The world rewards independence, not interdependence. Many women—especially Black women—are handed the “Superwoman” cape before they can walk. We carry everything: pride, expectations, everyone else’s to-do list. But even superheroes have sidekicks.

Most of us grew up believing being helpful means being available. Saying yes feels polite. Responsible. Even noble. But here’s the thing—constantly saying yes when you’re running on fumes doesn’t make you dependable. It makes you depleted.

We’ve been taught to grind harder, multitask faster, and fix exhaustion with another productivity hack. But the truth is, our nervous systems were never built for constant “go.” When you’re stretched too thin, your brain goes into survival mode—everything feels urgent, even when it’s not. That’s why you scroll instead of sleep or replay that awkward meeting for the third time.

In a world that glorifies 50+ hour workweeks (as if 40 isn’t already enough), saying “no” can feel like breaking a sacred rule. But here’s the truth: learning to say “no” is one of the most powerful things you can do to protect your mental and emotional health.

Right now, joy might feel like a luxury. Something for people with less on their plate. But I’d argue it’s not optional—it’s necessary.
Joy is resistance. Joy is refuge.
And reclaiming it starts with small, deliberate steps.

And here’s the real talk: burnout doesn’t show up waving a red flag. It tiptoes in—masked as fatigue, irritation, or zoning out on your phone for the third time today. One minute, you’re managing. The next, you're spiraling.

Perfectionism wears a clever disguise - it looks like ambition, high standards, “just wanting to do your best.” But underneath that polished exterior? It’s often driven by fear: fear of failure, fear of not being enough, fear of disappointing others. And that fear, when left unchecked, is one of burnout’s favorite fuels.

…That hazy space where the lines between stress and burnout blur. You’re juggling demanding work, family responsibilities, and the nonstop buzz of life … and you can’t tell if you’re just exhausted or completely burnt out.

Burnout can be sneaky. It often starts with small, subtle shifts in your mood and behavior. You might brush them off as just a phase or chalk them up to stress, but ignoring these signs can lead to a much darker place.

Burnout doesn’t always look like collapse. Sometimes, it looks like success on paper and survival in real life. I wasn’t lazy or weak—I was over-functioning. Smiling through stress. Powering through migraines. Being the go-to person for everyone except myself.