What Prom 2021 looks like | Morning Newsletter

No one wants to stop the prom — again. To avoid canceling the dance two years in a row, Philly-area high schools are getting creative to make sure prom still happens. That includes plans for social distancing, outdoor venues, and even no dancing.

And, late Friday, the CDC lifted the pause on administering Johnson & Johnson vaccines. Now, product labeling will include detailed information about the rare blood-clotting disorder.

— Lauren Aguirre (@laurencaguirre, morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

Each week we go behind the scenes with one of our reporters or editors to discuss their work and the challenges they face along the way. This week we chat with columnist Elizabeth Wellington about her work and why self-care is so important.

Can you describe your work as a lifestyle columnist and how you approach it?

It’s changed a lot over the years. But The Inquirer’s new focus on service has really impacted my approach. There was a time where I riffed off things that happened in pop culture. Now my column looks at how we live life, what motivates us, why do we do what we do? And in the age of COVID-19, my column seeks to understand the issues we need the most help navigating and tips on how to best do it.

How do you describe the difference between a columnist and a reporter?

A columnist shares their opinion, writes from the heart, and speaks with the reader as if they’re one of them. Reporters write from the heart, too. But they are objective and provide the platform for the subjects to speak to the reader.

You wrote this week about the lessons from this year after the Chauvin verdict. What’s the top one on your mind?

The top one on my mind is the importance of self-care. This has been one hell of a year. And in the hustle of trying to get it all done, we forget that if we don’t take care of ourselves it won’t get done. This is doubly important for Black people, and the importance quadruples for Black women. Black women are everything to everybody. We have spent our lives taking care not only of our families, but this country, and we’ve neglected our own minds, bodies and spirits. It’s OK that we take the time to take care of ourselves. And it’s OK to shut it down sometimes. When our cup is full, we can then, and only then, fill others’.

What are the best ways to practice self-care and self-compassion to help during this fight for equity?

Stay informed, but remember to turn off the dribble-drabble of social media. Know that it’s OK to say, “No.” Our time is precious, and it’s a limited commodity. Social media is addictive, I get it, but try to keep your feed full of things that lift your spirit. And never compare yourself to anyone. (I keep having to learn this one the hard way.) If someone makes you mad, stop following them. You don’t have to unfriend them, just mute their updates. I think it’s important that we listen to people. Listening is the key to compassion. If we — myself included — can shut our traps long enough and listen to what people have to say, instead of being so defensive, we can look at them with humanity. What’s missing in this world is humanity. I don’t have to like Trump supporters. But I can’t treat them or think of them as anything less than human beings. If I do, then all I’m doing is contributing to the atmosphere of violence.

What are some other pieces you’ve written recently that you’re proud of?

I’ve written about hate. This was a very challenging piece, and it required me to dig deeply into my own preconceived notions about people. The beauty of this job is that access to experts really helps me to apply the knowledge to my own issues and concerns. I wrote a piece about Dry January that I found many people related to. I’ve managed to continue to cut back wine. (Now, if I could only eat less cheese.) I also really love writing columns that reframe the way we think about race. This is why I’m such a strong supporter of The Colored Girls Museum. This recent story that talked about the perils of the adultification of Black girls is near and dear to my heart as well.

What’s one thing you wish more people understood better about your work?

Most journalists aren’t out to “get” people. We are out to inform people. We are not working against the people. We work with the people. My mission is to understand people, their issues, their concerns, their hopes and dreams to the best of my ability. In that way I can help other people open their minds and consider other possibilities. It’s important that we tell people’s stories from their perspective. That takes listening. But in order for me to be able to listen, folks have to be willing to talk. For them to be willing to talk, they have to be willing to trust. I don’t take that trust lightly. And most journalists do not either.

What is something you’re looking forward to this year?

Once I’m fully vaccinated, I plan to book time at a spa. You know, one of those really expensive spas that offer fluffy robes and serve you champagne all day. I want a deluxe manicure, a deluxe pedicure, and a hot stone massage. And I want every inch of my aching body scrubbed to the hilt. I need all of this unsettled pandemic energy out of the center of my universe. Now, where to go?

Email Elizabeth Wellington at ewellington@inquirer.com and follow her on Twitter at @ewellingtonphl.

Another hard day’s work. Thanks for sharing, @g_laroco!

Tag your Instagram posts or tweets with #OurPhilly and we’ll pick our favorite each day to feature in this newsletter and give you a shout-out!

It’s understandable to be nervous about getting the COVID-19 vaccine, but there are some myths you shouldn’t believe in. First, the vaccine is completely free for all Americans. And no, it can’t change your DNA or affect your fertility. It’s also impossible to get the actual COVID-19 virus from the vaccines. For more on the facts and the science, check out eight myths my colleague Grace Dickinson fact-checked for you.

What are you looking forward to this summer? It’s nearly May, so we asked our Instagram followers what they’re looking forward to in the new season. Here’s what some of them said:

💖 “Seeing my family out of state for the first time since 2019!”

💉 “Being fully vaccinated!”

🏖️ “Seeing my mom back home at the shore. I’ve seen her once in the past 16 months.”

☀️ “Morning walks outside!”

🤗 “Hugs!!!”

Give us a follow on Instagram at @PhillyInquirer so you can share your thoughts with us.

The newest location of Insomnia Cookies has a CookieLab “speakeasy” behind a secret door. The new South Philly shop, across from Pat’s Steaks, lets you design your own cookies — but only after you enter the lab from behind a bookshelf.