Why are We Addicted to Breakup Songs?
Even if you haven’t had your heart broken, everyone has their share of favourite breakup songs. Whether it be an album that makes you feel empowered or makes you want to cry, something about the strong emotions evoked by these songs makes us want to cherish them forever.
Miles Davis And The Jazz Giants: Cultivating Black Artistry
I found myself watching the documentary, Miles Davis: Birth of Cool, on Netflix. I was in awe of his skill, his confidence, and his wealth. And although we have to bear in mind the humanity of celebrities, Miles, in the eyes of his friends and fans, was superhuman.
Intersectionality and why it’s an imperative part of activism
If we refuse to incorporate intersectionality in our movements, we weaken it and change its goals.
Self-help books were my coping mechanism
I realized that the solutions I needed were personal, only applicable to my own situation. It involved unlearning a lot of harmful mindsets and making amends, listening to the way I talked to myself and actively countering what I was hearing.
Finding Your Own Beauty and Confidence
You can rewrite the narrative. You can speak to yourself in a nurturing way, regardless of the behavior of others. It all starts with you. Now is the time to reclaim your power and see that your individuality plays an important role in the world.
i could
There is something about sitting in a movie theater seat when you’re sad and letting the screen drown your face in color as if nothing is wrong. The feeling of loneliness you feel in a theater even surrounded by strangers. I was addicted to it. it was the only thing that made me feel safe.
In defense of the unlikeable protagonist
I never saw my negative characteristics as anything worth parading or celebrating. I knew that they were there, but I never drew attention to them in fear that making others aware of their existence would magnify them until they were the only visible parts about me. But seeing them fleshed out and personified on the big screen served as a much-needed reminder that I could be all these imperfect things and still have the right to occupy space in the world and redeem myself in the end.
Letter to myself about uncertainty
Maybe by reading this letter, and listening to a past version of yourself, you’ll see that you’re a strong person. Because you’ve survived your version of hell and heaven. Listen to the positive parts of your brain. Listen closely and close your eyes. Breathe in once in a while. Life is still here even if you don’t feel it is.
Bleached
Freshman year, on my way home from the hair salon, meeting eyes with an ex-classmate (read: ex-bully). He looks at me from across the street and shouts: “What the FUCK did you do with your hair?” My hair is blue. I tell him to fuck off and leave, feeling like the most badass person I’ve ever met and like the scum of the earth, all at the same time.
The Subconscious Matrix: Falling Down the Rabbit Hole of YouTube Subliminals
In theory, subliminal affirmations sound perfect, as a lot of the time, the reason people don’t find positive affirmations helpful is because the statements contradict a deeply-held negative belief… If we were able to plant this message directly into our subconscious and therefore bypass all of those doubts, wouldn’t it make things so much easier? We could change so much about ourselves, and it would be almost effortless.
5 poets to know
I’ve been keeping track of my favorite poems and poets, making this article far less difficult to write. Of course, narrowing my list down to five was a cruel and haunting task, but I got through it. Without further ado… Five Poets to Know and Read
Separating Shame from Sex
I’m at the age that my aunt was when she was reassuring me that I am not my “body count,” and I hope this article acts as a virtual form of reassurance to those who may not have an adult figure to talk to. While I’m still trying to undo the feeling of shame from harmful messages instilled in me, I understand that I’m autonomous for my body, and we all deserve respect regardless of how many partners we’ve had or how we present ourselves.
5 Movies To Watch When You’re Feeling Nostalgic
Nostalgia is high during social distancing, especially if you’re at your family home. Here’s a list of the best movies to watch when you’re feeling nostalgic, from tear-jerkers to a lighthearted “chick flick” from the early 2000’s. If all else fails, there’s always Gossip Girl to re-watch.
Rethinking My Beauty Routine in the Time of Quarantine
I can’t be discerning and picky with my beauty items anymore. Now, whining about running out of my favorite moisturizer feels like an insensitive and privilege-ridden thing to do. I learned from the changes I’ve made in my beauty routine that self-care comes in different forms, and the ways we practice it are influenced by our circumstances.
Ode to Bury Me at Makeout Creek
No other album has truly captured my experience in the first few years following my move the way Bury Me at Makeout Creek has. I believe that it is important to celebrate sisterhood and empowering women, but we can not forget how hard it is to be a teenage girl in this world.
Knowing When Enough is Enough: An Overachiever’s Guide to Self-Care
To this day, I struggle with the idea of taking a few hours away from my day to do something for mere pleasure. Doing anything even remotely enjoyable is ultimately accompanied by feelings of regret. “I could be studying” and “this won’t get me into grad school” are among the many intrusive thoughts I have to deal with when doing anything for, well, me. So how can overachievers overcome these feelings of remorse, take the time to be a little kinder to themselves, and prevent burnout?
Alone Time Is a Trust Exercise
I would rather be myself as I meet new people along the way because I know that there will be people and communities that will accept me for who I am regardless of my interests, looks, and personality. Radical softness, everyone!
Strawberries and Cream
“Held down the fort?” she asked, sagging into her chair and spraying cherry scent on her neck. / “Barely,” I said. Katie snorted. She had a really ugly way of laughing, and I kind of liked it. / “You’re funny, Jack.” She drummed her fingers against the windowsill, spared me the honor of protesting by barreling on: “You staying here long?” / “Just the summer.” / “Figured,” she said. “You know, it may not look it, but this town isn’t so bad.” / Could’ve fooled me.
Daydreams & iPod Nanos: An Ode to Adolescence
These feelings of vulnerability are sometimes inexpressible; so, we turn to music. Now, I am the farthest I’ve ever been from my adolescence; simultaneously, this is the closest I’ll ever be to it.
How I’m Rethinking Self-Care
I started to make a conscious effort to take care of myself and my needs by sticking to healthier routines, such as eating healthier, working out, journaling, and visiting a counselor. Having these healthier habits help me develop my sense of self, by being more in touch with my needs and goals in life.