3: Help, I Am Over This!

StrongBlackWoman is an ideology grounded in the perception that a Black woman is strong (physically and emotionally), independent, a caretaker, tenacious, self-efficacious, self-sacrificing, self-contained, and resilient (Bronder et al., 2013; Donovan & West, 2014; Stanton et al., 2017; Watson & Hunter, 2016; Woods-Giscombé, 2010). While these characteristics may seem positive and affirming, collectively, they are slowly killing Black and Brown women. We often find ourselves burnt out, angry, irritated, overwhelmed, overextended, guilty, or ashamed because we do not know how to stop this cycle. The consequences of the StrongBlackWoman persona/Superwoman syndrome also appear in our physical body, manifesting hypertension, stress, stroke, and heart attacks. This chapter will give practical steps on how to stop the toxic cycle of Superwoman syndrome and toss the cape once and for all. The three-pronged approach will start with boundaries (I said what I said), 2. knowing your value (Reclaiming my time), 3. Creating a life I love (Living my best life). Using this freedom framework will help you drop the cape, live an emotionally and physically free life, and finally be able to say, “Get someone else to do it,” without feeling guilty.