Being independent [in the Black female community] seems to be giving strong Black woman vibes and we think it's time to have a conversation. 

Listen sis, you CAN indeed do all the things. You've undoubtedly proven that time and time again, but the gag is you don't have to. When you try do everything on your own, you may find yourself gradually slipping back in the habits of being strong that you've worked so hard to free yourself from. 

In today's episode we talk about the importance of finding balance important to find a  being independent and being open to asking for and receiving support from others. 

A few things that came up in our conversation:

The thin line between being independent and being strong

Being "too" independent and its relationship with unhealed trauma

The art of clearly articulating what you need

Being vulnerable enough to ask for what you need 

RESOURCES TO SUPPORT YOU IN DOING STRONG DIFFERENTLY

Come gather and grow with us in the SOS Sista Circle

Want to be a part of a community of sistas supporting sistas through the ebbs and flows of life? Consider being a part of the SOS Virtual Sista Circle where we gather monthly to chat it up about all the things that concern us, while holding each other accountable with love — accountable for how we see ourselves, treat ourselves, walk through the world, and how we allow others to treat us. Join us today at shadesofstrong.com.

Cultivate a daily practice of nurturing yourself with Nurture Yourself Bingo

Nurturing yourself does not have to be difficult, but it does need to be consistent, so why not make it fun. Nurture Yourself Bingo is divided into five categories – one category per card. Each category has twenty-four activities to support you in a daily practice of nurturing yourself. All you need to do to get started is print the cards, laminate them, and start nurturing yourself.

Do one activity daily, marking a X in the squares as you go until you get bingo. Once you get bingo, do something to celebrate yourself. If you get bingo on more than one card at the same time, up the celebration. Alternatively, you can work on one card at a time and/or do more than one activity a day. It’s your practice, do what feels right for you. Whatever you decide, we've got FIVE CATEGORIES & 124 WAYS for you to do it.

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