SZA Opens Up About Weight Loss: "The Standard Should Really Come From Within"
I have gained so much weight. I would be happy if my waist was just a little bit smaller. Damn! I just wish that my body was different.
If you're guilty of thinking or saying aloud any of the statements above, join the club sis. I thought all three of these thoughts at the same damn time just this morning. Negative self-talk will get the best of us if we let it. But according to the most recent self-help book I'm reading, the mind has more than 20,000 thoughts a day. It's up to you whether you want to use all of those beautiful possibilities on the negativity.
Every thought that you have will manifest itself at some point, so why is it that we choose to use our minds for self-sabotage every single day? Although we are often encouraged to follow our hearts, popular R&B singer/songwriter SZA says that real change begins with the power of our thoughts.
This weekend in Los Angeles. Dove linked up with Shonda Rhimes, SZA, and a slew of other amazing women to talk about the importance of having a positive self-image at the Girl Collective. According to Madame Noire, the summit included a number of workshops and masterclasses dedicated to helping more than 200 young girls build confidence and change their ideas and behaviors surrounding gender stereotypes and body image.
SZA speaks onstage during Dove's Launch of 'Girl Collective'Getty Images
During the panel discussion, SZA discussed her own journey to a positive self-image and revealed the reason behind her weight loss. As a hardcore Solana fan, I know that only a few years ago, the young singer was thicker than a snicker. I thought she was beautiful nonetheless, and despite industry standards, so did she. She told the Girl Collective audience:
"It's all about where it starts in your mind,. I think there are a lot of standards that people told me about that I didn't see. I started, I was 190 pounds, I only wore my dad's big t-shirts and socks on stage, no shoes, and didn't even notice; never complained or tripped about my makeup."
SZA speaks onstage during Dove's Launch of 'Girl Collective'Getty Images
It wasn't until she was pressured by critics in the entertainment industry that she realized that she did not fit the beauty criteria that was expected of a world famous artist.
"Honestly, my manager, Punch, never asked me to 'get dressed' once. People would come to him like, 'we need to clean her up,' and he would say, 'It's fine. She's fine.'"
Nevertheless, SZA said that it wasn't external pressure that caused her mindset to shift, but instead it was a personal decision to live a healthier lifestyle and define her own standards of beauty. Despite her comfortability with her body image, she found that she could only attain true personal satisfaction and self-acceptance when she pushed herself to be uncomfortable. SZA continued:
"It was just a matter of where I was in my mind, but I did also come out of that space where I was like, I feel like I want to change. I want to be different. I want to grow. I want to learn. I think it's one thing to be comfortable, but then it's one thing to not see your full potential and your full picture. The standard should really come [from] within."
SZA speaks onstage during Dove's Launch of 'Girl Collective'Getty Images
We are given one life and one body, both unlike any other on this planet. It's up to us as women to define our own standards because if not, they will be defined for us. SZA is proof that self-love is important at all stages of life, no matter how much you weigh.
It's up to you to use your 50,000+ thoughts a day to celebrate yourself rather than tear yourself down.
Your body may be the vehicle and your heart serves as a kickass GPS system, but your mind is what gets the engine running.
Featured image by Getty Images
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Taylor "Pretty" Honore is a spiritually centered and equally provocative rapper from Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a love for people and storytelling. You can probably find me planting herbs in your local community garden, blasting "Back That Thang Up" from my mini speaker. Let's get to know each other: @prettyhonore.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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6 Spring Events To Boost Your Professional And Social Networks
When spring arrives, we all want to be outside, looking fabulous, and back to socializing. And now is the perfect time to add a few great events to your calendar to get you through the quarter in order to make new friends, build new partnerships, and talk new opportunities to level up.
Spring is a high season for networking and social events for Black women, with many organizations and event entrepreneurs booking prime locations and offering dynamic experiences that you can maximize in whatever way possible. Write down your goals, and get out there. Start with a few of these events between now and the start of summer:
New Orleans Jazz And Heritage Festival, April 23 - May 3
The New Orleans Jazz And Heritage Festival is a 10-day event held over two weekends, bringing together thousands of musicians, craftspeople, and food lovers to share in common threads of culture in the heart of New Orleans. You'll get to enjoy works by artisans local to Louisiana as well as from across the U.S. and around the world.
Black Food Truck Festival, April 26-28
Hosted in Charleston, S.C., the Black Food Truck Festival includes an opening party, access to more than two dozen food truck vendors, and a time to workout with other attendees. Charleston has long been known as a Southern foodie destination, with global recognition due to James Beard-awarded chefs heading popular restaurants there and a renewed focus on Gullah and Geechee culture and food in the region. And what better conversation ice-breaker than to talk about food with a new acquaintance?
Black Women's Mental Health Conference, May 4
Hosted by New York University, this is a one-day event to tackle issues of mental wellness and health that uniquely affect Black women and girls. The keynote speaker for this year is Kim Young, MSW, LCSW, founder of Dope Black Social Worker® and host of the podcast Revolutionary Hoodrat, and leading licensed professionals in the field will offer their insights and share their experiences. And, of course, no college-led event is without time blocked specifically for networking.
Strength of a Woman Festival, May 11-12
Anything with Mary J. Blige headlining or leading is a win, especially if we're talking about women's empowerment and enjoyment. This event will be held in New York City, and beyond the performances from some of our favorites like Muni Long, Jill Scott, and The Clark Sisters, there will be a Gospel Brunch. And even if you're not able to attend or concerts aren't your thing, just being in the city during that time will mean you're bound to run into plenty of other women to network with at local bars and restaurants nearby.
Carefree Black Girl Cookout, May 4
Held in the Queen City, Charlotte, N.C., this is a day festival amplifying the voices and brands of Black women entrepreneurs, artists, and creatives. There will be vendors, glam and beauty bars, and complimentary meals for the first hour (according to the platform's website). They're hosting another cookout in Philadelphia on May 25.
Black Women Leading Live, May 13-16
Touted as an “intimate retreat + conference,” this Virginia Beach, VA event will be held on a resort and is offering a professional development experience led by Laura Knights, founder of the Black Woman Leading® program and podcast. It’s an ideal fit if you’re a mid-level or senior professional, as the topics and approach are set to cater to those levels of career experience, with coaches and speakers pouring into attendees with a holistic approach.
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Featured image by PIKSEL/Getty Images