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Journey to U4ia (euphoria) is BrownStyle Magazine’s new column written by Vanessa Simmons. In this candid and inspirational series, the mom and multi-hyphenate entertainer shares her journey to wellness and mindful living.
BrownStyle Fam, can you believe it’s almost officially Summer?
I’ve truly enjoyed writing and sharing my love for wellness with you throughout the seasons. It’s been a joy to start conversations and bring inspiration on how we can work toward our best selves. We dived into so much, including romanticizing your wellness routine, trying pilates, and navigating the ‘winter blues’ with self-care.
With Summer only days away, I thought it was the perfect time to share some of my top reads for the season, along with a couple of practical wellness tips I love to nourish my mind and body.
My U4IA Summer Reading List
In a world brimming with digital distractions, it sometimes feels like reading a physical book is a lost art. Studies even show fewer Americans are picking up books in their free time.
This Summer, I’m making it a personal goal to be more intentional about filling any idle moments with great reads. Reading offers incredible benefits for our mental well-being: it reduces stress, boosts mindfulness and optimism, and can even decrease anxiety and depression. Think of it as exercise for your brain—a healthy escape that, with repetition, helps us grow.
Here are three books I highly suggest adding to your Summer Reading List:
Atomic Habits by James Clear
This book is a deep dive into how small, consistent habits can lead to significant, long-term goals. I’m always looking for ways to grow, so a personal development book is always a must-have on my reading list.
Can’t Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan
As a New York Times bestseller, this book immediately caught my eye, especially since it’s part of a series. I absolutely love it when a good book feels so vivid you can envision it playing out on a movie screen! Join lead character Hendrix Barry as she navigates love and a truly fabulous life – think vision board-worthy. Reviews describe it as a powerful story about sacrifice, self-resilience, and finding true happiness. I’m already hooked and ready for this to be my beach read this Summer!
The ‘Let Them’ Theory by Mel Robbins
I’ve been listening to this as an audiobook in my free time, and it’s quite an interesting read. The buzz around the theory presented in the book is what initially drew me in. Described as “life-changing,” it teaches us how to stop wasting energy on things we can’t control, break free from self-doubt and fear, and ultimately define our own path to success, joy, and fulfillment.
My Summer Wellness Tips
Beyond getting lost in a good book, I also want to share two simple wellness tips I’ll be prioritizing this Summer.
✨ Embracing The 30-Day Journal Challenge
I’ve often shared my love for journaling in past columns, and for good reason! When I make time for it, I notice a significant difference in my daily routine, my attitude, and even the manifestation of my goals. There’s something powerful about writing things down—it acts as a roadmap for your life, creating repetition that ultimately shapes your reality.
I invite you to join me in a 30-day journaling challenge. There are many techniques, so I encourage you to find what resonates most with you. Personally, I often start my mornings with a stream-of-consciousness session, writing anything that comes to mind for 5-10 minutes. (Don’t worry about it making perfect sense; that’s not what it’s for. Its purpose is to serve as a brain dump. I find it helps me feel clearer as I navigate my day.)
Another powerful practice is gratitude journaling, where I simply jot down everything I’m thankful for. The practice of gratitude is very powerful and even transformational when you are intentional about being grateful.
Whatever technique you find useful, I say go for it! Writing can make a huge difference in your mindset, and once your mindset shifts, miracles occur.
✨ Trying My Go-To Pineapple Peel Tea
Before I sign off, I have to share a quick and easy recipe that has become my new Summer obsession. There are so many benefits of consuming pineapples, but have you ever tried making pineapple tea from the peel? It’s my favorite new hack for a flatter belly, improved digestion, and glowing skin—plus, it smells absolutely amazing!
Next time you have a pineapple, simply save the peel, clean it well, boil it for about 15 minutes, strain, and enjoy. I’ve been loving it both hot and cold, and it’s truly been a game changer for my wellness routine!
Sending you all Love until next time,
Vanessa
Editor’s Note: This story has been edited and condensed for clarity.
By BrownStyle Magazine in Special Editions
72 pages, published 1/17/2025
