Some seasons feel dim. Not broken — just quiet. Like the thing that used to light you up has gone somewhere you can't quite reach.That's where Octavia has been. And in this episode, she gets honest about coming out of a season that knocked her sideways — physically, emotionally, all of it. She talks about what it really means to lose your spark, why it happens to women who are doing everything right, and the small, unglamorous ways you start coming back to yourself.Plus — April was a moment for Black romance. She's reviewing two reads that helped her recenter: Big Girl Blitz by Danielle Allen (the perfect series closer) and The Art of Loving You by Natasha Bishop (a slow burn second chance romance about grief that will leave you feeling it all).In this episode:Why your spark going quiet isn't a breakdown — it's a messageThis week's affirmation for anyone in a season of reconnectionA full breakdown of Big Girl Blitz — the community, the angst, and the Aunt Addie scenes that will have you in shamblesWhy The Art of Loving You is its own emotional experience and deserves to be met that wayBooks mentioned:Big Girl Blitz by Danielle AllenThe Art of Loving You by Natasha BishopCurvy Girl Summer by Danielle Allen (Curve series, book 1)Plus Size Player by Danielle Allen (Curve series, book 2)If Only for the Week by Natasha Bishop (Forever Falling series, book 1)Find this and other recommendations at The CultureLit online BookShop and support independent bookstores at Visit my bookshop!Sponsor: Jayne + BloomIf you've been looking for a way to make your daily routine feel more intentional, check out my Clean Beauty Gifts With Purpose collection on Jayne + Bloom. Thoughtfully chosen sets for you and the women in your life — clean ingredients, real care, no compromise. Visit JayneandBloom.com.Culture Lit is a community celebrating black women and black love, and a reminder that black women deserve joy, love success, second chances, and all the beautiful magic the world has to offer.Subscribe to the Culture Lit Podcast Community here: CultureLitPodcast.comPlease follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen to your podcasts!Let me know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading.STAY CONNECTEDInstagram: becomingoctaviaThreads: becomingoctaviaFB: BecomingOctaviaMarieMusic credit: Cool Jazz Beat by FASOL PRODA Subito Media production

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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