Dear Empowered Reader,
In my last holiday treat, I discussed how finding "me" time can help you enjoy the holidays more and how communication is key to setting boundaries and freeing up some of your time. I hope you were able use some of my own tips to treat yourself to some well-deserved alone time to rest and recharge.
Now while setting aside time to yourself is very important, we can't forget the reason why so many women like us are was always super busy during the holiday season: the "Superwoman" persona.
We're so focused on being a "Superwoman" for everyone. Like the rest of the year, we constantly protect our loved ones by hiding our pain and keeping our struggles silent so that no one is "worried" about us. We think our feelings are a "burden" to others.
This protective instinct is beautiful, but it’s also draining. In trying to shield others, we neglect our needs, pushing our feelings down, and adding more layers to that superwoman armor.
With this holiday treat, I challenge you to free your mind of what you think strength is and be vulnerable.
My Strength is Being Vulnerable
You may think that strength is never breaking down or never asking for help. But that is not true sis! It’s about being able to acknowledge when we’re tired, sad, or need a moment to just be. The “superwoman” image is a myth that often leaves us feeling isolated, misunderstood, and overburdened. When we redefine strength to include vulnerability, we’re honoring all parts of ourselves, not just the parts that appear "strong."
Letting go of that superwoman role has been freeing. I’ve learned that my strength grows when I allow myself to show up fully, emotions and all. By sharing my authentic self, I’m not just protecting my peace—I’m building genuine, supportive connections. Vulnerability doesn’t diminish who we are; it makes us whole.
3 Methods to Ditch the Superwoman Persona
Setting Boundaries Without Apology
Boundaries aren’t about keeping people out; they’re about protecting the space you need to thrive. They allow you to reclaim your time and energy so you can pour into yourself consistently. For me, this meant learning to say no and honoring my need for rest, even if it felt uncomfortable at first.
Taking Big & Small Breaks
Rest is a huge part of being vulnerable. Being able to regain your energy and your peace in a quiet calm makes reconnecting with yourself much easier. By take breaks throughout the day, I am able to ground myself to the present moments and enjoy life for what it is now.
Creating Small, Intentional Ritual
Pouring into yourself doesn’t have to be grand. Whether it’s a quiet morning routine, a weekly check-in with yourself, or spending time doing something that brings you joy, small rituals create pockets of peace that remind you of your worth.
The Full Cup Effect
When we pour into ourselves first, something powerful happens: our energy and joy ripple out to others. From a full cup, we can give authentically, without resentment or depletion. We become better partners, mothers, friends, and leaders—not because we’re giving more of ourselves but because we’re giving from a place of genuine well-being.
Pouring into myself first has shifted my relationships, my work, and my sense of purpose. I’m able to show up fully because I’m no longer running on empty. It’s an act of self-love that radiates outwards, proving that taking care of ourselves is truly taking care of others.
As I’ve worked on shedding the superwoman armor and redefining strength, these resources have been a source of inspiration and guidance:
The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown
Brené Brown’s audiobook, The Power of Vulnerability, was a game-changer for me. Her research on how vulnerability strengthens our relationships and well-being helped me reframe what it means to be “strong.” I think you’ll find her insights just as powerful. You can find it here: The Power of Vulnerability on Audible
Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI)
Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto by Tricia Hersey
Thank you for taking the time to read and reflect with me. I hope your holiday season is filled memories of your authentic self.
With love and care❤️
Jennifer Nicole
P.S. This letter is your reminder to free your mind and change your perspective on what being strong truly means to you. There is strength in vulnerability, not struggle in silence.
Let's Stay Connected
If this post resonated with you, I’d love for you to stay connected!
Visit my websites, Perfectly Imperfect and EmpowerHer Society, for more insights, resources, and updates on how we can navigate this journey together.
Let’s stay in touch on social media, too! Follow me on Instagram at @empowerhersociety and @sheisjennifernicole, or connect with me on LinkedIn at Jennifer Nicole Brown.
*Disclaimer: The resources mentioned in this post are shared because I believe they could be helpful and have personally found them of interest. I am affiliated with Perfectly Imperfect Counseling Services as the founder and a therapist and EmpowerHer Society as its creator and facilitator, and I share it as part of my mission to support women of color in their journey toward self-love, empowerment, and balance. For all other resources, I am not affiliated and do not receive compensation for sharing them. These resources are provided solely for informational purposes to support your personal growth and well-being. I encourage you to explore them and determine if they align with your needs.
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