
Lizzo Says Money Doesn't Buy Happiness: "You Have To Do The Inner Work"

I don't know who needs to hear this, but money can't buy you happiness like it can help you pay bills. And while your quality of life can increase by the extra dollars or the M's that line your bank account, it is not the end all be all when it comes to your overall well-being, especially your mental and emotional health. A celebrity who recently took us to church with that truth is the reigning twerk queen herself, Lizzo.
The singer/rapper has lit up the scene since her breakout hit "Truth Hurts". Lizzo has reaped the rewards of seeds sown through years of hard work and racked up her fair share of accolades all the while showing the world the power of showing up as your most authentic self. Her latest revelation to the public is no different. Lizzo took to TikTok to share that fame and money is cool, but it doesn't replace the need to do the inner work, especially in the pursuit of happiness.
"You can be the coolest, most richest person ever and it doesn't buy you fucking happiness. Money doesn't buy you happiness. Fame only puts a magnifying glass on the shit that you already have. And if that shit is fucked up, you're just going to have even more magnified fucked up shit in situations where it doesn't even seem valid or like you're even supposed to feel that way so it fucks you up even more because you feel so unfucking grateful."
Misery doesn't discriminate, and it damn sure doesn't care if you have wealth or fame to your name. When it comes to happiness, a lot of us love to erroneously believe that the cause of it are things outside of us. In reality, our unhappiness has little do with money and everything to do with our lack of putting in the necessary work to cultivate happiness within ourselves for ourselves.
Self-help might be the wave, but a part of shedding old skin is also healing what's within. Quitting that job you hate, leaving that circle of friends that drain you, establishing boundaries with toxic family members, scheduling a d*ck appointment, or moving to a new city to start a new life won't do anything for you if you haven't addressed the real problem in your life. Nine times out of ten, it's the one person you can never get away from: you.
"Anyone who has like internal issues or has any type of self-problems that they need to work out, work [it] out now because money, fame or success, or even getting older doesn't really fix that shit. You need to just do it. Do the inner work. Do the inner work because no matter where you are, it's always going to haunt you like a fucking ghost.
"And I'm working on it too, but today is just not a good day. I just want everybody to know that it's OK not to have a good day even when it seems like you should."
While the self-love advocate can typically be heard asking us to 'scuse her while she feels herself (gratuitous butt pics on her Instagram included), she also serves as a reminder that sometimes you aren't feeling yourself and that's OK.
Happiness is a journey after all, not a destination.
Featured image by Instagram/Lizzobeeating
'He Said, She Said': Love Stories Put To The Test At A Weekend For Love
At the A Weekend For Love retreat, we sat down with four couples to explore their love stories in a playful but revealing way with #HeSaidSheSaid. From first encounters to life-changing moments, we tested their memories to see if their versions of events aligned—because, as they say, every story has three sides: his, hers, and the truth.
Do these couples remember their love stories the same way? Press play to find out.
Episode 1: Indira & Desmond – Love Across the Miles
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but for Indira & Desmond, love made it stronger. Every mile apart deepened their bond, reinforcing the unshakable foundation of their relationship. From their first "I love you" to the moment they knew they had found home in each other, their journey is a beautiful testament to the endurance of true love.
Episode 2: Jay & Tia – A Love Story Straight Out of a Rom-Com
If Hollywood is looking for its next Black love story, they need to take notes from Jay & Tia. Their journey—from an awkward first date to navigating careers, parenthood, and personal growth—proves that love is not just about romance but also resilience. Their story is full of laughter, challenges, and, most importantly, a love that stands the test of time.
Episode 3: Larencia & Mykel – Through the Highs and Lows
A date night with police helicopters overhead? Now that’s a story! Larencia & Mykel have faced unexpected surprises, major life changes, and 14 years of choosing each other every single day. But after all this time, do they actually remember things the same way? Their episode is sure to bring some eye-opening revelations and a lot of laughs.
Episode 4: Soy & Osei – A Love Aligned in Purpose
From a chance meeting at the front door to 15 years of unwavering love, faith, and growth, Soy & Osei prove that when two souls are aligned in love and purpose, nothing can shake their foundation. Their journey is a powerful reminder that true love is built on mutual support, shared values, and a deep connection that only strengthens with time.
Each of these couples has a unique and inspiring story to tell, but do their memories match up? Watch #HeSaidSheSaid to find out!
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There’s caviar, and then there’s Black-owned caviar. With the recent explosion of #CaviarTikTok, this luxury delicacy seems to be everywhere these days. I can’t scroll through my feed without seeing our favorite celebs and influencers diving headfirst into extravagant caviar spreads.
From Rihanna pairing her caviar with chicken nuggets (I wonder if our Fenty queen shares with RZA and Riot Rose or if this is just for mama) to Bethenny Frankel educating us on caviar with her series "Caviar University," there’s just no escaping it.
And let’s not forget the elite king himself, DeAndre Brown, indulging in fried chicken and caviar! From videos with caviar-topped burgers, potato latkes, deviled eggs, and pasta dishes—folks are topping everything with caviar. Yet, I had not come across any Black-owned caviar brands until I discovered Caviar Dream.
My Introduction Into Caviar
I started off eating caviar in undergrad on top of sushi, exploring with a variety of roe and tobiko but as an adult, I knew I was ready to try something a little more refined. The first time I fell in love with caviar was in grad school at a southern Italian restaurant in Flatiron.
I tried an appetizer that featured caviar on bruschetta, served with thick garlic bread and burrata cheese, and from that moment, I was hooked. That has become my favorite way to enjoy caviar next to this filet mignon crostini appetizer that I served recently at a dinner party.
Everything You Need To Know About Caviar Dream
Caviar Dream
Courtesy of Yasmine Jameelah
Caviar Dream is the first nationally distributed Black- and woman-owned caviar business, redefining how people experience caviar. Founded by Kendra Anderson, a Chicago-based chef and sommelier, the company’s mission is to make caviar more accessible and inclusive, breaking down barriers and demystifying this delicacy.
What Caviar I Tried
Caviar Dream Kaluga Hybrid ($105-$420 depending on the ounce)
How I Experienced The Caviar:
For this review, I opted for a more traditional approach by pairing Caviar Dream's Kaluga Hybrid with crème fraîche, blinis, and my favorite Black-owned champagne, Le KOOL Champagne by Robert Kool Bell.
My Caviar Dream spread
Courtesy of Yasmine Jameelah
My Honest Review:
I do not say this lightly - this was by far the best caviar I’ve ever had in my life. It was buttery, had no aftertaste, and truly felt as luxurious as it looked.
Prior to this, my favorite caviar was Imperial Caviar. I’ve tried many brands, from well-known to affordable, while recreating my favorite decadent appetizers at home or enjoying caviar bumps at parties with my friends and they were my favorite until now.
Caviar Dream boasts that chefs are obsessed with this versatile hybrid, which tastes more expensive than it actually is—and they were right. This buttery caviar would pair well with any recipe, especially if you’re looking to impress someone or even treat yourself.
As a Black woman, a business owner, and someone who understands that an extension of financial wellness is circulating our dollars, I recognize the importance of incorporating Black-owned businesses throughout every aspect of my life. From my skincare to my favorite sustainable wine, my bank, and even indulgent experiences like caviar, it matters.
As we celebrate culinary innovation and expand our palates, let’s also take the extra step to support Black-owned businesses while doing it. So the next time you’re tempted by the allure of caviar, order from Caviar Dream—it just might become your new favorite.
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Feature image by Peter Dazeley/ Getty Images