A Black Woman’s Dream, Delayed but Still Divine

At 56 years old, I’m walking into a Black woman’s dream I’ve carried for decades — sitting in New York, preparing to speak with agents and an editor from one of the Big Five publishing houses… about my book. This moment didn’t come fast, but it came faithfully.And in this short, heartfelt episode, I’m reflecting on what it means to finally say yes to the calling — after years of wrestling, resisting, and wondering if it was too late. Because this isn’t just about publishing a book.It’s about legacy.It’s about healing.It’s about breaking patterns for every Black woman who’s ever whispered, “I don’t want to be strong anymore.” So if you’ve ever questioned the timing of your dream…If you’ve ever felt like you missed your moment…This episode is a gentle reminder that what’s for you is still for you.It may be delayed — but it is never denied. This is a Black woman’s dream.Delayed, yes.But still divine. Other Ways to Be Supported: Schedule a 1:1 Support Session Get the Guide: “You Know Your Support Language™—Now What?” Take the Support Language™ Quiz. and learn how you actually receive support best. Get Support Right in Your Inbox: Gentle words, real-life reflection, and soft reminders every week Let’s Stay Connected: Subscribe to Shades of Strong on Apple Podcasts or your favorite platform  Share this episode with a sista who’s tired of being the strong one  Leave a review if the episode spoke to your spirit — it helps more Black women find this space Join Shades of Strong on Substack  for deeper convos that don’t always make it to the mic Follow Shades of Strong on Instagram for daily reflections on what it means to be supported Be a Guest on the Show www.shadesofstrong.com Related Episodes Finding Support in the Pause When Black Women Are Well, Everybody’s Well Learning How to Hold Yourself When Nobody Else Does Shirl is the creator of Support Languages™ and host of Shades of Strong® — a movement shifting the narrative from Strong Black Woman to Supported Black Woman™ through language, rest, and real support.