
For generations, Black women have been the backbone of movements, families, businesses, and communities. We’ve stood at the forefront of every fight, poured ourselves into causes, and stretched ourselves thin, believing that our labor—our sweat, our sacrifice—mattered.
But today, a shift is happening. A quiet, yet powerful shift. More and more Black women are stepping back. We’re choosing to mind our own business, and it’s shaking the table.
The Illusion of Our Labor Mattering
We’ve been raised with the belief that our work makes a difference, that our collective strength moves mountains. And it does. But only when it serves those in power. And when it doesn’t? Our contributions are ignored, dismissed, or even stolen.
We’ve poured years of effort into institutions and movements, only to realize that our efforts were valued only when they benefited others. And now, as we take a step back, as we reclaim our energy and set boundaries, we face resistance—sometimes even from within our own communities.
The Weight of Stepping Away
There’s an internal battle that happens when a Black woman decides to no longer be the “strong one.” For those of us deeply entrenched in the culture of saving, fixing, and holding things together, stepping away feels uncomfortable. It forces us to confront a difficult question:
Who am I if I’m not saving the world?
The truth is, for so long, we’ve been told that our strength is in our struggle. But what if our strength is in our rest? In our ability to choose ourselves first?
The Hard Truth We Must Accept
The harsh reality is this: our contributions have often been transactional, only valued when they serve the interests of the powerful. And now that the tides are turning, we are realizing that the reward for our labor has been… nothing.
So what now? We pause. We reflect. We re-evaluate.
What have we gained for all we’ve given? What have we built that truly stands for us? And, most importantly, what are we teaching our daughters when we continue this cycle of endless sacrifice with little to show for it?
Choosing Ourselves Isn’t Easy, But It’s Necessary
It’s not easy to disengage. It’s not easy to step back and watch things unfold. But it’s necessary. Continuing to exhaust ourselves without tangible results is the definition of insanity. And sis, we’re too wise, too experienced, and too powerful to keep falling for the same cycle.
So if you’re struggling with what it means to disengage, I challenge you to take a moment. Pause. Reflect. Breathe.
Choosing ourselves isn’t abandonment; it’s a reclamation of our power. Let others figure it out for once. We’ve done more than our fair share. Now, it’s time to pour back into ourselves and the things that truly bring us joy, peace, and fulfillment.
The Future is Ours, But It Starts with Rest
Minding our own business isn’t about apathy—it’s about priority. And right now, we are the priority.
I hope you hear me.
I hope you understand.
And I hope you move forward with intention.
#BlackWomenResting #ChoosingOurselves #NoMoreCapes

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