Shades of Strong ® | Redefining Strength, Rewriting Narratives, and Celebrating Authenticity Shirley Hubbard

My strong is acknowledging my mistakes and holding myself accountable.







Hey there, it's Shirl and Natty! In this episode, we dive deep into a topic that hits close to home: acknowledging our vulnerabilities and mistakes, and the importance of taking accountability, especially within our Black female community.



We know how challenging it can be to navigate the pressures and expectations placed on us as Black women. Society often tells us that we have to be strong all the time, but we're here to say that it's okay to show our vulnerabilities and own up to our mistakes.



Episode Highlights:



* Embracing Imperfection: Let's talk about why it's okay to not get it right every time and why strength is found in our ability to learn from our mistakes.

* The Power of Acknowledgment: We share personal stories and insights on how acknowledging our mistakes can lead to personal growth and empowerment.

* Breaking Toxic Patterns: Explore how accountability can help us break free from harmful cycles, paving the way for self-compassion and forgiveness.



Join us in this candid conversation as we explore what it means to be accountable, not just to others, but to ourselves. This episode is a reminder that our vulnerabilities are not weaknesses but a testament to our strength as Black women







Register for the "Uncaped" Virtual Workshop: Join us for a transformative experience where we'll redefine strength, let go of hyper-independence, and step into our true power. Reserve your spot today.



Join the Community: Join the Shades of Strong Email List, our community of like-minded Black women empowering themselves and each other. Stay in the loop on new episodes and access to insightful discussions, resources, and practical tips for Black women, addressing their unique challenges and celebrating their resilience.



Connect on Social Media: Follow Shades of Strong on social media for content exploring the Black female experience and stay updated on the latest episodes and community events. We’re @shadesofstrong across all platforms.



Shop our Self-care Line in the Etsy shop where self-care is an art of nurturing the heart and soul. Our tools—mood trackers, journals, self-nurturing games, and coloring pages—are crafted to elevate your inner journey, inviting you to love your inner self as much as your outer self.



Listener Survey: Share your feedback with us HERE.







 

My strong is my belief that Black women are sick of riding and dying







We're thrilled to welcome award-winning author and advocate Shanita Hubbard to our show for an enlightening discussion. Shanita shares her unique perspective on the “Ride or Die” narrative in hip-hop and its profound impact on Black women, drawing from personal experiences and a deep understanding of the cultural evolution of these stereotypes.



Our conversation delves into how the image of the “ride-or-die” woman has evolved into the “strong Black woman” archetype, and the societal effects of these portrayals. Shanita also sheds light on the intersectionality of issues faced by Black women, including intimate-partner violence, highlighting the compounding challenges this brings.



We explore the vital role of hip-hop in correcting harmful narratives, and Shanita passionately discusses her vision for a more empowering narrative for Black women. We also touch on the importance of allies within the hip-hop community in amplifying Black women’s voices and challenging damaging stereotypes.



Key Points:



* Impact on Black Women: We discuss how stereotypes affect the daily lives of Black women.

* Intersectionality: Shanita shares insights on various challenges faced by Black women, including intimate-partner violence and police violence.

* Responsibility of Hip-Hop: We emphasize the need for hip-hop to reshape harmful narratives.

* Internalization of “Ride or Die” Mentality: We explore how Black women can internalize and perpetuate stereotypes.

* Ride or Die in Different Contexts: Our conversation extends to different contexts where the “ride or die” mentality manifests.

* Path to Change: Shanita outlines her vision for a more empowering narrative and the role of allies.



Join us, along with Shanita, as we unravel the complexities of the “ride or die” narrative and its impact on Black women.







About Shanita:

Shanita Hubbard is the author of the award-winning book Ride-Or Die: A Feminist Manifesto For The Well-Being Of Black Women. She is a former therapist, Soros Justice Fellow, and the mother of an amazing Black girl.



Connect with Shanita on Instagram and X formerly Twitter.



Click HERE to donate "Ride or Die: A Feminist Manifesto For the Well-Being of Black Women" to the RIDE BEYOND PRISON PROGRAM.







Register for the "Uncaped" Workshop: Join us for a transformative experience where we'll redefine strength, let go of hyper-independence, and step into our true power. Reserve your spot today.



Join the Community: Join the Shades of Strong Email List, our community of like-minded Black women empowering themselves and each other. Stay in the loop on new episodes and access to insightful discussions, resources, and practical tips for Black women,

My strong is humanizing myself.







In a world that often demands Black women to be strong at all costs, there is a growing recognition of the need to humanize ourselves — to acknowledge our vulnerabilities, set boundaries, and prioritize self-care.



In this episode of Shades of Strong Podcast, hosts Shirley Hubbard and Natalyn Bradshaw delve into the importance of fostering a discipline of humanizing ourselves and dismantling the strong Black woman trope within ourselves.



They use the body scan method to explore how they dehumanize themselves in various parts of their bodies. They candidly share personal experiences and delve into the emotional and mental burdens they carry, discussing how they can reclaim their humanity and redefine what it means to be strong.



Key Points:



* Understanding Dehumanization: Shirley and Natty use the body scan technique to thoroughly explore how they unintentionally dehumanize themselves, scanning each part of their bodies, including the mind, throat, heart, gut, and spiritual side. They share personal experiences and reflections on the impact of societal pressures, past experiences, and internalized beliefs.





* Strategies for Humanization: The hosts explore various strategies and practices for humanizing themselves, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and self-compassion. They discuss the power of mindfulness, and self-care in combating dehumanizing thoughts and behaviors.





* Impact of Societal Expectations: Shirley and Natty reflect on the impact of societal expectations and stereotypes on their self-perception. They discuss how societal norms can create unrealistic standards of strength and resilience, leading to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.

* The Journey of Reclaiming Humanity: Throughout the episode, the hosts share their personal journeys of reclaiming their humanity. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of this process, offering insights and advice for listeners on their own journey towards self-acceptance and empowerment.



Humanizing ourselves is a continual journey involving embracing imperfections, celebrating strengths, and fostering community support.



By shedding light on their own struggles with dehumanization, Shirl and Natty hope to inspire others to embark on their own journey of reclaiming humanity.









Join the Community: Join the Shades of Strong Email List, our community of like-minded Black women empowering themselves and each other. Stay in the loop on new episodes and access to insightful discussions, resources, and practical tips for Black women, addressing their unique challenges and celebrating their resilience.



Connect on Social Media: Follow Shades of Strong on social media for content exploring the Black female experience and stay updated on the latest episodes and community events. We’re @shadesofstrong across all platforms.



Shop our Self-care Line in the Etsy shop where self-care is an art of nurturing the heart and soul. Our tools—mood trackers, journals, self-nurturing games, and coloring pages—are crafted to elevate your inner journey, inviting you to love your inner self as much as your outer self.



Next Episode Teaser: Tune in next time for an insightful conversation on “Breaking Free from the Ride or Die Mentality,” where we’ll explore how to navigate toxic patterns and prioritize self-respect in every area of our lives. 

My strong is empowering Black women.







Get ready for a powerful new season of Shades of Strong! Hosted by Shirley Hubbard and Natalyn Bradshaw, this podcast empowers Black women to embrace their authentic selves and challenge societal stereotypes.



Launching on April 9th, this season features compelling conversations with inspiring guests. From discussing the dangers of overextending without reciprocity to unmasking imposter syndrome, the topics are diverse and impactful. They'll also delve into the importance of healing from the mother and father wounds, and strategies for overcoming workplace bullying.



Join our email list for weekly encouragement, special offers, and a free 90-day digital energy and mood tracker. This tool complements the podcast's themes, helping listeners identify triggers and patterns for better self-care.



Connect with Shades of Strong on social media for daily inspiration and community discussions. Follow @shadesofstrong on all platforms.



Stay tuned for the new season, premiering April 9th! In the meantime, catch up on past episodes and share the podcast with your friends.









Join the Community: Join the Shades of Strong Email List, our community of like-minded Black women empowering themselves and each other. Stay in the loop on new episodes and access to insightful discussions, resources, and practical tips for Black women, addressing their unique challenges and celebrating their resilience.



Connect on Social Media: Follow Shades of Strong on social media for content exploring the Black female experience and stay updated on the latest episodes and community events. We’re @shadesofstrong across all platforms.



Shop our Self-care Line in the Etsy shop where self-care is an art of nurturing the heart and soul. Our tools—mood trackers, journals, self-nurturing games, and coloring pages—are crafted to elevate your inner journey, inviting you to love your inner self as much as your outer self.



Next Episode Teaser: Tune in next time for an insightful conversation on “Fostering a Practice of Humanizing Ourselves,” using the body scan method, we'll explore how we unintentionally dehumanize ourselves and discuss strategies on how to cultivate self-compassion and authenticity. Don't miss it. 



Listener Survey: Share your feedback with us HERE.

My strong is soft, feminine, and receptive. 







Long gone are the days when Black women are overextending and back bending all in the name of being strong, because contrary to poplular belief, Black women get to be be soft and strong. 









Tap in to this week's encore episode for a conversation with Ivory Benneet on how she's one of many Black women embracing being soft and strong. 













RESOURCES TO SUPPORT YOU IN DOING LIFE WITH LESS STRESS,

LESS WORRY, AND LESS EMOTIONAL OVERWHELM





Come gather and grow with us in the SOS SAFE SPACES support group.



Want to be a part of a community of Black women supporting Black women through the ebbs and flows of life? Come gather with us monthly to chat it up about all the things that concern us, while holding each other accountable with love — accountable for how we see ourselves, treat ourselves, walk through the world, and how we allow others to treat us. Join SOS SAFE SPACES today.









Cultivate a daily practice of nurturing yourself with Nurture Yourself Bingo



Nurturing yourself does not have to be difficult, but it does need to be consistent, so why not make it fun. Nurture Yourself Bingo is divided into five categories – one category per card. Each category has twenty-four activities to support you in a daily practice of nurturing yourself. All you need to do to get started is print the cards, laminate them, and start nurturing yourself.



Do one activity daily, marking a X in the squares as you go until you get bingo. Once you get bingo, do something to celebrate yourself. If you get bingo on more than one card at the same time, up the celebration. Alternatively, you can work on one card at a time and/or do more than one activity a day. It’s your practice, do what feels right for you. Whatever you decide, we've got FIVE CATEGORIES & 124 WAYS for you to do it.









Join the My Strong Is global campaign by being a guest on the podcast.



Listener Survey: Share your feedback with us HERE



Connect and share with us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn and catch up with all things Shades of Strong at www.shadesofstrong.com.







               

My strong is creating an emotioanlly safe space.







One of the most harmful things about having emotional walls is missing out on great experiences with those you love and care about.  We build these walls with the hope of keeping harmful things out, not realizing that walls not only shut others out, they shut you in. 









Tap in to this week's encore episode for a conversation on how you can protect yourself without building emotional walls.













RESOURCES TO SUPPORT YOU IN DOING LIFE WITH LESS STRESS,

LESS WORRY, AND LESS EMOTIONAL OVERWHELM





Come gather and grow with us in the SOS SAFE SPACES support group.



Want to be a part of a community of Black women supporting Black women through the ebbs and flows of life? Come gather with us monthly to chat it up about all the things that concern us, while holding each other accountable with love — accountable for how we see ourselves, treat ourselves, walk through the world, and how we allow others to treat us. Join SOS SAFE SPACES today.









Cultivate a daily practice of nurturing yourself with Nurture Yourself Bingo



Nurturing yourself does not have to be difficult, but it does need to be consistent, so why not make it fun. Nurture Yourself Bingo is divided into five categories – one category per card. Each category has twenty-four activities to support you in a daily practice of nurturing yourself. All you need to do to get started is print the cards, laminate them, and start nurturing yourself.



Do one activity daily, marking a X in the squares as you go until you get bingo. Once you get bingo, do something to celebrate yourself. If you get bingo on more than one card at the same time, up the celebration. Alternatively, you can work on one card at a time and/or do more than one activity a day. It’s your practice, do what feels right for you. Whatever you decide, we've got FIVE CATEGORIES & 124 WAYS for you to do it.









Join the My Strong Is global campaign by being a guest on the podcast.



Listener Survey: Share your feedback with us HERE



Connect and share with us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn and catch up with all things Shades of Strong at www.shadesofstrong.com.