week friend! Let’s make it a great weekend.