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#WednesdayWisdom

"The same joy you wish for others, the same love you hope they receive, and the same peace you pray they experience, you deserve, too. Don't forget that." — Alex Elle

Morning Musings

There's just something reassuring about habits. I love the predictable assurance that comes along with routines. But many of us have had our daily routines upended these last few months.

When am I supposed to read if I'm not commuting? Sure, I could wake up at the same time, but what I found my body most craved at the onset of this pandemic was rest so I slept in.

How do I separate work and side projects when they take place in the same space? How do we distinguish between weekdays and weekends when every day feels like Groundhog Day? These are the QTNA (questions that need answers for the non-initiated). 

And so, as someone who finds comfort in routines, I've been relying on some pre-pandemic habits to help me establish a sense of pseudo-normalcy, namely:

• Showering (yes, every day)

• Getting dressed (sometimes with jeans, if I'm feeling fancy ... and always a bra -- don't @ me, it helps me feel more productive)

• Spritzing perfume (right now I'm using Jo Malone's English Oak & Hazelnut Cologne ... it's still a bit chilly here in Chicago, once it warms up, I'll switch to my spring scent: Peony & Blush Suede)

• Putting on makeup (my "full face" is nothing more than brows, neutral eyeshadow, mascara, highlighter or blush, and Fenty lip gloss ... it helps me feel put together, plus my brows are virtually invisible on Zoom otherwise)

• Morning coffee (okay, to be fair, Jeff makes it, and I drink it)

I'm incorporating some new habits as well as I attempt to find my groove:

• Getting back into the habit of morning meditation (friend me on Insight Timer, my challenge for the month of May is to meditate every day in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month)

• Working out in the morning (I'm finding this helps my energy level throughout the day)

• Doing yoga and/or reading a book between work and side projects

What habits are you holding onto, and which ones are you letting go? What habits are you excited to try? Hit "reply" and let me know, let's experiment together.

Love,
L'Oreal

ICYMI

Friendly reminder: Mother's Day is this Sunday, May 10. Shipping may be delayed, but you can still treat mama (or yourself!) to a gift card from the Black woman-owned businesses featured in my Instagram gift guide.

Virtual Happenings

May 6 (TONIGHT): Michelle Obama Watch Party. Join me and my girl, Lu'Cretia Thomas, founder of Girl Behind the Hustle, tonight at 6 p.m. CT for a Netflix Party featuring none other than our Forever FLOTUS, Michelle Obama and her documentary, Becoming. Be sure to download the Google Chrome plugin Netflix Party and follow me on Twitter so you don't miss the link at 5:50 p.m. CT. See you there!

Links I Love

1. Megan Thee Stallion and Beyoncé's Electrifyingly Fun 'Savage' Remix is for Texans, by Texans. There are few things I love more than Black women writing about Black women for Black women. (Texas Monthly)

2. ZORA Presents: The Burnout Effect. ZORA senior editor and longtime subscriber Christina Tapper is the mastermind this collection of stories that examines the pressure of productivity in the midst of a pandemic. A must-read. (ZORA)

3. When Blackness is Preexisting Condition. Intersectionality founder and writer Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw explores how modern disaster relief has hurt African-American communities. (The New Republic)

My Latest Obsession

I mean, what else were you expecting? If anyone needs me, I'll be listening to the #SavageRemix on repeat. You're welcome, Jeff.

Now Hiring

1. Creative Strategist for GIPHY

2. Brand Partnerships Manager for TikTok

3. Production Assistant for StoryCorps

4. Communications Manager for Color of Change

5. Finance and Operations Manager for Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls 

6. Deputy Editor, Family Section for The Atlantic

7. Program Coordinator for mHUB Chicago

8. Program Manager, Recruitment and Workforce Strategy for Braven

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