Breaking Free of the StrongBlackWoman

Point 1: Admit that you have a problem and it is out of your control.

Ask anyone–Black or White, male or female–to describe Black women and the most common answer is likely to be STRONG.

We are StrongBlackWomen because the world continually teaches us that it is who we must be.

Strength is a backhanded compliment.

We acknowledge that we are not the Divine, that there is a Power greater than ourselves who can restore us to right relationship with ourselves and others.

We make a decision to turn our will and our lives, and those of the people we care for, over to the care and protection of the Divine.

Point 2: Commit to radical self-care.

Self-care is not selfish.

Self-care is about the practices that we use to nurture our spiritual, mental, emotional, physical, and relational health and well-being.

I am worthy of self-care.

Rule of Life

Point 3: Learn to say NO and GOODBYE.

Every YES we give is a NO to something else.

Ways to say no

• "Not right now."
• "I'd love to do this but the timing is bad.
• "I need to think about this."
• "I can't give you a 'yes' right now.

There is an abundance of opportunity.

Learn to say goodbye.

Point 4: Train others to take care of you and allow them to do it.

Our healing is dependent upon our ability to receive hospitality from others.

Invest the time and energy in developing and nurturing relationships that are based upon reciprocity and mutuality.

Point 5: Go in search of self.

Point 6: Be ready for relapse.

Keep fighting for your freedom!