Rest Is Not Something You Have to Earn When was the last time you allowed yourself to rest without feeling guilty about everything you had left to do? For many Black women and girls, rest can feel like something that must be earned. There are responsibilities to manage, people to care for, expectations to meet, and goals to accomplish. Even when our bodies ask us to slow down, our minds may continue running through the next task, the next responsibility, or the next person who needs us. We...

There comes a point when being “the strong one” starts to feel less like a compliment and more like a responsibility you never agreed to carry. You are the person people call when something goes wrong. You know how to figure things out. You show up for your family, your children, your friends, your workplace, and your community. Even when you are overwhelmed, you somehow find a way to keep going. People may admire your strength. But what happens when you are tired of being strong? What...

You said yes. But you wanted to say no. You agreed to help even though your schedule was already full. You answered the phone even though you desperately needed quiet. You took on one more responsibility because you didn't want to disappoint anyone. You stayed quiet because you didn't want to create conflict. And then, later, you felt frustrated. Not necessarily because someone asked too much. But because you knew you had said yes when you really wanted to say no. If this sounds familiar, you...