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.

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• 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.