Black women friendships are powerful, but sometimes the support we give and receive doesn’t fully meet our needs,  leaving us feeling unseen and unheard. In this week’s episode of the Shades of Strong Podcast, we explore why supportive friendships matter, and what  to do when the support isn’t giving what it’s supposed to give.  Black women deserve friendships that truly see them. Inspired by a powerful scene from Being Mary Jane, we explore:

This episode shines a light on the unique struggles Black women face when it comes to support while offering a culturally relevant solution in Support Languages™. It’s not just about pointing out the gaps—it’s about empowering you to close them, name what you need, and start asking for the support you truly deserve.

It’s a call to action to stop settling for surface-level support and start building relationships that feel like home. Because every Black woman deserves to feel seen, heard, and held—without judgment, without struggle, and without being dismissed.

This conversation is a powerful step toward creating that reality.

Support for Black women isn’t just a concept—it’s a necessity, especially for those of us who feel like the weight of the world is always on our shoulders.

So, let’s talk about the kind of support for Black women that uplifts —the kind you actually need, not the kind that leaves you feeling drained, unseen, and unheard. In this episode of Shades of Strong, we’re diving deep into why the help you’ve been getting isn’t landing and how you can start asking for support that truly serves you.

As Black women, we’ve been conditioned to carry the weight of the world, holding it all together while quietly struggling under the pressure. But that narrative stops here. This week, I’m introducing you to Support Languages™, a culturally relevant framework designed to help you name your unique support needs.

Tune in to learn:

If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying it all alone, this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why This Episode Matters:

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

www.shadesofstrong.com

Are you tired of carrying the emotional weight of being the “strong one”? Sis, you’re not alone. Shades of Strong is back, and we’re reimagining what strength really looks like for hyper-independent Black women.

In this new season, I’m sharing how this space will help you let go of the overwhelm, stop struggling in silence, and finally find strength that feels good — without doing it all by yourself.

Starting January 7th, 2025, join me every week for real, raw conversations about healing, boundaries, support, and everything in between. This is your year to breathe deeper, love yourself harder, and release what wasn’t meant for you.

What You’ll Get From the Show:

Subscribe now and let’s redefine strength—on our terms.

📅 First episode drops January 7th, 2025!

www.shadesofstrong.com

My strong is slowing down and enjoying the simplicity of life. 

As summer gradually winds down and fall begins to approach, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about how we can reflect, recharge, and reconnect with what truly matters. The transition from the busy, energetic days of summer to the calmer, cooler days of fall offers a natural pause, inviting us to slow down and tune into the rhythms of nature.

This gradual shift in seasons serves as a gentle reminder to take a step back and assess our own rhythms. Have we been moving too fast, caught up in the hustle, and neglecting our well-being? Or have we been stuck in a rut, feeling disconnected from our passions and purpose? As the days become shorter and the air crisper, it’s an invitation to realign with our inner selves, to find balance, and to cultivate a deeper sense of peace and fulfillment. It’s about embracing the ebb and flow of life, allowing ourselves the grace to slow down and recharge so that we can move forward with renewed energy and clarity.

Today’s episode is all about recognizing the importance of taking time to recharge and reconnect with what truly matters. We’ll discuss how the transition from summer to fall invites us to slow down and reflect on our lives. You’ll hear about the benefits of pausing to reassess priorities, engaging in simple activities that bring joy, and letting go of what no longer serves us. This episode will help you embrace new beginnings with clarity and purpose, and align more deeply with your true self.

Key Takeaways:

Join our Upcoming “Un-caped” Workshop:   If today’s topic about self-contempt and self-compassion resonates with you, join our monthly “Un-caped” workshop on the last Tuesday of the month. The next one is July 30th, and it’s a great chance to explore these themes further and connect with others on a similar journey.

Stay Connected with All Things Shades of Strong and the Black Female Experience:

 – Register for the “Uncpaed” Workshop

My strong is embracing self-compassion amidst self-criticism.

Welcome to Day 22 of our “me-first” journey! Yesterday, we talked about finding hope in broken places. Today, we’re diving into the impact of holding ourselves in contempt and how it affects our journey to a “me-first” life. This step is crucial for understanding how self-criticism can hinder our well-being and reinforce hyper-independence.

Holding yourself in contempt is more than just an internal struggle; it shapes how you live and interact with the world. It’s that harsh inner voice that undermines your achievements and self-worth, and it often extends to how you view your physical appearance. Understanding this dynamic is essential for creating a “me-first” lifestyle.

Today’s episode is all about recognizing the ways self-contempt can affect your life and how shifting towards self-compassion can transform your experience.

Key Takeaways:

Join our Upcoming “Un-caped” Workshop:   If today’s topic about self-contempt and self-compassion resonates with you, join our monthly “Un-caped” workshop on the last Tuesday of the month. The next one is July 30th, and it’s a great chance to explore these themes further and connect with others on a similar journey.

Looking Ahead: Tomorrow, we’ll explore another important aspect of living a “me-first” life – turning pain into purpose. Stay tuned to continue this transformative journey with us.

Stay Connected with All Things Shades of Strong and the Black Female Experience:

 – Register for the “Uncpaed” Workshop

My strong is finding light in the midst of darkness.

Welcome to Day 21 of our “me-first” journey! Yesterday, we talked about knowing when to walk away. Today, we’re focusing on finding hope in broken places. This step is about more than just seeing the silver lining—it’s about discovering how hope can be a guiding light even in the most challenging times.

We’ve all encountered moments when life feels scattered and overwhelming. During these times, hope can seem like a distant memory. But finding hope in these broken places is essential for rebuilding and moving forward.

Today’s episode is all about recognizing how even in our darkest moments, hope can provide strength and direction. We’ll explore how being grateful for hope can actually amplify it and how to cultivate a practice of acknowledging and appreciating hope in our lives.

Key Takeaways:

Join our Upcoming “Un-caped” Workshop:   If today’s topic about finding hope in broken places resonates with you, join our monthly “Un-caped” workshop on the last Tuesday of the month. The next one is July 30th, and it’s a great opportunity to delve deeper into these ideas and connect with others on a similar path.

Looking Ahead: Tomorrow, we’ll explore another important aspect of living a “me-first” life – holding yourself in contempt. Stay tuned to continue this transformative journey with us.

Stay Connected with All Things Shades of Strong and the Black Female Experience:

 – Register for the “Uncpaed” Workshop

My strong is know when to let of what no longer serves me.

Welcome to Day 20 of our “me-first” journey! Yesterday, we dove into focusing on what we can control, and today, we’re tackling another crucial topic: knowing when to walk away.This step is about more than just moving on—it’s about making space for what truly nurtures you.

We’ve all faced moments when staying in a job or relationship, despite its draining impact, seems like the only option. But knowing when to walk away from these situations is key to breaking free from cycles of dissatisfaction and frustration. That comfort you feel from familiarity might be more of a trap than a sanctuary.

Today’s discussion is all about recognizing when that comfort is holding you back and finding the courage to let go. We dive into understanding how clinging to what’s familiar can keep you in a cycle of dissatisfaction and how stepping away can open doors to new opportunities and growth.

Key Takeaways:

Join our Upcoming “Un-caped” Workshop:   If today’s topic about knowing when to walk away resonates with you, join our monthly “Un-caped” workshop on the last Tuesday of the month. The next one is July 30th, and it’s a great opportunity to delve deeper into these ideas and connect with others on a similar path.

Looking Ahead: Tomorrow, we’ll explore another important aspect of living a “me-first” life – finding hope in broken places. Stay tuned to continue this transformative journey with us.

Stay Connected with All Things Shades of Strong and the Black Female Experience:

 – Register for the “Uncpaed” Workshop

My strong is focusing on things I can control. 

Welcome to Day 19 of our “me-first” journey! Yesterday, we chatted about overcoming fear, and today, we’re exploring a closely related challenge—focusing on things you can control. This discussion is vital as we continue to evolve away from old, restrictive habits and toward a life where we handle uncertainties with grace and ease. Focusing on what you can control  is crucial to avoiding regression into old habits that no longer serve us.

Change is challenging, especially when it surfaces fears about the unknown. But here’s the thing—we might not be able to control every aspect of our lives, but we can certainly control our responses. Today, we’ll explore practical strategies for doing just that. We’re not just talking about surviving amidst chaos but thriving by recognizing the areas of our lives where we have true agency and making intentional choices there.

Today, it’s all about learning to chill and let things flow a little. As we move away from our hyper-independent habits, we’re making room for living in a way that’s not just about surviving, but thriving. We’re talking about moving from trying to control everything to just letting go and letting life happen.

Key Takeaways:

Join our Upcoming “Un-caped” Workshop:   If today’s conversation about control and managing it resonates with you, then you won’t want to miss our monthly “Un-caped” workshop. We’ll dive even deeper into topics like this. It all happens on the last Tuesday of the month. The next one is July 30th, and I’d love to see you there. This is your chance to connect with others who are on the same journey and to really reinforce your commitment to a “me-first” life.

Looking Ahead: Tomorrow, we’ll explore another important aspect of living a “me-first” life – Knowing when to walk away. Stay tuned to continue this transformative journey with us. 

Stay Connected with All Things Shades of Strong and the Black Female Experience:

 – Register for the “Uncpaed” Workshop

My strong is overcoming fear to live a truly empowered life.

Welcome to Day 18 of our “me-first” journey! Yesterday we talked about embracing change. Today, we’re discussing its close cousin, overcoming the fear of the unknown. Just like change, fear of the unknown often bubbles up when we start altering long-held patterns. It’s crucial to confront and manage this fear to prevent slipping back into those familiar but limiting behaviors.

Overcoming fear is not just about suppressing our anxieties; it’s about changing how we react to uncertainty. As we’ve started the process of  letting go of hyper-independent habits, we’ve created opportunities for more supportive, interconnected ways of living. Today’s focus is on understanding and managing the fears that arise during these transformative times.

Key Takeaways:

Join our Upcoming “Un-caped” Workshop:  If today’s conversation about control and managing it resonates with you, then you won’t want to miss our monthly “Un-caped” workshop. We’ll dive even deeper into topics like this. It all happens on the last Tuesday of the month. The next one is July 30th, and I’d love to see you there. This is your chance to connect with others who are on the same journey and to really reinforce your commitment to a “me-first” life.

Looking Ahead: Tomorrow, we’ll explore another important aspect of living a “me-first” life – letting go of control Stay tuned to continue this transformative journey with us. 

Stay Connected with All Things Shades of Strong and the Black Female Experience:

 – Register for the “Uncpaed” Workshop

My strong is embracing change to live a truly “me-first” life.

Welcome to Day 17 of our “me-first” journey! Yesterday, we tackled breaking generational curses. Today, we shift gears to discuss embracing change. Change often follows once we start dismantling old patterns, and it’s important to handle it well to avoid reverting to those old habits.

Embracing change isn’t just about dealing with the new—it’s about truly transforming our approach to life’s challenges. As we’ve started to break away from ingrained behaviors, like hyper-independence, we’ve opened up space for new ways of living. Today, it’s all about learning to roll with the punches and adapting to change in a way that strengthens our  “mee-first” lifestyle.

Key Takeaways:

Join our Upcoming “Un-caped” Workshop:   To explore these themes further and gain more tools for handling change, , join us at the Un-caped workshop on July 30th.We’ll dive deep into strategies for not just surviving but thriving through changes in our lives. Save your seat NOW.

Looking Ahead: Tomorrow, we’ll explore another importatn aspect of living a “me-first” life – reclaiming joy. Stay tuned to continue this transformative journey with us.

Stay Connected with All Things Shades of Strong and the Black Female Experience:

 – Register for the “Uncpaed” Workshop