The See What You Do, But Do They See YOU?

Black women are often celebrated for their strength, their
ability to handle everything, and the way they show up for
everyone else. But what happens when you’re left feeling unseen
as a Black woman—recognized for what you do, but never for who
you are?


In this episode of Shades of Strong, we’re unpacking the
emotional toll of being unseen and exploring what it means to
reclaim your visibility. From the exhaustion of always “being on”
to the importance of recognizing yourself first, this episode
offers tangible ways to step into a space where you’re valued
beyond what you give.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

Why Black women are often seen for their strength but not
their softness.

How the emotional weight of always “being fine” impacts your
well-being.

Why being seen starts with recognizing yourself before others
can.

Simple ways to reclaim your visibility and let others see
you, not just what you do.

Key Takeaways:

Being seen isn’t just about how others treat you—it’s about
how you treat yourself.

Strength is only part of who you are—you deserve to be seen
in your fullness, including your softness and needs.

The first step to making sure others see you is ensuring that
you see you.

Why This Episode Matters:

Feeling unseen as a Black woman isn’t just about external
validation—it’s a deeply ingrained pattern rooted in generations
of being celebrated for labor instead of humanity. This episode
is about unlearning the belief that you have to earn your worth
and stepping into a space where you are seen, supported, and
valued for who you are.
Resources to Support You:

Take the Support Language Quiz.

Follow Shades of Strong on Instagram for daily inspiration.

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.