Adja Thomas-Mbaye

1. Move furniture around in your work area. This refreshes your energy

2. Go for a short walk. It clears your mind

3. Drink cold water or make tea. It wakes you up

4. Take a quick shower. It resets your mood

5. Clean a small space. It builds momentum

6. Put on music. It shifts your state fast

7. Change your outfit. It changes how you feel

8. Open a window. Fresh air helps you think

9. Do one tiny task. It breaks the resistance

10. Set a 10 minute timer. It makes starting easier

11. Write a simple to do list. It gives direction

12. Stretch your body. It releases tension

13. Light a candle or spray a scent. It refreshes your space

14. Step outside in the sun. It boosts your mood

15. Drink something with electrolytes. It supports energy

16. Watch a short inspiring video. It sparks action

17. Change locations. New environments create focus

18. Put your phone on airplane mode. Fewer distractions

19. Do a brain dump in a journal. It takes away overwhelm

Sylvester, the "Queen of Disco" (1947–1988)

Born in Los Angeles Sylvester developed a love of singing through the gospel choir of their Pentecostal church. In their early teens Sylvester left the family home to live with their grandmother, who was more accepting of their homosexuality and crossdressing

In the 60s Sylvester found friendship among a group of black cross-dressers and transgender women who called themselves 'The Disquotays'. Sylvester performed in drag as Ruby Blue singing Billie Holliday and the other blues singers. While in 'The Disquotays' Sylvester befriended Etta James, getting to sing together in her home. After moving to San Francisco in 1967, Sylvester joined avant-garde drag troupe 'The Cockettes'

In 1973 Sylvester started working on music, recording an unreleased album. "His backing band for this project was unique in that the members were all white heterosexual males called 'The Hot Band.'" Switching management Sylvester found new backing singers, duo 'Two Tons O’ Fun' who would later change their name to 'The Weather Girls.'

In 1977 Sylvester released their first album and the next year they began working on their follow up album, which produced their biggest song “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” Sylvester went on to release ten albums in the span of nine years.

Sylvester was an activist who campaigned against the spread of HIV/AIDS. Their partner Rick Cranmer died of AIDS-related complications in 1987, a year before Sylvester would also pass from the virus. They left all future royalties from their work to San Francisco-based HIV/AIDS charities. As per their wishes, they were buried in a red kimono with full make up.