Shades of Strong | Shifting the Strong Black Woman Narrative

isThe rise of the Black Woman... I am she. She is me! And she is YOU sis!!!  This year brought about change for many of us. Some good, some not so good. But all of it was NECESSARY for us to start becoming the women we were born to be. When you're born in the land of the free as a Black woman, you're born into a world where freedom and opportunity are not equally and equitably distributed. But even with these kind of odds stacked against us; this year we all bore witness to Black women taking center stage in various areas of their lives both individually and collectively and we couldn't be happier to see it all unfold. From Washington DC to our own back yards, It was truly a rise of the Black woman year, so Natty and I thought we would chat it up about some of the global moments in film and TV, as well as some of the moments where we took center stage in our lives.  Today's episode of the Shades of Strong Podcast is dedicated to Black women across the globe who dared to take a stand against the inequities, to Black women who refused to be silenced and to Black women who are screaming to the mountain tops, "my humanness matters". Here's to your RISE OF THE BLACK WOMAN MOMENTS!   Listen to the Podcast   Listen on Apple Podcast          Listen on on Spotify                                                                 Your Turn, Sis! We're using our My Strong Is™ campaign to encourage our listeners to give up a life of hyper-independence, hyper-productivity, and hyper-resilience in exchange for one of play and ease. My Strong Is is a campaign where we're highlighting Black women who are daring to do strong differently – Black women who are making a conscious and deliberate effort to give up a life of caping, masking, and hiding. We would love to hear how you define strong. All you have to do is complete the statement, “My strong is” and tag us (@shadesofstrong) on your favorite social media platform using the hashtags #shadesofstrong and #mystrongis. Alternatively, you can come be a guest on the podcast and share your strong with our listeners. Either way, we want to know!!! Connect with Shades of Strong on Instagram,  Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn catch up with all things Shades of Strong at www.shadesofstrong.com. Catch up on Previous Episodes: Guarding Your Yes vs Saying NoBeing Still and Embracing Quiet MomentsA Journey to Being Soft and StrongThe Journey Towards, Vulnerability, Grace, and EaseMental Health, Resilience, and Postpartum DepressionSteady, Present, and Free Even When Life Be LifingFinding Comfort in Stitting with Uncomfortable Emotions

Accepting yourself fully is the REAL glow up... The world got us out here believing that a glow up is some major transformation in our careers, our appearance, our finances, etc. – you know, all the tangible stuff, but contrary to what they have led us to believe, the real glow up is internal. But what does it really mean to accept yourself? What does it mean to embrace the totallity of who you are?  I'm glad you asked. Accepting yourself is about loving all of you right where you are. It's checking the judgment at the door and knowing that your worthiness or your ability to attract love and affection has nothing to do with your appearance, you career, your relationship or social status.   Accepting yourself fully is knowing that your value is separtate from how you look, what you do, or what happened to you. It's know your mistakes, imperctions and flaws don't define you. In today's episode of the Shades of Strong Podcast, Dr. Cassandre Dunbar encourages us to stop waiting to morph into some perfect version of ourselves, but instead deliberately and intentioanlly embrace who we are in present day life  by letting go of society's expectations of who we should be. Podcast: Accepting Yourself Fully w/Cassandre Dunbar #SHADESOFSTRONG #MYSTRONGIS https://shadesofstrong.com/accepting-yourselfClick To Tweet A few things Cassandre shared during our conversation: How giving birth to her son helped her to embrace and fully love herself What it was like existing in a world where she was not comfortable in her own skin Working through the trauma of not being enough and learning to take up space Recognizing and effectively processing her triggers when the feelings of not being enough rise up Listen to the Podcast   Listen on Apple Podcast          Listen on on Spotify                                                                 ... pivotal moments [paraphrased] in this episode    Getting to actually meet myself in therapy has taught me thatmy strong is accepting myself for all that I am . I don't know how else to put it. I'm a dark skinned woman.I thought I was ugly for a very long time. It took awhile for me to accept me as me.   ABOUT CASSANDRE DUNBAR Dr. Cassandre Dunbar is the creator/host of the award-winning wellness podcast called Be Well, Sis. In her personal quest to achieve holistic wellness, she noted that Black women are often underrepresented or alienated in Wellness spaces despite suffering the worst medical outcomes compared to their peers. Cassandre began her podcasting journey in order to address this lack of inclusion. Since its debut in March 2020, it has been recognized by Apple Podcasts as “New and Noteworthy” twice, ranked among the TOP 10 of Alternative Health podcasts and top 200 of all Apple Podcasts in the United States. She is dedicated to empowering Black women with insightful conversations on mental/emotional healing, personal development, and holistic wellness. Connect with Tangee Augustin on Instagram, Facebook, and/or Twitter. You can also visit her online home at www.bewellsis.com. Your Turn, Sis! We're using our My Strong Is™ campaign to encourage our listeners to give up a life of hyper-independence, hyper-productivity, and hyper-resilience in exchange for one of play and ease. My Strong Is is a campaign where we're highlighting Black women who are daring to do strong differently – Black women who are making a conscious and deliberate effort to give up a life of caping, masking, and hiding. We would love to hear how you define strong. All you have to do is complete the statement, “My strong is” and tag us (@shadesofstrong) on your favorite social media platform using the hashtags #shadesofstrong and #mystrongis. Alternatively, you can come be a guest on the podcast and share your strong with our listeners. Either way, we want to know!!! Connect with Shades of Strong on Instagram,  Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn catch up with all things Shades of Strong at www.shadesofstrong.com.

Guarding your yes is as simple as reframing your no. We've all been there, right? Yes'ing all over the place because we don't want to be seen as angry, difficult, or some other Black woman stereotype – saying yes to things we know we need to say no to, stretching ourselves beyond capacity because we don't want to disappoint those who have come to depend on us, or not taking time to rejuvenate because as Black women, we're supposed to do it all. Saying no is often hard for Black women because saying yes is so deeply embedded in the Black female culture, but aren't you tired of being on the hamster wheel of always saying yes? In today's episode of the Shades of Strong Podcast, Tangee Augustin, LCSW challenges listeners to get off the hamster wheel and get your no game up by knowing your limits and guarding your yes. Podcast: Guarding Your Yes vs Saying No w/Tangee Augustin #SHADESOFSTRONG #MYSTRONGIS https://shadesofstrong.com/guarding-your-yesClick To Tweet A few things Tangee shared during our conversation: How to reframe your no and give yourself permission to NOT say yes The Black woman's reluctance to saying no and how it's directly related to people pleasing What it looks like to make the shift from saying no to guarding your yes How not saying can lead to burn out, anxiety, and depression Listen to the Podcast   Listen on Apple Podcast          Listen on on Spotify                                                                 ... just because it bears repeating “Changing the narrative from saying no to guarding your yes is youdoing something for you, which is exactly what it's all about. It's aboutsetting limits for what you'll say yes to.” “It's time to get off the hamster wheel of yes'ing all over the place. Guarding your yes is as simple as reframing your no." Changing the narrative from saying no to guarding your yes is you doing something for you. Say it with me, sis: I'm not saying no. I'm guarding my yes. #SHADESOFSTRONG #MYSTRONGISClick To Tweet ABOUT TANGEE AUGUSTIN Tangee Augustin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience working in the human service field. She earned her BSW and Advanced Standing MSW at Virginia Commonwealth University. She is the co-owner and lead therapist of Avail Outpatient Counseling LLC, a mind-body practice. In her private practice, Tangee uses Evidenced-Based Conventional Therapies in conjunction with Complementary and Alternative Therapies such as meditation, mindfulness, nutritional counseling, and stress management (i.e., progressive relaxation, guided imagery, deep-breathing exercises). Tangee has a Mindfulness Certification, is a Certified Nutritional & Integrative Mental Health Provider, and a Reiki I & II Practitioner. She has undergone several training related to CBT, DBT, Trauma Informed Care, and non-pharmaceutical interventions for mental health disorders. Her holistic and therapeutic approach encompasses the whole person including physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, and environmental aspects. Connect with Tangee Augustin on Instragram, Facebook, and/or LinkedIn. Your Turn, Sis! We're using our My Strong Is™ campaign to encourage our listeners to give up a life of hyper-independence, hyper-productivity, and hyper-resilience in exchange for one of play and ease. My Strong Is is a campaign where we're highlighting Black women who are daring to do strong differently – Black women who are making a conscious and deliberate effort to give up a life of caping, masking, and hiding. We would love to hear how you define strong. All you have to do is complete the statement, “My strong is” and tag us (@shadesofstrong) on your favorite social media platform using the hashtags #shadesofstrong and #mystrongis. Alternatively, you can come be a guest on the podcast and share your strong with our listeners. Either way, we want to know!!! Connect with Shades of Strong on Instagram,  Facebook, Twitter,

Being still and embracing quiet moments gives me Easy Like Sunday Morning vibes. It's liberating, you know? It's not necessarily about not physically moving, it's about creating a life with less stress, worry, and emotional overwhelm and Kimberly Sumpter is committed to mastering the art of it. In this episode, Kimberly gives me an inside look at what it took for her to finally go from a life of extreme overwhelm to one where she intentionally and unapologetically ceates time to play, breathe and connect. A few things she shared during our conversation: The defining moment when she realzied she needed to do life differently The importance of giving ourselves space to stop, breathe, rest and grieve How learned behavior [from her mother] contributed to her "need" to always be on the move Why she finds something once a week that makes her bawl cry and something every single day that makes her laugh A very POWEFUL practice she's integrated into her life to help her stay grounded. SN: It's not meditation or yoga, but it's just as powerful. A Couple of Quoteable Moments: “I can still have a voice, I can still do what I do without having to be on social media and in that game 24/7." "Making sure you're enjoy life is so important. It's hard to enjoy life when you feel so beaten down by the world and all the things you're doing" ABOUT KIMBERLY SUMPTER Kimberly Sumpter is a podcast instructor who encourages women of color to expand their reach and share their unique stories through the power of podcasting. Before launching "Podcast To Empower" during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kimberly spent over seventeen years as a Radio Announcer, News and Traffic Reporter, and Promotions Director with a successful and rewarding career at major media brands including Clear Channel Radio, Service Broadcasting, and Radio One in Dallas, Texas. Kimberly now mentors and coaches emerging podcasters with her signature "concept to launch" approach to find their unique voice as they craft compelling content for their ideal listeners. She currently teaches the fundamentals of podcasting to students from around the world through the Classroom Au Pair program and at Hudson County Community College in Jersey City, NJ. Kimberly is the host of the Sistahs Connect Podcast and has been featured on MSNBC, the Podcast Business Journal, Authority Magazine, Izzy and Liv, and on Libsyn.com. Connect with Kimberly Sumpter on Instragram, Facebook, and/or LinkedIn. Your Turn, Sis! We're using our My Strong Is™ campaign to encourage our listeners to give up a life of hyper-independence, hyper-productivity, and hyper-resilience in exchange for one of play and ease. My Strong Is is a campaign where we're highlighting Black women who are daring to do strong differently – Black women who are making a conscious and deliberate effort to give up a life of caping, masking, and hiding. We would love to hear how you define strong. All you have to do is complete the statement, "My strong is" and tag us (@shadesofstrong) on your favorite social media platform using the hashtags #shadesofstrong and #mystrongis. Alternatively, you can come be our guest on the podcast and share your strong with our listeners. Either way, we want to know!!!  Connect with Shades of Strong on Instagram,  Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn catch up with all things Shades of Strong at www.shadesofstrong.com. Catch up on Previous Episodes: S5 | Ep 005 A Journey to Being Soft and Strong S5 | Ep 004 The Journey Towards, Vulnerability, Grace, and Ease S5 | Ep 003 Mental Health, Resilience, and Postpartum Depression S5 | Ep 002 Steady, Present, and Free Even When Life Be Lifing S5 | Ep 001 Finding Comfort in Stitting with Uncomfortable Emotions

Do Black women GET to be soft and strong? Do they have the capacity to be soft, feminine, strong and receptive?  There are so many layers to these questions, and Ivory Bennett stopped by to start peeling them all back.  Join us in today's episode as she takes us on a journey of what it took for her to finally tap into being soft, feminine, and receptive. Ivory admits that arriving in this space hasn't been easy, and it is indeed challenging to remain there, but she's determined not to go back to that space where being hard was all she had. She gets really candid and transparent about how racism and spending seventeen years in foster care made it extremely difficult to be soft as a matter of fact, she tells a story how being soft was not an option until she got deliberate  and intentional about making it one. Tweetable Moments: “Being strong doesn't have to look, sound or feel a certain way, and being soft doesn't have to go against our survival." "As Black women we can unconsciously, or sometimes deliberately make it difficult for other Black women to rest." “We need to get out of the mindset of hardening people up, or getting them prepared for the world in a way that is damaging...” ABOUT IVORY BENNETT Ivory Bennett (She/Her/Hers) is a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native who is currently a Manager of Teacher Leadership and Development in Dallas, Texas. Additionally, Ivory is an active advocate for both education and foster care equity - she has 17 years of lived experience in foster care. Outside of Education, Ivory is an avid writer with a particular passion for poetry and playwriting. Ivory loves international travel, holistic health practices, vegan soul food, and tending to her plant babies.  Connect with Ivory Bennett on Instragram, Facebook, and/or LinkedIn. Your Turn, Sis! We're using our My Strong Is™ campaign to encourage our listeners to give up a life of hyper-independence, hyper-productivity, and hyper-resilience in exchange for one of play and ease. My Strong Is is a campaign where we're highlighting Black women who are daring to do strong differently – Black women who are making a conscious and deliberate effort to give up a life of caping, masking, and hiding. We would love to hear how you define strong. All you have to do is complete the statement, "My strong is" and tag us (@shadesofstrong) on your favorite social media platform using the hashtags #shadesofstrong and #mystrongis. Alternatively, you can come be our guest on the podcast and share your strong with our listeners. Either way, we want to know!!!  Connect with Shades of Strong on Instagram,  Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn catch up with all things Shades of Strong at www.shadesofstrong.com. Catch up on Previous Episodes: S5 | Ep 004 The Journey Towards, Vulnerability, Grace, and Ease S5 | Ep 003 Mental Health, Resilience, and Postpartum Depression S5 | Ep 002 Steady, Present, and Free Even When Life Be Lifing S5 | Ep 001 Finding Comfort in Stitting with Uncomfortable Emotions Superwoman Must Die | Slaying the Strong Black Woman Syndrome

Contrary to popular belief, Black women are extremely vulnerable. Whether we embrace that vulnerbility with grace and ease is a whole other Story. In today's epiosede Trezelle Morgain  takes us on her journey towards grace, vulnerability and ease. She admits getting to a place where she wasble to stand in the totality of who she is was no easy feat, but she was tired of being hyper-independent and hyper-productive. When Covid graced us with her presence, Trezellefound herself feeling stuck and hopeless and she knew something in her life needed to change. After several years of "BEING STRONG", she finally begin to realize that being strong was not all she had and found the couragce to embrace and stand up in her vulnerability. In doing so, she is now able to do life from a place of grace and ease. Press Play and GET INTO THIS AWESOMENESS! ABOUT TREZELLE MORGAIN Trezelle Morgain is a multi-passionate business, fashion & lifestyle creative. The founder of Eco Onyx, Colony Coterie & Melanated Model. With goals of becoming a VC & living a life filled with grace, impact & prosperity, Trezelle shows up as a mom, stylist, model, business guide & consultant & many other passions. Trezelle Inclusive, what's the main focus? Well it depends on the day. Connect with Trezelle on Instragram @trezelle.inc and on her website at trezelleinc.com.  Your Turn, Sis! We're using our My Strong Is™ campaign to encourage our listeners to give up a life of hyper-independence, hyper-productivity, and hyper-resilience in exchange for one of play and ease. My Strong Is is a campaign where we're highlighting Black women who are daring to do strong differently – Black women who are making a conscious and deliberate effort to give up a life of caping, masking, and hiding. We would love to hear how you define strong. All you have to do is complete the statement, "My strong is" and tag us (@shadesofstrong) on your favorite social media platform using the hashtags #shadesofstrong and #mystrongis. Alternatively, you can come be our guest on the podcast and share your strong with our listeners. Either way, we want to know!!!  Connect with Shades of Strong on Instagram,  Facebook, and Twitter and catch up with all things Shades of Strong at www.shadesofstrong.com. Catch up on Previous Episodes: S5 | Ep 003 Mental Health, Resilience, and Postpartum Depression S5 | Ep 002 Steady, Present, and Free Even When Life Be Lifing S5 | Ep 001 Finding Comfort in Stitting with Uncomfortable Emotions Superwoman Must Die | Slaying the Strong Black Woman Syndrome Day 1 — Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding the Strong Black Superwoman Day 2 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | When Love Becomes Kryptonite Day 3 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Side Effects of the Black Superwoman Syndrome Day 4 Uncaping Unmasking Unhiding | Why We Become People Pleasers

Mental Health, Resilience, and Postpartum Depression often get a bad rap in the Black female community. Mental health because it's highly stigmatized, resilience because Black women are often celebrated for their bounce back game even when it's to their own detriment, and postpartum depression because depression in and of itself is taboo – add postpartum in front of it and it becomes even more taboo.  We're glad "critically acclaimed and born" Sasha Nicole is going against the grain and talking about ALL OF IT no matter how taboo or uncomfortable it may be. She stopped by the virtual studio to chat it up and pour it out about her experience with severe postpartum depression, resilience and how both impacted her mental health. The reality is we may not look like what we've been through, but we've most certainly fought battles and bounced back from circumstances that probably could have and should have taken us out. That's what resilience looks like for most of us, but for Sasha Nicole it also looks like being able to overcome her own self-inflicted obstacles and taking accountability for the choices she's made.  There are levels to this sh*t and Sasha Nicole is not afraid to break it all down. From reframing resilience to the disparities in mental health and the lack of knowledge and awareness around postpartum depression, she leaves no stone unturned. Press Play and GET INTO THIS AWESOMENESS! Tweetable Moments: “ In many cases there are a lot of Black women who are forced to be hyper-resilient for reasons stemming from trauma..." CLICK TO TWEET. “A lot of times we like to go through fires and pretend we didn't get burned. We keep putting that band-aid on and using resiliency as a way to wear the cape and keep going.”  CLICK TO TWEET. ABOUT SASHA NICOLE For women who feel stuck and stagnant in life, Sasha Nicole teaches how to feel more confident and courageous through various courses, motivational videos, coaching, and keynote speeches. As a mental health advocate in the wellness industry for over ten years who not only survived severe postpartum depression and thrives with a mental health condition, it is her mission to assist others in living a healed and whole life while honing in on what truly makes you happy. Connect with Sasha on Instragram @therealsashanicole and on her website at www.fearlessnfluence.com. If you need support managing life after birth, connect with her at Partum Evolution or  join the support group HERE. Your Turn, Sis! We're using our My Strong Is™ campaign to encourage our listeners to give up a life of hyper-independence, hyper-productivity, and hyper-resilience in exchange for one of play and ease. My Strong Is is a campaign where we're highlighting Black women who are daring to do strong differently – Black women who are making a conscious and deliberate effort to give up a life of caping, masking, and hiding. We would love to hear how you define strong. All you have to do is complete the statement, "My strong is" and tag us (@shadesofstrong) on your favorite social media platform using the hashtags #shadesofstrong and #mystrongis. Alternatively, you can come be our guest on the podcast and share your strong with our listeners. Either way, we want to know!!!  Connect with Shades of Strong on Instagram,  Facebook, and Twitter and catch up with all things Shades of Strong at www.shadesofstrong.com. Catch up on Previous Episodes: S5 | Ep 002 Steady, Present, and Free Even When Life Be Lifing S5 | Ep 001 Finding Comfort in Stitting with Uncomfortable Emotions Superwoman Must Die | Slaying the Strong Black Woman Syndrome Day 1 — Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding the Strong Black Superwoman Day 2 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | When Love Becomes Kryptonite Day 3 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Side Effects of the Black Superwoman Syndrome Day 4 Uncaping Unmasking Unhiding | Why We Become People Pleasers

Life be lifing!!!!  How many times have you said that to yourself in a week, a month, a day?  Yeah, I said a day because "depending on the kind of  life you're living, life be happening (aka lifing) every 30 seconds for you." But, don't worry sis, we got you!  My good friend, Chelsea Wallace came through to drop some knowledge on how we can ALL remain steady, present, and free even when LIFE LBE LIFING super hard.  "Life is so unpredictable in its routine, you can end up in a position where you are consistently triggered."  If you don't process and effectively move through those triggers, life doing what it does will have you in a constant state of chaos and unease. In today's episode Chelsea shares how she processes and move through life's triggers so that she always lands in a place of steadiness, presence and freedom.  Tweetable Moments: “I came to the realization that I don't have to follow every trigger, every scenario. I don't have to sit in those things. You cannot affect me unless I allow you to" CLICK TO TWEET. “So very often we run on auto pilot and don't make the intentional choices that are ours to make.”  CLICK TO TWEET. ABOUT CHELSEA WALLACE Chelsea Wallace, the Launch Copy Coach, is a Launch Coach and High-Ticket Copywriter who has helped hundreds of online brands execute multi-5 and 6 figure marketing campaigns, grossing over $3,000,000 in revenue. As The Launch Copy Coach, she supports online coaches and course creators who want to create high-revenue launches but refuse to compromise their well-being to do so. Connect with Chelsea on Instragram @thelaunchcopycoach. Your Turn, Sis! We're using our My Strong Is™ campaign to encourage our listeners to give up a life of hyper-independence, hyper-productivity, and hyper-resilience in exchange for one of play and ease. My Strong Is is a campaign where we're highlighting Black women who are daring to do strong differently – Black women who are making a conscious and deliberate effort to give up a life of caping, masking, and hiding. We would love to hear how you define strong. All you have to do is complete the statement, "My strong is" and tag us (@shadesofstrong) on your favorite social media platform using the hashtags #shadesofstrong and #mystrongis. Alternatively, you can come be our guest on the podcast and share your strong with our listeners. Either way, we want to know!!!  Connect with Shades of Strong on Instagram,  Facebook, and Twitter and catch up with all things Shades of Strong at www.shadesofstrong.com. Catch up on Previous Episodes: S5 | Ep 001 Finding Comfort in Stitting with Uncomfortable Emotions Superwoman Must Die | Slaying the Strong Black Woman Syndrome Day 1 — Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding the Strong Black Superwoman Day 2 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | When Love Becomes Kryptonite Day 3 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Side Effects of the Black Superwoman Syndrome Day 4 Uncaping Unmasking Unhiding | Why We Become People Pleasers DAY 5 People Pleasing A Harmless Act of Love or a Mental Health Risk? Day 6 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | Ten Whole Years of People Pleasing

Sitting with uncomfortable emotions is undoubtedly one of the most challenging experiences you will encounter along life's journey. It's also one of the most needed to enjoy a life of wholeness and total surrender. I am joined in the virtual studio by one of the most unapologetic and authentic Black women I have met to date. Wendi Dixon is a beautiful soul who has experienced trauma in various areas of her life, but has found comfort, freedom, and peace in sitting with the uncomfortable emotions that once wreaked havoc on her life.  I started my conversation with Wendi by asking her to repeat and complete the statement, "My strong is". She responded with, ″My strong is emotion. I'm able to sit in the dark and the light." In today's episode, she paints a really vivid [before and after] picture of her journey to being able to sit in the "dark and the light" aka sitting with her emotions whether good or bad, happy or sad. Tweetable Moments: "Trauma is not only what happens to you or the events that occur in your life; it's what didn't happen to you as well." CLICK TO TWEET. "You can only meet people where you have already met yourself. I can't hold space for you if I can't hold space for me. I don't even know what holding space looks like."  CLICK TO TWEET ABOUT WENDI: Wendi is a Certified Circle Facilitator, Death Doula and budding Trauma Healing Guide based out of Kentucky. It is her soul's purpose to help you grow by bringing the outer aspects of yourself into alignment with your inner truths. As your mentor and guide, she walks with you as you step into your sovereignty, and freedom to live openly as your authentic self. In her spare time, she enjoys learning about indigenous cultures, and traditions, spending time in nature, and volunteering at her local hospice. Wendi is a first generation American who came from humble beginnings between Chicago and a small village in Belize, Central America. She considers both places home. Every month she facilitates Sister Circles as well as New & Full Moon Circles via Zoom. Get more information about these events by visiting her website TheShadowDoula.com. Your Turn, Sis! We're using our My Strong Is™ campaign to encourage our listeners to give up a life of hyper-independence, hyper-productivity, and hyper-resilience in exchange for one of play and ease. My Strong Is is a campaign where we're highlighting Black women who are daring to do strong differently – Black women who are making a conscious and deliberate effort to give up a life of caping, masking, and hiding. We would love to hear how you define strong. All you have to do is complete the statement, "My strong is" and tag us (@shadesofstrong) on your favorite social media platform using the hashtags #shadesofstrong and #mystrongis.  Connect with Shades of Strong on Instagram,  Facebook, and Twitter and catch up with all things Shades of Strong at www.shadesofstrong.com. Catch up on Previous Episodes: Superwoman Must Die | Slaying the Strong Black Woman Syndrome Day 1 — Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding the Strong Black Superwoman Day 2 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | When Love Becomes Kryptonite Day 3 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Side Effects of the Black Superwoman Syndrome Day 4 Uncaping Unmasking Unhiding | Why We Become People Pleasers DAY 5 People Pleasing A Harmless Act of Love or a Mental Health Risk? Day 6 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | Ten Whole Years of People Pleasing Day 7 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Kick People Pleasing to the Curb

SEASON 5 of the Shades of Strong podcast PREMIERES JULY 19TH…and it promises to be ALL THE THING This season we're showcasing Black women who are daring to do strong differently – Black women who have made a conscious and deliberate effort to give up a life of caping, masking, and hiding in exchange for one of play and ease. After years of playing the role of superwoman, they're telling society, religion, their family, and friends to kick rocks with no shoes on, because they dance to the beat of their own strong. They've taken off the mask, ripped the S from their chest and are unapologetically embracing their vulnerability and humanness. TRUST ME, each episode is going to be EPIC! Every  week I'll be bringing you an amazing Black woman sharing her unique story of how she's been there, done that, overcome that so that you can find the courage to do the same thing. You are not superwoman and I know you're tired of pretending that you are. So, if you don't want to miss the AWESOMENESS that is season 5, head over to our website, type in your name and email address to get notified when new episodes drop.

Magical things happen when Black women heal! PERIOD!!! Shirl and Natty are extending an invitation for you to be a part of a close knit sistahood built on love, friendship, support, and accountability.  A space where sistas lean on each other in times of trouble and unrest, and dance  with each other in times of celebration. Tap into the final episode of Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding series for a conversation about the Sista Circle of Healing, the healing journey, the benefits of healing in community, and how a circle of healing can be a powerful supplement to therapy. If you find yourself in this or previous episodes, and are ready to start your journey to healing,  please consider joining us in the Sista Circle of Healing. And be sure to join us in the Shades of Strong Facebook Community. The Facebook community is a safe space where you can connect with other Black women and have open and honest discussions about things that concern us individually and collectively. This is a safe space where we can lean on each other in times of trouble and unrest, and dance with each other in times of celebration.    Other Episodes in This 30 - Day Series Day 10 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhidng |The Fight Trauma Response & Cookie Lyon Day  9 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Ride or Die That is Cookie Lyon Day 8 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Is Cookie Lyon an Angry Black Woman Day 7 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Kick People Pleasing to the Curb Day 6 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | Ten Whole Years of People Pleasing DAY 5 People Pleasing A Harmless Act of Love or a Mental Health Risk? Day 4 Uncaping Unmasking Unhiding | Why We Become People Pleasers Day 3 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Side Effects of the Black Superwoman Syndrome Day 2 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | When Love Becomes Kryptonite Day 1 -- Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding the Strong Black Superwoman Superwoman Must Die | Slaying the Strong Black Woman Syndrome Superwoman Quiz Are you a perfectionist, master performer, people pleaser, or people prover? Take this 4 minute quiz & get a breakdown of your superwoman archetype & how you can use this knowledge to start healing from the Strong Black Superwoman Syndrome. 

Dear Black women, you don't have to be over "IT" by now. Dear Black women, you don't have to be in a sunken place. Dear Black women, You DERSERVE to be HEALED, EVOLVED, RESTORED. Tap in today's episode as Shirl and Natty share some of their personal barriers to healing, how they veiw trauma and how they moved through the barriers AND the trauma, and are now on a journey of healing that let's them experience life from a place of wholeness and happiness.  And be sure to join us in the Shades of Strong Facebook Community to share your thoughts with us. The Facebook community is a safe space where you can connect with other Black women and have open and honest discussions about things that concern us individually and collectively. This is a safe space where we can lean on each other in times of trouble and unrest, and dance with each other in times of celebration.  If you find yourself in this or previous episodes, and are ready to start your journey to healing,  please consider joining us in the Sista Circle of Healing.   Other Episodes in This 30 - Day Series Day 10 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhidng |The Fight Trauma Response & Cookie Lyon Day  9 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Ride or Die That is Cookie Lyon Day 8 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Is Cookie Lyon an Angry Black Woman Day 7 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Kick People Pleasing to the Curb Day 6 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | Ten Whole Years of People Pleasing DAY 5 People Pleasing A Harmless Act of Love or a Mental Health Risk? Day 4 Uncaping Unmasking Unhiding | Why We Become People Pleasers Day 3 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Side Effects of the Black Superwoman Syndrome Day 2 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | When Love Becomes Kryptonite Day 1 -- Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding the Strong Black Superwoman Superwoman Must Die | Slaying the Strong Black Woman Syndrome Superwoman Quiz Are you a perfectionist, master performer, people pleaser, or people prover? Take this 4 minute quiz & get a breakdown of your superwoman archetype & how you can use this knowledge to start healing from the Strong Black Superwoman Syndrome. 

Sis!!! It's time go get off the hamster wheel of perfection.  It is endless cycle of exhaustion to the land of nowhere, and is serving absolutely no purpose in your life.  Tap in to this episode to get a few simple strategies on how to give yourself permission to not be perfect. And be sure to join us in the Shades of Strong Facebook Community to share your thoughts with us. The Facebook community is a safe space where you can connect with other Black women and have open and honest discussions about things that concern us individually and collectively. This is a safe space where we can lean on each other in times of trouble and unrest, and dance with each other in times of celebration.  If you find yourself in this or previous episodes, and are ready to start your journey to healing,  please consider joining us in the Sista Circle of Healing.  The next cohort starts November 9th.  Other Episodes in This 30 - Day Series Day 10 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhidng |The Fight Trauma Response & Cookie Lyon Day  9 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Ride or Die That is Cookie Lyon Day 8 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Is Cookie Lyon an Angry Black Woman Day 7 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Kick People Pleasing to the Curb Day 6 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | Ten Whole Years of People Pleasing DAY 5 People Pleasing A Harmless Act of Love or a Mental Health Risk? Day 4 Uncaping Unmasking Unhiding | Why We Become People Pleasers Day 3 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Side Effects of the Black Superwoman Syndrome Day 2 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | When Love Becomes Kryptonite Day 1 -- Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding the Strong Black Superwoman Superwoman Must Die | Slaying the Strong Black Woman Syndrome Superwoman Quiz Are you a perfectionist, master performer, people pleaser, or people prover? Take this 4 minute quiz & get a breakdown of your superwoman archetype & how you can use this knowledge to start healing from the Strong Black Superwoman Syndrome. 

If you feel like you're constantly having to walk on eggshells around your mom – trying not to upset her, if you obsess over getting her approval or being accepted by her,  if she's critical of everything you do and those things are causing you unrest, or if her absence (physically or emotionally) is/was very apparent and that's causing you discontent, if the very thought of being in her presence causes you anxiety you may have a mother daughter wound. Tap in to this episode as Shirl and Natty peel back another layer of Mary Jane Paul's cape and mask to shine a light on the mother daughter relationship that gradually grew into a mother daughter wound.   And be sure to join us in the Shades of Strong Facebook Community to share your thoughts with us. The Facebook community is a safe space where you can connect with other Black women and have open and honest discussions about things that concern us individually and collectively. This is a safe space where we can lean on each other in times of trouble and unrest, and dance with each other in times of celebration.  If you find yourself in this or previous episodes, and are ready to start your journey to healing,  please consider joining us in the Sista Circle of Healing.  The next cohort starts November 9th.  Other Episodes in This 30 - Day Series Day 10 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhidng |The Fight Trauma Response & Cookie Lyon Day  9 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Ride or Die That is Cookie Lyon Day 8 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Is Cookie Lyon an Angry Black Woman Day 7 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Kick People Pleasing to the Curb Day 6 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | Ten Whole Years of People Pleasing DAY 5 People Pleasing A Harmless Act of Love or a Mental Health Risk? Day 4 Uncaping Unmasking Unhiding | Why We Become People Pleasers Day 3 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Side Effects of the Black Superwoman Syndrome Day 2 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | When Love Becomes Kryptonite Day 1 -- Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding the Strong Black Superwoman Superwoman Must Die | Slaying the Strong Black Woman Syndrome Superwoman Quiz Are you a perfectionist, master performer, people pleaser, or people prover? Take this 4 minute quiz & get a breakdown of your superwoman archetype & how you can use this knowledge to start healing from the Strong Black Superwoman Syndrome. 

In today's episode of Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding. Shirl and Natty take a look at some Mary Jane Paul's unhealed trauma and how it contributes to the way she does life.  Mary Jane didn't come out of the womb wanting to every area of  her life to be perfect -- she didn't come out of the womb want to save all the people. Perfectionism is actually rooted in emotional neglect that usually starts in childhood and follows you into adulthood. Tap in to this episode to hear what they have to say about  Mary Jane Paul's unresolved trauma, her relationship with her mom and how all of that make Mary Jane Paul who she is.  And be sure to join us in the Shades of Strong Facebook Community to share your thoughts with us. The Facebook community is a safe space where you can connect with other Black women and have open and honest discussions about things that concern us individually and collectively. This is a safe space where we can lean on each other in times of trouble and unrest, and dance with each other in times of celebration.  If you find yourself in this or previous episodes, and are ready to start your journey to healing,  please consider joining us in the Sista Circle of Healing.  The next cohort starts November 9th.  Other Episodes in This 30 - Day Series Day 10 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhidng |The Fight Trauma Response & Cookie Lyon Day  9 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Ride or Die That is Cookie Lyon Day 8 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Is Cookie Lyon an Angry Black Woman Day 7 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Kick People Pleasing to the Curb Day 6 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | Ten Whole Years of People Pleasing DAY 5 People Pleasing A Harmless Act of Love or a Mental Health Risk? Day 4 Uncaping Unmasking Unhiding | Why We Become People Pleasers Day 3 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Side Effects of the Black Superwoman Syndrome Day 2 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | When Love Becomes Kryptonite Day 1 -- Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding the Strong Black Superwoman Superwoman Must Die | Slaying the Strong Black Woman Syndrome Superwoman Quiz Are you a perfectionist, master performer, people pleaser, or people prover? Take this 4 minute quiz & get a breakdown of your superwoman archetype & how you can use this knowledge to start healing from the Strong Black Superwoman Syndrome. 

How many times have you found yourself asking: Why do I keep attracting men that cheat? Men who don't consistently choose me? Men who are emotionally unavailable? Men with no ambition? You got questions, Shirl and Natty got answers. Tap in to this episode to hear what they have to say about why Mary Jane Paul (and you) keep getting love bombed and often finds herself in unhealthy or dysfunctional relationships. And be sure to join us in the Shades of Strong Facebook Community to share your thoughts with us. The Facebook community is a safe space where you can connect with other Black women and have open and honest discussions about things that concern us individually and collectively. This is a safe space where we can lean on each other in times of trouble and unrest, and dance with each other in times of celebration.  If you find yourself in this or previous episodes, and are ready to start your journey to healing,  please consider joining us in the Sista Circle of Healing.  The next cohort starts November 9th.  Other Episodes in This 30 - Day Series Day 10 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhidng |The Fight Trauma Response & Cookie Lyon Day  9 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Ride or Die That is Cookie Lyon Day 8 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Is Cookie Lyon an Angry Black Woman Day 7 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Kick People Pleasing to the Curb Day 6 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | Ten Whole Years of People Pleasing DAY 5 People Pleasing A Harmless Act of Love or a Mental Health Risk? Day 4 Uncaping Unmasking Unhiding | Why We Become People Pleasers Day 3 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Side Effects of the Black Superwoman Syndrome Day 2 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | When Love Becomes Kryptonite Day 1 -- Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding the Strong Black Superwoman Superwoman Must Die | Slaying the Strong Black Woman Syndrome Superwoman Quiz Are you a perfectionist, master performer, people pleaser, or people prover? Take this 4 minute quiz & get a breakdown of your superwoman archetype & how you can use this knowledge to start healing from the Strong Black Superwoman Syndrome. 

If perfectionism is the enemy of happiness, why are so many striving for it?!?  WHEW!!!  That's a loaded question, right?  But the truth is none of us wants to be perfect because perfectionism is too heavy a burden to bear. What we really want is to be LOVED, ACCEPTED, and fully ALIGNED with who we were created to be.  In today's episode, Shirl and Natty share pieces of their journey to how perfectionism was ingrained in their lives from childhood and how they escaped it. Press play to hear what they have to say and be sure to listen til the end for a POWERFUL reflection question that will help you on your journey to healng. And be sure to joiin us in the Shades of Strong Facebook Community to share your response with us. The Facebook community is a safe space where you can connect with other Black women and have open and honest discussions about things that concern us individually and collectively. This is a safe space where we can lean on each other in times of trouble and unrest, and dance with each other in times of celebration.  If you find yourself in this or previous episodes, and are ready to start your journey to healing,  please consider joining us in the Sista Circle of Healing.  The next cohort starts November 9th.  Other Episodes in This 30 - Day Series Day 10 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhidng |The Fight Trauma Response & Cookie Lyon Day  9 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Ride or Die That is Cookie Lyon Day 8 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Is Cookie Lyon an Angry Black Woman Day 7 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Kick People Pleasing to the Curb Day 6 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | Ten Whole Years of People Pleasing DAY 5 People Pleasing A Harmless Act of Love or a Mental Health Risk? Day 4 Uncaping Unmasking Unhiding | Why We Become People Pleasers Day 3 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Side Effects of the Black Superwoman Syndrome Day 2 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | When Love Becomes Kryptonite Day 1 -- Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding the Strong Black Superwoman Superwoman Must Die | Slaying the Strong Black Woman Syndrome Superwoman Quiz Are you a perfectionist, master performer, people pleaser, or people prover? Take this 4 minute quiz & get a breakdown of your superwoman archetype & how you can use this knowledge to start healing from the Strong Black Superwoman Syndrome. 

Somewhere along life's journey, Mary Jane Paul [like so many Black women] got the message that the needs of others should be prioritized over hers. She went from one unhealthy relationship to the next giving others the very things she was lacking in her life. In today's episode, Shirl and Natty peel back more layers of Mary Jane Paul in an effort to determine what her kryptonite is.  Just knowing what you know of Mary Jane Paul, what do you think her kryptonite (the thing that weakens her) is? The desire to be wanted? The need to be nurtured? Trouble saying no?   Being loved bombed by the men in her life? Tap in to hear what Shirl and Natty think.  When you're finished, hop over to the Shades of Strong Facebook Community and let them know if you agree. The Facebook community is a safe space where you can connect with other Black women and have open and honest discussions about things that concern us individually and collectively. This is a safe space where we can lean on each other in times of trouble and unrest, and dance with each other in times of celebration.  If you find yourself in this or previous episodes, and are ready to start your journey to healing,  please consider joining us in the Sista Circle of Healing.  The next cohort starts November 9th.  Other Episodes in This 30 - Day Series Day 10 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhidng |The Fight Trauma Response & Cookie Lyon Day  9 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Ride or Die That is Cookie Lyon Day 8 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Is Cookie Lyon an Angry Black Woman Day 7 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Kick People Pleasing to the Curb Day 6 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | Ten Whole Years of People Pleasing DAY 5 People Pleasing A Harmless Act of Love or a Mental Health Risk? Day 4 Uncaping Unmasking Unhiding | Why We Become People Pleasers Day 3 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Side Effects of the Black Superwoman Syndrome Day 2 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | When Love Becomes Kryptonite Day 1 -- Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding the Strong Black Superwoman Superwoman Must Die | Slaying the Strong Black Woman Syndrome Superwoman Quiz Are you a perfectionist, master performer, people pleaser, or people prover? Take this 4 minute quiz & get a breakdown of your superwoman archetype & how you can use this knowledge to start healing from the Strong Black Superwoman Syndrome. 

In today's episode of the Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding series Shirl and Natty welcome listeners to the first day of peeling back the layers of  Mary Jane Paul of the hit show Being Mary Jane. Being Mary Jane is a story of a single Black woman trying  to balance a busy career, a needy family, and an extremely complicated personal life all while living up to a misguided view of perfection and success. Mediocrity is never an option for Mary Jane. She/s out here in theese news anchor streets with her perfect career, perfect car, and perfect house and dreaming about the perfect love. But clearly Mary Jane didn't get the memo that mediocrity is not the opposite of perfection.  But, she gon' learn today. LOL!!!  Tap in and let's get this healing, sis and  when you're finished, share your thoughts with us in the  Shades of Strong Facebook Community.  Our Facebook community is a safe space where you can connect with other Black women and have open and honest discussions about things that concern us individually and collectively. This is a safe space where we can lean on each other in times of trouble and unrest, and dance with each other in times of celebration.  If you find yourself in this or previous episodes, and are ready to start your journey to healing,  please consider joining us in the Sista Circle of Healing.  The next cohort starts November 9th.  Other Episodes in This 30 - Day Series Day 10 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhidng |The Fight Trauma Response & Cookie Lyon Day  9 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Ride or Die That is Cookie Lyon Day 8 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Is Cookie Lyon an Angry Black Woman Day 7 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Kick People Pleasing to the Curb Day 6 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | Ten Whole Years of People Pleasing DAY 5 People Pleasing A Harmless Act of Love or a Mental Health Risk? Day 4 Uncaping Unmasking Unhiding | Why We Become People Pleasers Day 3 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Side Effects of the Black Superwoman Syndrome Day 2 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | When Love Becomes Kryptonite Day 1 -- Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding the Strong Black Superwoman Superwoman Must Die | Slaying the Strong Black Woman Syndrome Superwoman Quiz Are you a perfectionist, master performer, people pleaser, or people prover? Take this 4 minute quiz & get a breakdown of your superwoman archetype & how you can use this knowledge to start healing from the Strong Black Superwoman Syndrome. 

Today is the final day of uncaping, unmasking, and unhiding Annalise Keating.  Shirl and Natty close it by offering a few strategies to overcome living a life of a manipulator and performer.  It's so easy to UNKOWINGLY get caught up in this kind of behavior, but there a is so much freedom and just being you and not feeling the need to "trick" others into meeting your needs. Think about the emotional labor that goes into being a master performer and master manipulator -- the emotional labor that goes into faking it.  Then ask yourself if it's worth it.    You don't have to edit yourself to be anyone's space and if you find yourself doing that, it's time to plan an exit strategy.  Tap in now to get these strategies,  and when you're finished, share your thoughts with us in the  Shades of Strong Facebook Community.  Our Facebook community is a safe space where you can connect with other Black women and have open and honest discussions about things that concern us individually and collectively. This is a safe space where we can lean on each other in times of trouble and unrest, and dance with each other in times of celebration.  If you find yourself in this or previous episodes, and are ready to start your journey to healing,  please consider joining us in the Sista Circle of Healing.  The next cohort starts November 9th.  Other Episodes in This 30 - Day Series Day 10 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhidng |The Fight Trauma Response & Cookie Lyon Day  9 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Ride or Die That is Cookie Lyon Day 8 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Is Cookie Lyon an Angry Black Woman Day 7 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Kick People Pleasing to the Curb Day 6 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | Ten Whole Years of People Pleasing DAY 5 People Pleasing A Harmless Act of Love or a Mental Health Risk? Day 4 Uncaping Unmasking Unhiding | Why We Become People Pleasers Day 3 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Side Effects of the Black Superwoman Syndrome Day 2 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | When Love Becomes Kryptonite Day 1 -- Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding the Strong Black Superwoman Superwoman Must Die | Slaying the Strong Black Woman Syndrome Superwoman Quiz Are you a perfectionist, master performer, people pleaser, or people prover? Take this 4 minute quiz & get a breakdown of your superwoman archetype & how you can use this knowledge to start healing from the Strong Black Superwoman Syndrome. 

In today's episode of the Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding series Shirl and Natty tackle the topic of what happens when you choose to live a life where you're hiding your true self.  Shirl and Natty are both of the belief that hiding your true self is a form of self abuse and encourage listeners to STAND IN THEIR TRUTH and SHINE A LIGHT ON IT. ...but before you can stand in your truth or stop hiding who you really are, you first need to Know who you are, tap in to hear their thoughts on how you can answer that question and when you're finished, share your thoughts with us in the  Shades of Strong Facebook Community.  Our Facebook community is a safe space where you can connect with other Black women and have open and honest discussions about things that concern us individually and collectively. This is a safe space where we can lean on each other in times of trouble and unrest, and dance with each other in times of celebration.  If you find yourself in this or previous episodes, and are ready to start your journey to healing,  please consider joining us in the Sista Circle of Healing.  The next cohort starts November 9th.  Other Episodes in This 30 - Day Series Day 10 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhidng |The Fight Trauma Response & Cookie Lyon Day  9 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Ride or Die That is Cookie Lyon Day 8 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Is Cookie Lyon an Angry Black Woman Day 7 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Kick People Pleasing to the Curb Day 6 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | Ten Whole Years of People Pleasing DAY 5 People Pleasing A Harmless Act of Love or a Mental Health Risk? Day 4 Uncaping Unmasking Unhiding | Why We Become People Pleasers Day 3 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Side Effects of the Black Superwoman Syndrome Day 2 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | When Love Becomes Kryptonite Day 1 -- Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding the Strong Black Superwoman Superwoman Must Die | Slaying the Strong Black Woman Syndrome Superwoman Quiz Are you a perfectionist, master performer, people pleaser, or people prover? Take this 4 minute quiz & get a breakdown of your superwoman archetype & how you can use this knowledge to start healing from the Strong Black Superwoman Syndrome. 

The UNCAPING, UNMASKING, and UNHIDING with Shirl and Natty is getting real. In today's episode as they start wrapping up peeling back the layers of Annalise Keating,  they take a deep dive into the murky world of the manipulator to address some of the consequences of engaging in manipulative behavior.  In this conversation Shirl and Natty get honest about being on the receiving end of a manipulator, as well as the mental and emotional effects of the same.  But they don't just stop there, they also touched on a few tell-tell signs to recognize when you're being manipulated, as well when you're the the one doing the manipulating.   You should totally tap in to hear their thoughts and when you're finished, share your thoughts with us in the  Shades of Strong Facebook Community.  Our Facebook community is a safe space where you can connect with other Black women and have open and honest discussions about things that concern us individually and collectively. This is a safe space where we can lean on each other in times of trouble and unrest, and dance with each other in times of celebration.  If you find yourself in this or previous episodes, and are ready to start your journey to healing,  please consider joining us in the Sista Circle of Healing.  The next cohort starts November 9th.  Other Episodes in This 30 - Day Series Day 10 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhidng |The Fight Trauma Response & Cookie Lyon Day  9 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Ride or Die That is Cookie Lyon Day 8 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Is Cookie Lyon an Angry Black Woman Day 7 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Kick People Pleasing to the Curb Day 6 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | Ten Whole Years of People Pleasing DAY 5 People Pleasing A Harmless Act of Love or a Mental Health Risk? Day 4 Uncaping Unmasking Unhiding | Why We Become People Pleasers Day 3 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Side Effects of the Black Superwoman Syndrome Day 2 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | When Love Becomes Kryptonite Day 1 -- Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding the Strong Black Superwoman Superwoman Must Die | Slaying the Strong Black Woman Syndrome Superwoman Quiz Are you a perfectionist, master performer, people pleaser, or people prover? Take this 4 minute quiz & get a breakdown of your superwoman archetype & how you can use this knowledge to start healing from the Strong Black Superwoman Syndrome. 

In today's episode of the UNCAPING, UNMASKING, and UNHIDING series, Shirl and Natty take  look at Annalise's lack of emotional safety and the situational or childhood trauma that contributed it to thereby leading her in manipulative and controlling behavior.  A few things they explored in this conversation were the varying circumstances that causes feelings of lack of security and safety, how most don't recognize they're engaging in manipulative or performative behavior and  how challenging it can be to change the behavior.  Tap in to this episode to hear their thoughts and when you're finished, share your thoughts with us in the  Shades of Strong Facebook Community.  Our Facebook community is a safe space where you can connect with other Black women and have open and honest discussions about things that concern us individually and collectively. This is a safe space where we can lean on each other in times of trouble and unrest, and dance with each other in times of celebration.  If you find yourself in this or previous episodes, and are ready to start your journey to healing,  please consider joining us in the Sista Circle of Healing.  The next cohort starts November 9th.  Other Episodes in This 30 - Day Series Day 10 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhidng |The Fight Trauma Response & Cookie Lyon Day  9 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Ride or Die That is Cookie Lyon Day 8 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Is Cookie Lyon an Angry Black Woman Day 7 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Kick People Pleasing to the Curb Day 6 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | Ten Whole Years of People Pleasing DAY 5 People Pleasing A Harmless Act of Love or a Mental Health Risk? Day 4 Uncaping Unmasking Unhiding | Why We Become People Pleasers Day 3 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Side Effects of the Black Superwoman Syndrome Day 2 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | When Love Becomes Kryptonite Day 1 -- Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding the Strong Black Superwoman Superwoman Must Die | Slaying the Strong Black Woman Syndrome Superwoman Quiz Are you a perfectionist, master performer, people pleaser, or people prover? Take this 4 minute quiz & get a breakdown of your superwoman archetype & how you can use this knowledge to start healing from the Strong Black Superwoman Syndrome. 

In today's episode of the UNCAPING, UNMASKING, and UNHIDING series, Shirl and Natty take a look at Annalise's response to her lived experiences to determine what her trauma response is -- fight, flight, fawn or freeze.  While the fight trauma response is about self-preservation and often times vindication, the flight trauma response is about fleeing the situation physically, mentally and/or emotionally.  Annalise actually exhibits behaviors of both.   So what say you?  Tap in to this episode to hear our thoughts and when you're finished, share your thoughts with us in the  Shades of Strong Facebook Community.  Our Facebook community is a safe space where you can connect with other Black women and have open and honest discussions about things that concern us individually and collectively. This is a safe space where we can lean on each other in times of trouble and unrest, and dance with each other in times of celebration.  If you find yourself in this or previous episodes, and are ready to start your journey to healing,  please consider joining us in the Sista Circle of Healing.  The next cohort starts November 9th.  Other Episodes in This 30 - Day Series Day 10 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhidng |The Fight Trauma Response & Cookie Lyon Day  9 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Ride or Die That is Cookie Lyon Day 8 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Is Cookie Lyon an Angry Black Woman Day 7 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Kick People Pleasing to the Curb Day 6 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | Ten Whole Years of People Pleasing DAY 5 People Pleasing A Harmless Act of Love or a Mental Health Risk? Day 4 Uncaping Unmasking Unhiding | Why We Become People Pleasers Day 3 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Side Effects of the Black Superwoman Syndrome Day 2 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | When Love Becomes Kryptonite Day 1 -- Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding the Strong Black Superwoman Superwoman Must Die | Slaying the Strong Black Woman Syndrome Superwoman Quiz Are you a perfectionist, master performer, people pleaser, or people prover? Take this 4 minute quiz & get a breakdown of your superwoman archetype & how you can use this knowledge to start healing from the Strong Black Superwoman Syndrome. 

Growing up in an unpredictable or unsafe environment forces you into a space where you feel the need to control everything and everyone.  Such was the case with Annalise Keating. In yesterday's episode, Shirl and Natty discussed Annalise's cape and mask as the master manipulator and master performer.  In today's episode they chat it up about how her manipulative behavior gave birth to the need to control the outcome of not only life's circumstances, but the need to control those around her as well. But in order for them to take a look at her need to control ALL THE THINGS, they also need to take a look at her lived experiences that forced her into that space.  Tap in to see what conclusions where drawn and  when you're finished join them in Shades of Strong Facebook Community  to let them know if agree or disagree.  Our Facebook community is a safe space where you can connect with other Black women and have open and honest discussions about things that concern us individually and collectively. This is a safe space where we can lean on each other in times of trouble and unrest, and dance with each other in times of celebration.  If you find yourself in this or previous episodes, and are ready to start your journey to healing,  please consider joining us in the Sista Circle of Healing.  The next cohort starts November 9th.  Other Episodes in This 30 - Day Series Day 10 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhidng |The Fight Trauma Response & Cookie Lyon Day  9 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Ride or Die That is Cookie Lyon Day 8 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Is Cookie Lyon an Angry Black Woman Day 7 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Kick People Pleasing to the Curb Day 6 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | Ten Whole Years of People Pleasing DAY 5 People Pleasing A Harmless Act of Love or a Mental Health Risk? Day 4 Uncaping Unmasking Unhiding | Why We Become People Pleasers Day 3 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Side Effects of the Black Superwoman Syndrome Day 2 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | When Love Becomes Kryptonite Day 1 -- Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding the Strong Black Superwoman Superwoman Must Die | Slaying the Strong Black Woman Syndrome Superwoman Quiz Are you a perfectionist, master performer, people pleaser, or people prover? Take this 4 minute quiz & get a breakdown of your superwoman archetype & how you can use this knowledge to start healing from the Strong Black Superwoman Syndrome. 

There's nothing badass about being a MASTER MANIPULATOR or a MASTER PERFORMER, but some how Annalise Keating makes it look desirable.  Join Shirl in Natty in today's episode of Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding, where they  start the process of UNCAPING AND UNMASKING Annalise Keating from the hit show, How to Get Away with Murder. While Oliva Pope and Cookie Lyon were caught up in people pleasing and people proving, Annalise Keating was all about that master manipulator and master performer life.  Tap in to get the scoop on how the manipulator and performer show up in Annalise's life and how it possibly shows up in yours, and  when you're finished we would love to see your face in the Shades of Strong Facebook Community where you can connect with other Black women and have open and honest discussions about things that concern us individually and collectively. This is a safe space where we can lean on each other in times of trouble and unrest, and dance with each other in times of celebration.  Sis, if you find that you're fighting to prove your love and worth to others, please consider joining us in the Sista Circle of Healing, so that you can start your journey to healing. The next cohort starts November 9th.  Other Episodes in This 30 - Day Series Day 10 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhidng |The Fight Trauma Response & Cookie Lyon Day  9 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Ride or Die That is Cookie Lyon Day 8 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Is Cookie Lyon an Angry Black Woman Day 7 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Kick People Pleasing to the Curb Day 6 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | Ten Whole Years of People Pleasing DAY 5 People Pleasing A Harmless Act of Love or a Mental Health Risk? Day 4 Uncaping Unmasking Unhiding | Why We Become People Pleasers Day 3 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Side Effects of the Black Superwoman Syndrome Day 2 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | When Love Becomes Kryptonite Day 1 -- Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding the Strong Black Superwoman Superwoman Must Die | Slaying the Strong Black Woman Syndrome Superwoman Quiz Are you a perfectionist, master performer, people pleaser, or people prover? Take this 4 minute quiz & get a breakdown of your superwoman archetype & how you can use this knowledge to start healing from the Strong Black Superwoman Syndrome. 

Aren't you tired of trying to prove your worth, your love, yourSELF to all the people? In today's episode of Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding, as Shirl and Natty wrap up their conversation on unmasking Cookie Lyon, they offer some practical and easily implementable strategies to support you in stepping out of the space of feeling like you have something to prove.   One of the masks that Black women unconsciously adorn themselves with is the "people proving" mask where we're trying to convince others of our truth, validate our worth, or demonstrate our capabilities, when the reality is we have NOTHING to prove to anyone. Tap into this episode and get these strategies in your life, and  when you're finished we would love to see your face in the Shades of Strong Facebook Community where you can connect with other Black women and have open and honest discussions about things that concern us individually and collectively. This is a safe space where we can lean on each other in times of trouble and unrest, and dance with each other in times of celebration.  Sis, if you find that you're fighting to prove your love and worth to others, please consider joining us in the Sista Circle of Healing, so that you can start your journey to healing. The next cohort starts November 9th.  Other Episodes in This 30 - Day Series Day 10 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhidng |The Fight Trauma Response & Cookie Lyon Day  9 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Ride or Die That is Cookie Lyon Day 8 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Is Cookie Lyon an Angry Black Woman Day 7 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Kick People Pleasing to the Curb Day 6 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | Ten Whole Years of People Pleasing DAY 5 People Pleasing A Harmless Act of Love or a Mental Health Risk? Day 4 Uncaping Unmasking Unhiding | Why We Become People Pleasers Day 3 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Side Effects of the Black Superwoman Syndrome Day 2 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | When Love Becomes Kryptonite Day 1 -- Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding the Strong Black Superwoman Superwoman Must Die | Slaying the Strong Black Woman Syndrome Superwoman Quiz Are you a perfectionist, master performer, people pleaser, or people prover? Take this 4 minute quiz & get a breakdown of your superwoman archetype & how you can use this knowledge to start healing from the Strong Black Superwoman Syndrome. 

Have you been or are you now someone's ride or die? In today's episode of Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding, Shirl and Natty give you a peek inside at what being the ride or die has looked like in their lives from a romantic and parental point of view... ...because just in case you're wondering, you can be a ride or die to your parents as well. As a matter of fact, you can be a ride or die to anyone in your life, and you don't have to settle for toxicity in your life just because "that's still your dad" or "that's still your mom, or your sister, or your brother, or even your child". Yes, they're "still your parents", but they're also still the persons who did that thing to you.  Being a ride or die is about fighting to prove your love, your trust, your worth to someone who probably don't deserve it. The bottom line is, you shouldn't be fighting to prove your love or worth to anyone, including your parents.  Click play and get into this goodness that is today's episode and when you're finished we would love to see your face in the Shades of Strong Facebook Community where you can connect with other Black women and have open and honest discussions about things that concern us individually and collectively. This is a safe space where we can lean on each other in times of trouble and unrest, and dance with each other in times of celebration.  Sis, if you find that you're fighting to prove your love and worth to others, please consider joining us in the Sista Circle of Healing, so that you can start your journey to healing. The next cohort starts November 9th.  Other Episodes in This 30 - Day Series Day 10 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhidng |The Fight Trauma Response & Cookie Lyon Day  9 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Ride or Die That is Cookie Lyon Day 8 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Is Cookie Lyon an Angry Black Woman Day 7 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Kick People Pleasing to the Curb Day 6 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | Ten Whole Years of People Pleasing DAY 5 People Pleasing A Harmless Act of Love or a Mental Health Risk? Day 4 Uncaping Unmasking Unhiding | Why We Become People Pleasers Day 3 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Side Effects of the Black Superwoman Syndrome Day 2 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | When Love Becomes Kryptonite Day 1 -- Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding the Strong Black Superwoman Superwoman Must Die | Slaying the Strong Black Woman Syndrome Superwoman Quiz Are you a perfectionist, master performer, people pleaser, or people prover? Take this 4 minute quiz & get a breakdown of your superwoman archetype & how you can use this knowledge to start healing from the Strong Black Superwoman Syndrome. 

In today's episode of Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding Natty and I are shedding light on how being a "people prover" robs us of our vulnerability, our self-confidence, and our worthiness.  We also talk about how often Black women are "misunderstood" and as a result are labeled as "angry" and how fighting to prove we're not angry is a losing battle. There's a lot of "liquid gold" in this episode, so go ahead and click play and when you're finished we would love to see your face in the Shades of Strong Facebook Community where you can connect with other Black women and have open and honest discussions about things that concern us individually and collectively. This is a safe space where we can lean on each other in times of trouble and unrest, and dance with each other in times of celebration.  If you find yourself in this episode or previous episodes, please consider joining us in the Sista Circle of Healing. The next cohort starts November 9th.  Other Episodes in This 30 - Day Series  Day 10 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhidng |The Fight Trauma Response & Cookie Lyon  Day  9 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Ride or Die That is Cookie Lyon Day 8 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Is Cookie Lyon an Angry Black Woman Day 7 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Kick People Pleasing to the Curb Day 6 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | Ten Whole Years of People Pleasing DAY 5 People Pleasing A Harmless Act of Love or a Mental Health Risk? Day 4 Uncaping Unmasking Unhiding | Why We Become People Pleasers Day 3 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Side Effects of the Black Superwoman Syndrome Day 2 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | When Love Becomes Kryptonite Day 1 -- Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding the Strong Black Superwoman Superwoman Must Die | Slaying the Strong Black Woman Syndrome Superwoman Quiz Are you a perfectionist, master performer, people pleaser, or people prover? Take this 4 minute quiz & get a breakdown of your superwoman archetype & how you can use this knowledge to start healing from the Strong Black Superwoman Syndrome. 

Cookie Lyon didn't just wake up one morning thinking, "I got sh*t to prove".  Her lived experiences pushed her into that space. Although you've probably never given it much thought, the same holds true for you. Your need to prove yourself is rooted in your lived experiences dating back to childhood. In today's episode of Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding "featuring" Cookie Lyon,  we're taking a look at a few of the things that pushed her into the "people proving" space. Our hope is that you will recognize your people proving behavior and start taking steps to heal the wounded places in you.   We also took a look at the magic that happens when Black women heal in community. If you find yourself in this episode or previous episodes, please consider joining us in the Sista Circle of Healing. The next cohort starts November 9th.  Tune in now, and when you're finished we would love to see your face in the Shades of Strong Facebook Community where you can connect with other Black women and have open and honest discussions about things that concern us individually and collectively. This is a safe space where we can lean on each other in times of trouble and unrest, and dance with each other in times of celebration. Other Episodes in This 30 - Day Series  Day 10 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhidng |The Fight Trauma Response & Cookie Lyon  Day  9 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Ride or Die That is Cookie Lyon Day 8 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Is Cookie Lyon an Angry Black Woman Day 7 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Kick People Pleasing to the Curb Day 6 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | Ten Whole Years of People Pleasing DAY 5 People Pleasing A Harmless Act of Love or a Mental Health Risk? Day 4 Uncaping Unmasking Unhiding | Why We Become People Pleasers Day 3 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Side Effects of the Black Superwoman Syndrome Day 2 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | When Love Becomes Kryptonite Day 1 -- Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding the Strong Black Superwoman Superwoman Must Die | Slaying the Strong Black Woman Syndrome Superwoman Quiz Are you a perfectionist, master performer, people pleaser, or people prover? Take this 4 minute quiz & get a breakdown of your superwoman archetype & how you can use this knowledge to start healing from the Strong Black Superwoman Syndrome. 

Listen! Cookie Lyon DID NOT come out the gate swinging. The way we see it (considering all the hell she went through) she had two options -- FIGHT or FLIGHT, and if you know anything about Cookie Lyon, you KNOW she is NOT about that FLIGHT life.  In today's episode of Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding we're taking a look at the fight trauma response as it relates to Cookie Lyon, and the events that thrust her into fight mode. Tune in now as we chat it up about how "normal" the fight trauma response is when life just keeps happening.  We also love to have you join us in  in the Shades of Strong Facebook Community where you can connect with other Black women have open and honest discussions about things that concern us individually and collectively. This is safe space where we can lean on each other in times of trouble and unrest, and dance with each other in times of celebration. Other Episodes in This 30 - Day Series DAY 9 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Ride or Die That is Cookie Lyon Day 8 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Is Cookie Lyon an Angry Black Woman Day 7 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Kick People Pleasing to the Curb Day 6 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | Ten Whole Years of People Pleasing DAY 5 People Pleasing A Harmless Act of Love or a Mental Health Risk? Day 4 Uncaping Unmasking Unhiding | Why We Become People Pleasers Day 3 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Side Effects of the Black Superwoman Syndrome Day 2 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | When Love Becomes Kryptonite Day 1 -- Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding the Strong Black Superwoman Superwoman Must Die | Slaying the Strong Black Woman Syndrome Superwoman Quiz Are you a perfectionist, master performer, people pleaser, or people prover? Take this 4 minute quiz & get a breakdown of your superwoman archetype & how you can use this knowledge to start healing from the Strong Black Superwoman Syndrome. 

Alright guys!! Today we're continuing our conversation on Cookie Lyons -- the RIDE or DIE chick none of us wanted to be.  As much as we LOVE Cookie Lyon, we are SO NOT here for how (on so many occasions) she was willing to RIDE or DIE for Luscious.  So, I think it's safe to say that for this Black Superwoman, her kryptonite is definitely her ride or die characteristics.  One of the characteristics of the Black Superwoman Syndrome is feeling obligated to help others even when that "help" is not being reciprocated.  Tune in now as we start uncaping, unmasking, and unhiding THE Cookie Lyon. During our conversation we cover: How Black women unknowingly fall into the trap of being the ride or die Being trapped in an "emotional prison" within relationships What keeps us staying &/or going back to unhealthy relationships Emotional abuse and what it looks like How childhood trauma causes us to settle in relationships The importance of reciprocity in relationships And of course, Natty and I we're pretty transparent with our "ride or die" experiences. So tune in today's episode and if resonates with you and you're ready to start your journey to healing , please join us in the Sista Circle of Healing HERE. We also love to have you join us in  in the Shades of Strong Facebook Community where you can connect with other Black women have open and honest discussions about things that concern us individually and collectively. This is safe space where we can lean on each other in times of trouble and unrest, and dance with each other in times of celebration. Other Episodes in This 30 - Day Series Day 8 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Is Cookie Lyon an Angry Black Woman Day 7 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Kick People Pleasing to the Curb Day 6 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | Ten Whole Years of People Pleasing DAY 5 People Pleasing A Harmless Act of Love or a Mental Health Risk? Day 4 Uncaping Unmasking Unhiding | Why We Become People Pleasers Day 3 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Side Effects of the Black Superwoman Syndrome Day 2 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | When Love Becomes Kryptonite Day 1 -- Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding the Strong Black Superwoman Superwoman Must Die | Slaying the Strong Black Woman Syndrome Superwoman Quiz Are you a perfectionist, master performer, people pleaser, or people prover? Take this 4 minute quiz & get a breakdown of your superwoman archetype & how you can use this knowledge to start healing from the Strong Black Superwoman Syndrome. 

This week we're peeling back the layers of another "Black Superwoman" in our 30 Days to Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding series. To some, Cookie Lyon of the hit show Empire, may be  the epitome of the angry Black woman because she's loud,  rude, and obnoxious... ...but we LOVE her and we happen to think that she's the epitome of the GREATNESS -- the SHO NUFNESS that lies inside of all Black women.   So, in today's episode we take a peek at the personality of Cookie Lyon and why she's so easily labeled as an angry Black woman.  We also take  a look at how her take no prisoners attitude is directly related to her lived experiences, because the truth is Cookie Lyon is not an angry Black woman, she's a Black woman who has experienced a tremendous amount of pain, and that's what we'll be talking about this week. So be sure to tune in and if you find yourself in any of these episodes and are ready to start your journey to healing , please join us in the Sista Circle of Healing HERE. We also love to have you join us in  in the Shades of Strong Facebook Community where you can connect with other Black women have open and honest discussions about things that concern us individually and collectively. This is safe space where we can lean on each other in times of trouble and unrest, and dance with each other in times of celebration. Other Episodes in This 30 - Day Series Day 7 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding, |Kick People Pleasing to the Curb Day 6 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | Ten Whole Years of People Pleasing DAY 5 People Pleasing A Harmless Act of Love or a Mental Health Risk? Day 4 Uncaping Unmasking Unhiding | Why We Become People Pleasers Day 3 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Side Effects of the Black Superwoman Syndrome Day 2 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | When Love Becomes Kryptonite Day 1 -- Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding the Strong Black Superwoman Superwoman Must Die | Slaying the Strong Black Woman Syndrome Superwoman Quiz Are you a perfectionist, master performer, people pleaser, or people prover? Take this 4 minute quiz & get a breakdown of your superwoman archetype & how you can use this knowledge to start healing from the Strong Black Superwoman Syndrome. 

In today's episode we're wrapping up our conversation on Olivia Pope. Over the past week we've take a deep dive into her people pleasing characteristics and behaviors to get a bird's eye view of why she does life the way she does.  It is hope that you were able to recognize some of your own people pleasing characteristics, how they were "birthed" into you, and what steps you can start taking to unlearn those behaviors. Tune in as Shirl and Natty share starter strategies on how you can finally kick people pleasing to the curb and take your life back. If you found yourself in any of these episodes are ready to start your journey to healing the little Black girl inside of you, please join us in the Sista Circle of Healing HERE. We also love to have you join us in  in the Shades of Strong Facebook Community where you can connect with other Black women have open and honest discussions about things that concern us individually and collectively. This is safe space where we can lean on each other in times of trouble and unrest, and dance with each other in times of celebration. Other Episodes in This 30 - Day Series DAY 6 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | Ten Whole Years of People Pleasing DAY 5 People Pleasing A Harmless Act of Love or a Mental Health Risk? Day 4 Uncaping Unmasking Unhiding | Why We Become People Pleasers Day 3 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Side Effects of the Black Superwoman Syndrome Day 2 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | When Love Becomes Kryptonite Day 1 -- Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding the Strong Black Superwoman Superwoman Must Die | Slaying the Strong Black Woman Syndrome Superwoman Quiz Are you a perfectionist, master performer, people pleaser, or people prover? Take this 4 minute quiz & get a breakdown of your superwoman archetype & how you can use this knowledge to start healing from the Strong Black Superwoman Syndrome. 

We are continuing our conversation on the dangers of living a life of people pleasing and how Black women easily fall prey to it because of the unreasonable expectations we place on ourselves and how we succumb to the outrageous expectations of others. There are countless negative consequences attached to people pleasing. In today's episode we take a look at what ten years of people pleasing looks like in day to day living and how it nearly destroyed a life.  Check it out and when you're finished let's continue conversation in the Shades of Strong Facebook Community HERE.  If this episode resonates with you and you want to go deeper and are ready to start your journey to healing the little Black girl inside of you, please join us in the Sista Circle of Healing HERE. Other Episodes in This 30 - Day Series DAY 5 People Pleasing A Harmless Act of Love or a Mental Health Risk? Day 4 Uncaping Unmasking Unhiding | Why We Become People Pleasers Day 3 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Side Effects of the Black Superwoman Syndrome Day 2 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | When Love Becomes Kryptonite Day 1 -- Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding the Strong Black Superwoman Superwoman Must Die | Slaying the Strong Black Woman Syndrome Superwoman Quiz Are you a perfectionist, master performer, people pleaser, or people prover? Take this 4 minute quiz & get a breakdown of your superwoman archetype & how you can use this knowledge to start healing from the Strong Black Superwoman Syndrome. 

People pleasing may seem like a harmless act of love", but the truth is it can lead to serious health risks, including stress, anxiety, and depression.  It is virtually impossible to be all the things to all the people AND prioritize your own self care. People pleasing leaves little time for rest, relaxing, or exercising which can lead to anger, burn out, and  overwhelming feelings of sadness. In today's episode we take a look into the risks of people pleasing and how they show up in our day to day living.  Check it out and when you're finished let's continue conversation in the Shades of Strong Facebook Community HERE.  If this episode resonates with you and you want to go deeper and are ready to start your journey to healing the little Black girl inside of you, please join us in the Sista Circle of Healing HERE. Other Episodes in This 30 - Day Series Day 4 Uncaping Unmasking Unhiding | Why We Become People Pleasers Day 3 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Side Effects of the Black Superwoman Syndrome Day 2 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | When Love Becomes Kryptonite Day 1 -- Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding the Strong Black Superwoman Superwoman Must Die | Slaying the Strong Black Woman Syndrome Superwoman Quiz Are you a perfectionist, master performer, people pleaser, or people prover? Take this 4 minute quiz & get a breakdown of your superwoman archetype & how you can use this knowledge to start healing from the Strong Black Superwoman Syndrome. 

As we continue "uncaping" and "unmasking" Olivia Pope & the people pleaser in her, we discover that people pleasers often start out as PARENT PLEASER If  children spend the majority of their childhood/teen years conforming to the needs, desires, and expectations of their parents, and are constantly seeking approval and acceptance, they'll eventually start believing that the only way they'll receive love and nurturing is when they're [unconsciously] taking on the role of people pleaser.  In today's episode we dissect  the behaviors of people pleasers and the childhood experiences that thrust them into the the life a people pleaser. Check it out and when you're finished let's continue conversation in the Shades of Strong Facebook Community HERE.  If this episode resonates with you and you want to go deeper and are ready to start your journey to healing the little Black girl inside of you, please join us in the Sista Circle of Healing HERE. Other Episodes in This 30 - Day Series Day 3 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding |The Side Effects of the Black Superwoman Syndrome Day 2 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | When Love Becomes Kryptonite Day 1 -- Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding the Strong Black Superwoman Superwoman Must Die | Slaying the Strong Black Woman Syndrome Superwoman Quiz Are you a perfectionist, master performer, people pleaser, or people prover? Take this 4 minute quiz & get a breakdown of your superwoman archetype & how you can use this knowledge to start healing from the Strong Black Superwoman Syndrome. 

We're baaaccck!!!!   In Day 3 of 30 Days of Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding we're taking a look at the side effects of the Black Superwoman Syndrome..  We're continuing our examination of Scandal's Olivia Pope and how the characteristcs of the Black SUPERWOMAN  show up in our individual lives. Today's episode looks at how and why Olivia didn't have the emotional support she needed in her life, why a vast majority of Black women are lacking the same, how our chlldhood experiences contribute to that. and the questions we need to ask oursevles to begin to come out of the shadows of a people pleasing superwoman.  Check it out and when you're finished let's conitinue conversation in the Shades of Strong Facebook Community HERE.  If this episode resonates with you and you want to go deeper and are ready to start your journey to healing the little Black girl inside of you, please join us in the Sista Circle of Healing HERE. Other Episodes in This 30 - Day Series Day 2 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | When Love Becomes Kryptonite Day 1 -- Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding the Strong Black Superwoman Superwoman Must Die | Slaying the Strong Black Woman Syndrome Superwoman Quiz Are you a perfectionist, master performer, people pleaser, or people prover? Take this 4 minute quiz & get a breakdown of your superwoman archetype & how you can use this knowledge to start healing from the Strong Black Superwoman Syndrome. 

We're back with day 2 of 30 Days of Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding the Strong Black Superwoman. This series takes on the task of peeling back the layers of four popular television characters [Olivia Pope, Annalise Keating, Cookie Lyon, and Mary Jane Paul], who in their individual roles embody the stereotypical Strong Black Superwoman.  In today's episode we continue examining why Oliva Pope does life the way she does life.  We take a look at how she was loved as a child and how that love contributed to her expectations of love as an adult.  What's inside: What happens when self love and clear boundaries are missing from our lives Inner childhood wounds that contribute to the Strong Black Superwoman Syndrome What happens when unhealthy love is the only love we know How the lack of boundaries lead to unhealthy relationships  How unhealthy love in normalized  Tune in now as we peel back another layer of Superwoman Olivia Pope. When you're finish let's continue the conversation in the Shades of Strong Queendom. Head over to the Shades of Strong Facebook Community HERE and share your reflections and aha moments with us. If this episode resonates with you and you want to go deeper and are ready to start your journey to healing the little Black girl inside of you, please join us in the Sista Circle of Healing HERE. Other Episodes in This 30 - Day Series Day 1 -- Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding the Strong Black Superwoman Superwoman Must Die | Slaying the Strong Black Woman Syndrome Superwoman Quiz Are you a perfectionist, master performer, people pleaser, or people prover? Take this 4 minute quiz & get a breakdown of your superwoman archetype & how you can use this knowledge to set healthy boundaries in life, love, and relationships.

Welcome to day one  of 30 Days of Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding the Strong Black Superwoman. Over the next 30 days we're going to peel back the layers of four popular television characters [Olivia Pope, Annalise Keating, Cookie Lyon, and Mary Jane Paul], who in their individual roles embody the stereotypical Strong Black Superwoman.  First up is OLIVIA POPE.  In this episode we start peeling back the layers to determine what cape and mask she wears.  What's inside: An overview of why we're doing this work What Olivia Pope's Superwoman cape and mask look like How her mask and cape show up in her relationships How her mask and cape show up in the lives of most Black women Steps Black women can take to start the journey to healing from the Strong Black Superwoman Syndrome Tune in now as we peel back the first layer of Superwoman Olivia Pope. When you're finish head over to the Shades of Strong Facebook Community HERE and share your reflections and aha moments with us. If this episode resonates with you and you want to go deeper and are ready to start your journey to healing, join us in the Sista Circle of Healing HERE. Other Episodes in Season 4 Superwoman Must Die | Slaying the Strong Black Woman Syndrome Don't Call Me Superwoman | Say it With Your Chest Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding the Black Female Body When Little Black Girls Are Socialized to Be Strong Uncaped | A Black Girl Daring to Heal The Power of Sista to Sista Friendships Is Your Mother Wound Keeping You Separated from the Joys of Sistahood? Can the Sistahood Circle Be Unbroken? Identifying the Layers of the Black Superwoman Cape Things We've Lost to the Superwoman Cape Superwoman Quiz Are you a perfectionist, master performer, people pleaser, or people prover? Take this 4 minute quiz & get a breakdown of your superwoman archetype & how you can use this knowledge to set healthy boundaries in life, love, and relationships.

The Black SUPERWOMAN aka the trope of the Strong Black Woman isn't going to magically disappear by closing our eyes, clicking our heels and saying POOF BE GONE.  That  stoic, unbendable Black woman that we're all too familiar with is not only ingrained into the soul of SOCIETY, it's also deeply rooted in the souls of Black women across the globe, which means slaying Superwoman is going to take an aggressive approach -- it's going to take us taking a dive in to the pain beneath her independence, her stoicism, her lack of emotions -- her  STRENGTH.  Society does a GREAT job – an excellent job of labeling Black women ALL THE THINGS without not even a glimpse into the pain that lies beneath.  The reality is Black women are out here hurting, emotionally broken, and struggling to recover from traumas and tragedies --- abuse, sexual assault, deaths, the dissolution of relationships and friendships – pain that has left them feeling afraid, hopeless, worthless, and unloved. When that pain is not healed, it manifest itself in the form of SUPERWOMAN, but superwoman must die, so let the uncaping begin.  Other Episodes in Season 4 Don't Call Me Superwoman | Say it With Your Chest Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding the Black Female Body When Little Black Girls Are Socialized to Be Strong Uncaped | A Black Girl Daring to Heal The Power of Sista to Sista Friendships Is Your Mother Wound Keeping You Separated from the Joys of Sistahood? Can the Sistahood Circle Be Unbroken? Identifying the Layers of the Black Superwoman Cape Things We've Lost to the Superwoman Cape Superwoman Quiz Are you a perfectionist, master performer, people pleaser, or people prover? Take this 4 minute quiz & get a breakdown of your superwoman archetype & how you can use this knowledge to set healthy boundaries in life, love, and relationships.

"You're out here being superwoman -- doing all the things, then when they expect it from you, you get an attitude." Malaika Simmons did not come to play games with y'all in  this episode.  She said if you don't want to be called superwoman, say it with your WHOLE chest... DON'T CALL ME SUPERWOMAN!! This conversation was everything I hoped it would be.  Malaika took me on a journey of how she made the transition from the superwoman lifestyle, the challenges that came along with it and how she deliberately resides in a space that doesn't require her to be anything other than what and who she is.   The unique thing about her journey is that in order for her to unsuperwoman herself, she had to channel the WONDER WOMAN in her.  Yep! She traded in her cape for bracelets and a lasso. Now, I know you're probably asking, so... y'all seriously want me to give up one super human  just to take up another one?  Yeah...kinda, sorta, but not really!  You to gotta tune in to get the scoop, sis because pouring it out here does NOT do this conversation justice. So grab a friend, pour up your favorite beverage and press play. WHAT'S INSIDE: How Superwoman is robbing you of YOU Even when you're doing too much is still not enough Transitioning from the Superwoman lifestyle Why Wonder woman is a better super human that Superwoman Where your "Don't Call Me Superwoman" power lies The process of unlearning Superwoman behavior This episode is for all the Black women who wants to boldly and unapologetically tell the world, DON'T CALL ME SUPERWOMAN.   Tune in now as Malaika shows us how to tap into that power so that you can finally uncape, unmask, and unhide. ABOUT MALAIKA SIMMONS: Life is a series of moments. What will you do with yours? Malaika Simmons, performance mindset coach, TEDx speaker, and author can help you figure that out. Malaika is a 2x Toastmasters club president, human-centered design strategist, innovation consultant, and co-author of two books, including the Amazon bestselling "The Success Blueprint" with Brian Tracy, and “Entrepreneurial Elevation”. Malaika is the creator of The Momentology Method ®, an intentional framework for living, she uses to help servant leading women executives and high performers design an impactful career, business and life. As a result of working with Malaika, her clients trust themselves, claim their voices and leverage their passions for profit and joy WITHOUT sacrificing their authenticity and integrity. She helps them lean into their joy and genius to live a Momentous Life! Connect with Malaika on Instagram and Facebook, and be sure to check out her website to get a closer look at her work. Other Episodes in Season 4 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding the Black Female Body When Little Black Girls Are Socialized to Be Strong Uncaped | A Black Girl Daring to Heal The Power of Sista to Sista Friendships Is Your Mother Wound Keeping You Separated from the Joys of Sistahood? Can the Sistahood Circle Be Unbroken? Identifying the Layers of the Black Superwoman Cape Things We've Lost to the Superwoman Cape Superwoman Quiz Are you a perfectionist, master performer, people pleaser, or people prover? Take this 4 minute quiz & get a breakdown of your superwoman archetype & how you can use this knowledge to set healthy boundaries in life, love, and relationships.

When you think about uncaping, unmasking, and unhiding the Black female body, what's the first thing that comes to mind for you? Nicole D. Vick joined me in the virtual studio today to answer that question.  She and I had a “real talk” conversation about how politicized the Black female body [from our hair to our feet] is and how the Black female body is scrutinized so much that Black women often feel like they don't own their bodies. Nicole points out how Black female bodies have been examined and scrutinized and how Black women have missed out on opportunities and have been sent home from work/school being told  [implicitly or explicitly ] that their hair styles, body sizes and body shapes are unacceptable. WHAT'S INSIDE: How politicized the Black female body can be The shame that often comes with being Black, female and “bodied” Neutralizing the messages that contribute to NOT loving the bodies we've been GIFTED Embracing the Black female body at every stage What uncaping the Black female body looks like The process of unlearning the messages the media feeds Black women Colorism and its effects on how Black women exist in a society This episode is for every Black woman who's ever questioned if she was good enough because she doesn't look a certain way. Tune in now as Nicole helps us to learn to love every inch of our Black bodies by learning to love the person the body houses. ABOUT NICOLE D. VICK: Nicole is  public health advocate, educator, civic leader, and fashion and beauty aficionado. For the last fifteen years she's worked with stakeholders, community organizations, and residents to improve health and prevent disease in some of Los Angeles County's most underserved communities. Nicole is also a professor and loves to infuse her lived experiences and work experience into her lectures. She's a proud resident of South Central Los Angeles. From the Board Room to her backyard, her love of community manifests in many ways. She's opened her home to the community by hosting pop-up shops to support local businesses owned by Black women and create awareness of the benefits of shopping local. She also helps women embrace their bodies and find their sense of style without breaking the bank. Connect with Nicole on Instagram and Facebook, and be sure to check out her website to get a closer look at her work as an author, stylist and activist. Other Episodes in Season 4 When Little Black Girls Are Socialized to Be Strong Uncaped | A Black Girl Daring to Heal The Power of Sista to Sista Friendships Is Your Mother Wound Keeping You Separated from the Joys of Sistahood? Can the Sistahood Circle Be Unbroken? Identifying the Layers of the Black Superwoman Cape Things We've Lost to the Superwoman Cape Superwoman Quiz Are you a perfectionist, master performer, people pleaser, or people prover? Take this 4 minute quiz & get a breakdown of your superwoman archetype & how you can use this knowledge to set healthy boundaries in life, love, and relationships.

When you think about Uncaping, unmasking, and unhiding the Black female body, what's the first thing that comes to mind for you? Nicole D. Vick joined me in the virtual studio today to answer that question.  She and I had a "real talk" conversation about how politicized the Black female body [from our hair to our feet] is and how the Black female body is scrutinized so much that Black women often feel like they don't own their bodies. Nicole points out how Black female bodies have been examined and scrutinized and how Black women have missed out on opportunities and sent home from work/school being told  [implicitly or explicitly ] that their hair styles, body sizes and body shapes are unacceptable. WHAT'S INSIDE: How stressful politicizing the Black female body can be The shame that often comes with being Black, female and "bodied" Neutralizing the messages that contribute to NOT loving the bodies we've been GIFTED Embracing the Black female body at every stage The process of unlearning the messages the media feeds Black women Colorism and its effects on how Black women exist in a society This episode is for every Black woman who's ever questioned if she was good enough because she doesn't look a certain way. Tune in now as Nicole helps us to learn to love every inch of our Black bodies by learning to love the person the body houses. ABOUT NICOLE D. VICK: Nicole is  public health advocate, educator, civic leader, and fashion and beauty aficionado. For the last fifteen years she's worked with stakeholders, community organizations, and residents to improve health and prevent disease in some of Los Angeles County's most underserved communities. Nicole is also a professor and loves to infuse her lived experiences and work experience into her lectures. She's a proud resident of South Central Los Angeles. From the Board Room to her backyard, her love of community manifests in many ways. She's opened her home to the community by hosting pop-up shops to support local businesses owned by Black women and create awareness of the benefits of shopping local. She also helps women embrace their bodies and find their sense of style without breaking the bank. Connect with Nicole on Instagram and Facebook, and be sure to check out her website to get a closer look at her work as an author, stylist and activist.    Other Episodes in Season 4 When Little Black Girls Are Socialized to Be Strong Uncaped | A Black Girl Daring to Heal The Power of Sista to Sista Friendships Is Your Mother Wound Keeping You Separated from the Joys of Sistahood? Can the Sistahood Circle Be Unbroken? Identifying the Layers of the Black Superwoman Cape Things We've Lost to the Superwoman Cape Superwoman Quiz Are you a perfectionist, master performer, people pleaser, or people prover? Take this 4 minute quiz & get a breakdown of your superwoman archetype & how you can use this knowledge to set healthy boundaries in life, love, and relationships.

Strong Black women didn't just miraculously appear on the scene. They were little Black girls who grow up to be strong Black women. In this episode of the Shades of Strong podcast we take a deep dive into how Black women are socialized to strong even before they leave their mothers' womb, thereby making them susceptible to the Black superwoman syndrome. If you've ever questioned why or how you came to be "strong", or why you behave the way you behave in certain circumstances, this episode will answer a few of those questions for you. WHAT'S INSIDE: Wounded little Black girls growing up to be wounded strong Black women Gender based chores and how they condition Black women to be & do all the things What happens when little Black girls don't get to be children Words from the mouths of adults that encourage suppressed & repressed emotions Parenting techniques and behaviors that send Black women running into the arm of toxic partners Cultivating our children's intuition and learning to sit with them in their pain Tune in now for insight on how words (spoken and unspoken), behaviors and unhealed traum   RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The Safe Place App:  Providing mental health resources (self-care tips, articles, videos, self assessments, etc.) for the African American community. Download the app today on your Apple or Android device. Comic Book: Generational Awakening: The Strange Anxiety In Dauphine Royal Voices in This Episode: Shirley Hubbard Jasmin Pierre Lakeisha Carter Natalyn Bradshaw Trezelle Morgain Other Episodes in Season 4 Uncaped | A Black Girl Daring to Heal The Power of Sista to Sista Friendships Is Your Mother Wound Keeping You Separated from the Joys of Sistahood? Can the Sistahood Circle Be Unbroken? Identifying the Layers of the Black Superwoman Cape Things We've Lost to the Superwoman Cape Superwoman Quiz Are you a perfectionist, master performer, people pleaser, or people prover? Take this 4 minute quiz & get a breakdown of your superwoman archetype & how you can use this knowledge to set healthy boundaries in life, love, and relationships.

Strong Black women didn't just miraculously appear on the scene. They were little Black girls who grow up to be strong Black women.  In this episode of the Shades of Strong podcast we take a deep dive into how Black mothers unconsciously teach their daughters to live a life that aligns with the myths and stereotypes of the strong Black woman, and how rewriting the narrative is long over due.  She admits that living an uncaped life is challenging because she was introduced to the Superwoman mentality in childhood and kinda felt like Superwoman was her destiny, but after losing her father she knew it was time to do life differently.  She reluctanlty sought support by way of therapy and is now takiing her life back. If you've ever felt alone, voiceless or hopeless,  you'll want to tune in to hear Lakeisha talk about how she made it over and how uncaping has changed her life for good.  WHAT'S INSIDE: How Cultivating your child's intuition gives them voice & keeps them safe The damaging effects of silencing your child & what that looks like Learning to sit with your children in their pain Giving children permission to be seen and heard The cons of gender based chores Tune in now AND don't forget to share with your friends. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The Safe Place App Voices in This Episode: Shirley Hubbard Jasmin Pierre Lakeisha Carter Natalyn Bradshaw Trezelle Morgain Other Episodes in Season 4 Uncaped | A Black Girl Daring to Heal The Power of Sista to Sista Friendships Is Your Mother Wound Keeping You Separated from the Joys of Sistahood? Can the Sistahood Circle Be Unbroken? Identifying the Layers of the Black Superwoman Cape Things We've Lost to the Superwoman Cape Superwoman Quiz Are you a perfectionist, master performer, people pleaser, or people prover? Take this 4 minute quiz & get a breakdown of your superwoman archetype & how you can use this knowledge to set healthy boundaries in life, love, and relationships.

In today's episode Lakeisha Carter takes us on a journey of how she took steps to free herself from the Superwoman Syndrome, is now striving to live an uncaped life, and how therapy is playing an integral part in her healing. She admits that living an uncaped life is challenging because she was introduced to the Superwoman mentality in childhood and kinda felt like Superwoman was her destiny, but after losing her father she knew it was time to do life differently.  She reluctanlty sought support by way of therapy and is now takiing her life back. If you've ever felt alone, voiceless or hopeless,  you'll want to tune in to hear Lakeisha talk about how she made it over and how uncaping has changed her life for good.  WHAT'S INSIDE: How rocking the Superwoman cape left her feeling voiceless How "Black woman" labels became an hindrance for entering therapy The steps she took get her voice back and learn to speak up for herself The importance of being your authentic self. Tune in now AND don't forget to share with your friends. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Open Path Collective Affordable Counseling Shades of Strong Sista Circle of Healing Therapy for Black Girls Podcast Black Girls Heal Podcast Lakeisha Carter on Facebook Other Episodes in Season 4 The Power of Sista to Sista Friendships Is Your Mother Wound Keeping You Separated from the Joys of Sistahood? Can the Sistahood Circle Be Unbroken? Identifying the Layers of the Black Superwoman Cape Things We've Lost to the Superwoman Cape LISTEN TO EPISODES in the Not Your Superwoman Mini-Series Healing the Little Black Girl Behind the Strong Black Woman Rest. Because Sometimes Your Strength Gets Tired The Fine Line Between Independent and Too Independent Never Let  What They Think of You Silence You You Get to Be Strong and Vulnerable Strong Black Women Feel Things Too You Are the Most Important Person in Your Life Tools and Resources Available Through Shades of Strong Superwoman Quiz Take this 4 minute quiz & get a breakdown of your superwoman archetype & how you can use this knowledge to set healthy boundaries in life, love, and relationships. Not Your Superwoman Healing Circle  The Black Woman's Seven-Day Journey  to Healing the Little Black Girl Within CIRCLE STARTS JULY 5, 2021

Sis!!! You DO NOT have to be your own best friend. In this episode Natty and Shirl are joined by Lana Hunter and Melissa J. Nixon who have developed a friendship that few have the privilege of enjoying. Lana and Melissa both believe that despite how friendships ebb and flow, lasting friendships are very much possible and they are living proof of it.  Today we chat it up about how they met, how long they've been friends, what keeps the friendship GROWING, and how we can ALL experience long lasting, sista to sista friendships by being intentional, considerate and consistent in our efforts.  If you've been hurt, betrayed or lost a friend, you'll want to tune in to hear how these ladies view friendships, how during times of trauma they LEAN IN INSTEAD OF OUT and the TOP THREE things that keep them in each others lives.  WHAT'S INSIDE: The work that goes into building lasting friendships What healthy friendships look like The importance of being open to new friendships even after being hurt Setting healthy boundaries in lasting friendships Recovering from broken friendships Being intentional in friendships This episode is the third and final conversation in the sistahood series.  Tune in now AND be sure to check out the rapid fire questions at the end.  And don't forget to share with your friends. LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Sundress and Big Hat Brunch Melissa J. Nixon -- Courageous Life Academy Sundress and Big Hat Instagram Melissa J Nixon Instagram   Other Episodes in Season 4 Is Your Mother Wound Keeping You Separated from the Joys of Sistahood? Can the Sistahood Circle Be Unbroken? Identifying the Layers of the Black Superwoman Cape Things We’ve Lost to the Superwoman Cape LISTEN TO EPISODES in the Not Your Superwoman Mini-Series Healing the Little Black Girl Behind the Strong Black Woman Rest. Because Sometimes Your Strength Gets Tired The Fine Line Between Independent and Too Independent Never Let  What They Think of You Silence You You Get to Be Strong and Vulnerable Strong Black Women Feel Things Too You Are the Most Important Person in Your Life Tools and Resources Available Through Shades of Strong Superwoman Quiz Take this 4 minute quiz & get a breakdown of your superwoman archetype & how you can use this knowledge to set healthy boundaries in life, love, and relationships. Not Your Superwoman Healing Circle  The Black Woman’s Seven-Day Journey  to Healing the Little Black Girl Within CIRCLE STARTS JULY 5, 2021

    The results are in and her results reveal that she's Olivia Pope. Tune in as Anyonita G. shares her thoughts on her results from the superwoman archetype quiz. The quiz uses four popular television characters (Olivia Pope, Cookie Lyon, Annalise Keating and Cookie Lyon) to not only help you identify which archetype is most dominant in you, but also to help you to identify when and how the personality traits were birthed in you. And it doesn't just top there, the quiz also offers tips and strategies on how you can experience a life without the emotional pain of the superwoman cape holding you back based specifically on your superwoman archetype. Anyonita took the quiz twice approximately three weeks apart and got the same results each time.   She shares her thoughts on the accuracy of the results and the benefits of taking the quiz. Take a listen, then hop over to www.shadesofstrong.com/superwomanquiz to get your results.  [Link(s) Mentioned: www.shadesofstrong.com/superwomanquiz]    

The mother wound -- the festering wound that we MUST heal in order to fully experience the joy of being in relationship with our sistas.  Sistahood is the container where we GET to surrender to deeper levels of support, deeper levels of love and accountability, but it is virtually impossible to experience such deep connections when your mother wound is lingering in the unhealed crevices of your soul.  If you find yourself mistrusting other women, playing small, or unable to feel at peace and grounded in yourself, you may be experiencing symptoms of a sister wound intertwined with a mother wound.  In this episode Shirl and Natty are chatting it up about how the unhealed wounds from our mothers contribute to the broken sistahood and how we can begin the process of healing both.  WHAT'S INSIDE: How the mother wound and sistahood wound are intertwined What the cape is costing us when the hurt from our mothers is unhealed Effectively grieving the loss of the mother you wish you had  How the mother wound contributes to how we do relationship with others How healing the wounds from your mother starts the healing of the sistahood wound This episode is the second in the sistahood series.  Tune in now.  And don't forget to share with your friends. LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Superwoman Archetype Quiz Not Your Superwoman Healing Circle Shades of Strong Instagram Black Mother Wound Instagram Other Episodes in Season 4 Can the Sistahood Circle Be Unbroken? Identifying the Layers of the Black Superwoman Cape Things We’ve Lost to the Superwoman Cape LISTEN TO EPISODES in the Not Your Superwoman Mini-Series Healing the Little Black Girl Behind the Strong Black Woman Rest. Because Sometimes Your Strength Gets Tired The Fine Line Between Independent and Too Independent Never Let  What They Think of You Silence You You Get to Be Strong and Vulnerable Strong Black Women Feel Things Too You Are the Most Important Person in Your Life  

    Welcome to another feature in our Black from the Past™ segment. Today's feature is Willie (Big Mama) Thornton, blues singer and song writer from Montgomery, AL. Quick Facts:   Willie Mae (Big Mama) Thornton's career lasted from the 1940s until the 1980s  Earned the name "Big Mama" at the Apollo Theatre in New York Best known for her recording of Hound Dog released in 1953 Hound Dog topped the R & B charts selling 2 million copies, but Big Mama was only paid $500 Elvis Presley recorded another version of Hound Dog 3 years later bringing him immeasurable fame and success Died in 1984 at the age of 57 Inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in 2020 Is this your first time hearing about Willie (Big Mama) Thornton? Who should we highlight next in our Black from the Past™ series? Black from the Past™ is a segment of the Shades of Strong podcast where we're preserving and normalizing Black history by shining a light of Black women who have made significant contributions to the Black female culture but are often forgotten. [Source: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Big-Mama-Thornton] [Link(s) Mentioned:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxoGvBQtjpM&feature=youtu.be]   Do you have a family member or know of someone you would like to see us shine a light on?  Send us an email at hi@shadesofstrong.com with the subject line Black from the Past suggestion and we’ll do our best to make it happen.   PREVIOUS BLACK FROM THE PAST™ FEATURES Mary Eliza Mahoney Phyllis Hyman Margaret Garner