61 Songs You Need On Your Summer Playlist
Music has existed for as long as mankind has had a voice, and most likely some time before that. Classified as "the art of combining tones to form expressive composition; any rhythmic sequence of pleasing sounds," music has evolved past its very definition to becoming a prominent figure in everyone's lives. Music can be found everywhere in our world, transcending past cultures, experiences, and languages. With a variety of instruments, themes, and forms of voice singing that can be added to it, music takes us on an endless adventure.
And although the importance of this adventure is often overlooked, or reduced to background music, on June 21st that will not be happening. On June 21st, we will celebrate this endless adventure and those who dare to take it, by celebrating World's Music Day. World's Music Day is an annual celebration of music in all its forms and the impact it's had on the world and the human spirit.
On World's Music Day, many are encouraged to play music outside in their neighborhoods or in public spaces and parks. So, in order to ensure your day of music, and the first day of Summer, is kicked off with the greatest tunes to date, here is a playlist made with you all in mind.
Enjoy.
“Workin’ On Your Fitness” Playlist
“Black Girl Magic” Playlist
“I Don’t Dance, I Work” Fitness Playlist
"It's A Vibe" Playlist
“You Could’ve Had a Bitch” Breakup Playlist
“Soulful Gents” Playlist
Featured image by Getty Images
- Add a song to a playlist in Apple Music without adding it to your library ›
- 11 Amazing Songs To Add To Your Playlist ›
- 18 Best Summer Songs of 2019 - New Summer Hits For Your Playlist ›
- 14 Songs You Should Add To Your 2019 Playlist Right Now ›
- Looking for songs to add to my playlist! - The Spotify Community ›
- The 7 Best Feel-Good Songs to Add to Your Playlist - thegoodstuff ›
- LOOKING FOR NEW MUSIC TO ADD TO PLAYLIST - The Spotify ... ›
- 26 Brilliant Songs You Need In Your March Playlist ›
- 29 Best Songs of 2018 So Far - Brand New Music to Listen to This ... ›
- 7 New Songs You've Gotta Add To Your Playlist Now ›
Taysha Robinson is a writer and high school English teacher, based in metro-Atlanta. A self described philomath, you can find her reading books and articles of every genre, attending educational conferences, and hiking wherever the terrain will allow.
The Reality Of Living With Severe Asthma – As Told by 2 Women On Their Disease Journey
This post is in partnership with Amgen.
The seemingly simple task of taking a breath is something most of us don’t think twice about. But for people who live with severe asthma, breathing does not always come easily. Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition that inflames and narrows the airways in the lungs, affects millions of people worldwide – 5-10% of which live with severe asthma. Severe asthma is a chronic and lifelong condition that is unpredictable and can be difficult to manage. Though often invisible to the rest of the world, severe asthma is a not-so-silent companion for those who live with it, often interrupting schedules and impacting day-to-day life.
Among the many individuals who battle severe asthma, Black women face a unique set of challenges. It's not uncommon for us to go years without a proper diagnosis, and finding the right treatment often requires some trial and error. Thankfully, all hope is not lost for those who may be fighting to get their severe asthma under control. We spoke with Juanita Brown Ingram, Esq. and Jania Watson, two inspiring Black women who have been living with severe asthma and have found strength, resilience, and a sense of purpose in their journeys.
Juanita Brown Ingram, Esq.
Juanita Ingram has a resume that would make anyone’s jaw drop. On top of being recently crowned Mrs. Universe, she’s also an accomplished attorney, filmmaker, and philanthropist. From the outside, it seems there’s nothing this talented woman won’t try, and likely succeed at. In her everyday life, however, Juanita exercises a lot more caution. From a young age, Juanita has struggled with severe asthma. Her symptoms were always exacerbated by common illnesses like a cold or flu. “I've heard these stories of my breathing struggles, but I remember distinctly when I was younger not being able to breathe every time I got a virus,” says Ingram. “I remember missing a lot of school and crying a lot because asthma is painful. I [was taken] to see my doctor often if I got sick with anything so I was hypervigilant as a child, and I still am.”
Today, Juanita says her symptoms are best managed when she’s working closely with her care team, avoiding getting sick and staying ahead of any symptoms. Ingram said she’s been blessed with skilled doctors who are just as vigilant of her symptoms as she is. While competing in the Mrs. Universe competition, Juanita took extra care to stay clear of other competitors to ensure she didn’t catch a cold or virus that would trigger her severe asthma. “I would stand off to the side and sometimes that could be taken as ‘oh, she thinks she's better than everybody else.’ But if I get sick during a pageant, I'm done. I had to compete with that in mind because my sickness doesn't look like everybody else's sickness.”
Even when her symptoms are under control, living with severe asthma still presents challenges. Juanita relies on her strong support system to overcome the hurdles caused by a lack of understanding from the public, “I think that there's a lot of lack of awareness about how serious severe asthma is. I would [also] tell women to advocate and to trust their intuition and not to allow someone to dismiss what you're experiencing.”
Jania Watson
Jania, a content creator from Atlanta, Georgia, has been living with severe asthma for many years. Thanks to early testing by asthma specialists, Jania was diagnosed with severe asthma as a child after experiencing frequent flare-ups and challenges in her day-to-day life. “I specifically remember, I was starting school, and we were moving into a new house. One of the triggers for me and my younger sister at the time were certain types of carpets. We had just moved into this new house and within weeks of us being there, my parents literally had to pay for all new carpet in the house.”
As Jania grew older, she was suffering from fewer flare-ups and thought her asthma was well under control. However, a trip back to her doctor during high school revealed that her severe asthma was affecting her more than she realized. “That was the first time in a long time I had to do a breathing test,” she describes. “The doctor had me take a deep breath in and blow into a machine to test my breathing. They told me to blow as hard as I could. And I was doing it. I was giving everything I got. [My dad and the doctor] were looking at me like ‘girl, stop playing.’ And at that point [it confirmed] I still have severe asthma because I've given it all I got. It doesn't really go away, but I just learned how to help manage it better.”
Jania recognizes that people who aren’t living with asthma, may not understand the disease and mistake it for something less serious. Or there could be others who think their symptoms are minor, and not worth bringing up. So, for Jania, communicating with others about her diagnosis is key. “Having severe asthma [flare-ups] in some cases looks very similar to being out of shape,” she said. “But this is a chronic illness that I was born with. This is just something that I live with that I've been dealing with. And I think it's important for people to know because that determines the next steps. [They might ask] ‘Do you need a bottle of water, or do you need an inhaler? Do you need to take a break, or do we need to take you to the hospital?’ So, I think letting the people around you know what's going on, just in case anything were to happen plays a lot into it as well.”
Like Juanita, Jania’s journey has been marked by ups and downs, but she remains an unwavering advocate for asthma awareness and support within the Black community. She hopes that her story can be an inspiration to other women with asthma who may not yet have their symptoms under control. “There's still life to be lived outside of having severe asthma. It is always going to be there, but it's not meant to stop you from living your life. That’s why learning how to manage it and also having that support system around you, is so important.”
By sharing their journeys, Juanita and Jania hope to encourage others to embrace their conditions, obtain a proper management plan from a doctor or asthma specialist like a pulmonologist or allergist, and contribute to the improvement of asthma awareness and support, not only within the Black community, but for all individuals living with severe asthma.
Read more stories from others like Juanita and Jania on Amgen.com, or visit Uncontrolled Asthma In Black Women | BREAK THE CYCLE to find support and resources.
Being a confident Black, plus-size woman wasn't something I was always good at. Although plus-size visibility has increased over the years, it is still easy to feel underrepresented. Plus-size women face societal pressures and biases that can affect their mental and emotional well-being. My go-to resources that help me are plus-size podcasts.
Besides having an amazing tribe who's always made me feel seen, plus-size positive podcasts have helped me navigate life from a "bigger" perspective. These podcasts provide a platform for authentic conversations that cover a range of topics, from self-love and body positivity to fashion, relationships, and overall well-being. By listening to the experiences of others who share similar struggles and victories, plus-size women can find inspiration, validation, and a sense of belonging.
Here are five of my favorite plus-size positive podcasts to listen to as a plus-size woman.
Why Won't You Date Me? With Nicole Byer
Hosted by comedian Nicole Byer, "Why Won't You Date Me?" takes a unique and humorous approach to the plus-size experience in the realm of dating. Byer candidly shares her dating escapades, discussing the challenges, hilarities, and lessons learned. With a mix of wit and vulnerability, the podcast offers a refreshing take on love, relationships, and self-acceptance, making it a must-listen for those navigating the complexities of dating as a plus-size individual.
Peach, Please! Podcast
The Peach, Please! podcast is a vibrant addition to the plus-size positive podcast landscape, championing the plus-size community and the journey toward self-love. With a focus on fostering a sense of belonging, the podcast delves into discussions about body positivity, self-care, and the diverse experiences of plus-size individuals. Hosted by Katie Winnen, Peach, Please! creates an inclusive space where listeners can find inspiration and encouragement on their path to embracing their bodies and cultivating self-love.
Big Girls Gone Wild
Big Girls Gone Wild podcast is a unique take on embracing life as a plus-size individual. The podcast, hosted by Kat and Anne, explores various aspects of the big and bold experience, celebrating self-expression, confidence, and empowerment. With candid conversations and a lively atmosphere, Big Girls Gone Wild contributes to the diverse landscape of plus-size podcasts, providing a platform for women to embrace their uniqueness and live life boldly.
Fat Girls Traveling: The Podcast
Fat Girls Traveling: The Podcast provides a unique perspective on the intersection of travel and the plus-size experience. Hosted by Annette Richmond and Devon Kitzo-Creed, the podcast shares stories, tips, and challenges related to travel, empowering plus-size individuals to embrace their wanderlust without reservations. Through insightful discussions, the podcast encourages a positive and inclusive approach to travel, challenging stereotypes and inspiring listeners to embark on adventures confidently.
The Plus Size Experience
As the name suggests, The Plus Size Experience podcast offers a firsthand account of life through the lens of plus-size individuals. Hosted by Michaela Leitz, a luxury stylist in size-inclusive fashion, the podcast explores various aspects of the plus-size journey, from body positivityand self-acceptance to fashion, relationships, and personal growth. Through open and honest conversations, The Plus Size Experience adds to the growing chorus of plus-size positive podcasts, creating a space that empowers individuals to embrace their bodies and confidently navigate life.
Plus-size positive podcasts support and encourage women to navigate a world that often falls short in acknowledging their experiences. These podcasts provide a platform for authentic conversations, dismantle stereotypes, and foster a sense of community. By tuning in, plus-size individuals can find inspiration, practical advice, and the validation they deserve on their journey towards self-love and acceptance.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for NeueHouse