Support When You Don't Even Know What You Need

What does support look like when you don’t even know what you need?

In today’s Support Pause, Shirl is talking about a moment with a friend who was carrying so much, she couldn’t even answer that question. And that’sreal,  because sometimes, “I don’t know” is all you’ve got left.

But just because you can’t name it yet doesn’t mean your needs don’t exist.

Sometimes your body’s been saying it long before your mouth catches up — through the tension, the silence, the cabinet doors, the short answers, the exhaustion.

And if you want help putting words to that quiet voice inside —there’s a short quiz waiting for you HERE.
3–5 minutes. No pressure. Just a soft place to start.

Got a story about what it’s cost you to be the strong one? We’re collecting real, lived stories for the 26 Black Women Storytelling Series, and we want to hear yours.

Submit your story here → https://forms.gle/VsfFMjNjMt6eVLJp7

Come back every weekday for a new Support Pause — short, soul-soothing reflections made just for you.

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.

• 26 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  

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
• Follow Shades of Strong on Instagram for daily reflections on what it means to be suppoted
• www.shadesofstrong.com

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.