Welcome to the Blog
Musings from a Supported Black Woman
Where My Voice Comes Home
Welcome to Shirl’s Musings — a quiet corner of the Shades of Strong® movement where I share unfiltered reflections, behind-the-scenes thoughts, and the real-life truths that don’t always make it into the podcast mic.
This is where I process what it means to live as a Supported Black Woman in a world that still expects us to carry it all. Some days it’s soft. Some days it’s heavy. But every word is rooted in support — for myself, for my daughters, and for every Black woman who’s ever whispered, “I just need a minute.”
Whether I’m writing about the Support Languages™ framework, what healing looks like in real time, or how I’m redefining strength in my own life, you’ll find it all here. These are porch conversations in written form — slow, intentional, and deeply personal.
So take your time. Breathe. And come back when you need something real.
EXPLORE MY LATEST MUSINGS
NEW POSTS EVERY MONDAY AND THURSDAY
Why Love Isn’t the Same as Support
One of the things I’ve noticed over the years is how often Black women use love as evidence that they’re supported. I’ve heard women talk about partners who love them, parents who love them, siblings who love them, adult children who love them,...
What “Soft Life” Conversations Still Get Wrong About Support
Over the last few years, the phrase soft life has become part of so many conversations among Black women. Depending on who’s using it, it can mean slowing down, resting more, setting better boundaries, traveling, choosing peace, or deciding that life...
What Survival of the Thickest Gets Right About Support
There are a lot of things people could say about Survival of the Thickest. They could talk about body image, friendship, dating after heartbreak, or how funny the show is. Those conversations are worth having. But while I was watching it, I kept noticing something...
Why Black Women Don’t Always Recognize They’re Unsupported
Most Black women don’t walk around thinking, I’m unsupported. If you asked us how we’re doing, we’d probably say we’re tired, stressed, juggling a lot, or just trying to make it through a busy season. We have language for feeling...
The Little Girl Still Waiting Inside So Many Black Women
One of the quietest things survival mode does to Black women is disconnect us from ourselves so slowly we barely notice it happening. It usually does not happen all at once either. It happens gradually over time while we are busy handling responsibilities, helping...
A Black Woman Can Look Successful and Still Be Drowning Underneath the Pressure
When Success Starts Hiding the Struggle A lot of Black women have learned how to look okay while carrying unhealthy amounts of pressure. The deadlines still get met.The responsibilities still get handled.The meetings still happen.The goals still get accomplished....
