Being the One Everyone Depends On with Dr. Candice Dawson

Being the one everyone depends on can feel like second nature, especially when you’ve spent years showing up, figuring things out, and holding everything together without question. This episode is story five of the 26 Black Women Storytelling Series, where Black women share what being strong has cost them, and the kind of support that could have made a difference. In this conversation, Dr. Candice Dawson shares what it looks like to carry the responsibility of caring for her parents while also raising her children and managing the day-to-day demands of her own life. Dr. Dawson has always been the one who handles it. The one people call. The one who figures it out. But over time, that level of responsibility began to take a toll in ways she could no longer ignore. From constantly being on the move, to feeling like she was being pulled in multiple directions, to realizing that even when she asked for help it didn’t always show up the way she needed, this conversation explores what it means to live under the weight of being the one everyone depends on. We talk about caregiving, family expectations, and the reality of trying to balance everything without losing yourself in the process. This episode also holds space for the moment when you realize that just because you can do it doesn’t mean you should have to do it alone. And that setting boundaries isn’t about doing less for others, it’s about finally including yourself in the care you give so freely. Dr. Dawson’s story reflects a deep need for Being Heard, the kind of support that allows you to say what’s real without it being questioned, redirected, or turned into something else. If you’ve ever felt like everything rests on you, this conversation will feel familiar. If you’re beginning to question how much you’ve been carrying and whether it’s sustainable, there is space to start thinking about support differently. The Support Languages™ assessment can help you name the kind of support that would actually meet you:  shadesofstrong.com/supportlanguages. About Dr. Candice Dawson Dr. Candice Dawson, also known as Dr. D., is an educator, speaker, and author who helps women rethink what it means to live freely. She often describes herself as a “freedom enthusiast,” someone who believes that freedom isn’t something you arrive at once, but something you choose every day. Through her work, Dr. D supports women as they navigate life, responsibility, and the pressure to hold everything together, while learning how to care for themselves in the process. She also works with parents and families, helping them approach learning in ways that feel empowering and connected to everyday life. Dr. D brings over a decade of experience in education and nonprofit work, along with a deep commitment to growth, faith, and living in alignment with what she believes is possible. Connect with Dr. Candice Dawson Instagram |Threads |YouTube | Website About Shades of Strong®Shades of Strong® is a space where Black women come to breathe, reflect, and reclaim strength without the struggle. Support Pauses are short, soulful reminders that you don’t have to carry it all alone. New episodes drop every weekday. Resources to Support You: Black Women Storytelling Series 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   Download Sistah’s Connect Radio in the Apple Store Download Sistah’s Connect Radion in Google Play 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 Submit your questions to [email protected] Follow Shades of Strong on Instagram for daily reflections on what it means to be suppoted www.shadesofstrong.com Shirl Hubbard 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.