Real Talk: You Don’t Owe the World Your Burnout

Hello Reader,

I hope your day is well and your weekend will be groovy.

We often hear about the soft life, but I want to have a deeper discussion about it, as many of us are taking a step back from the... well, you know.

I’ve been holding this close to my heart for a while. The soft life is political. It’s not just a vibe. It’s a quiet revolution. A declaration that we’re no longer available for burnout, for over-functioning, for being everything to everyone.

Choosing softness doesn’t mean we don’t care. It means we are shifting our care. We care deeply about the world, about our communities, but we’re no longer willing to abandon ourselves in the process.

Of course, we see the headlines. We feel the weight. But we also know that if we don’t find a new way to live and think, we won’t make it through in one piece.

We need life strategies just as much as we need business strategies.

That’s why I created The Soft Life is Political podcast series. Episode 2 of the series is available. I wanted to offer you a weekly audio dose of something warm, something honest, something that helps you stay grounded and focused. Every Tuesday, an episode will be released. Just you, me, and folks from around the globe listening.

This journey is not always easy. It can be triggering. It can be hard to let go of the hustle when it’s all we’ve ever known. But like our elders and ancestors, we stay close to each other. We stay in community. That’s how we get through. That’s how we rise.

We got that magic.

But now, it’s time to turn it inward. To pour that love, brilliance, and power back into ourselves and the people we hold close.

Let me tell you a story.

I remember during the big pause, I was stuck in the house like everybody else. And it was hard. I’m someone who loves to be out in the world, as my mama would say, “hitting the streets.” My creativity lives in connection. All of my usual outlets, sevents, art, music, hanging with my friends, all off the table.

At first, I just watched TV. I didn’t even know how to rest. I worried constantly. I tried to stay productive, but nothing felt right.

It took a while, but eventually I surrendered. I stopped fighting the stillness and started focusing on what really mattered to me. That’s when things began to shift.

One day, I got a message from a woman with a podcast. She asked me to come on and share my visioning process. I said yes. After the interview, she asked if I’d want to co-host a weekly show on Clubhouse.

I was scared. I didn’t know if I had anything worth saying. I thought no one would listen. But I said yes again.

And for eight months, every Monday, four women came together to talk about life. No script. Just grown woman truth. That moment changed me. After that time, I stepped into podcasting. My confidence grew. I had conversations with people I admire. People who opened up their lives to me.

It all started with surrender. With softness. Finally letting the cape rest in the back of the closet.

And just like then, I believe now is another moment of transformation.

That’s why I created The Soft Life Blueprint workbook.

This isn’t your average journal. It’s a soft, powerful space to come back to yourself. It’s filled with questions and prompts to help you reclaim your passion and purpose.

We’re in a moment that calls for clarity. We’ve been holding so much for so long, and it’s easy to get consumed by the chaos around us. But this workbook helps you slow down.

Pour a favorite drink. Light a candle. Put on something comfy. Turn on some soul-soothing music. And just be.

Use it to start your day with intention or close your night with peace. It’s yours. And it’s powerful.

Also, for those of you who downloaded the Unlock Your Story guide, I’m starting a new email series next week all about telling your story for visibility. It’s time to let your voice be heard and you to be seen.

And if you haven’t already, subscribe to the Black Women Amplified podcast. Every episode in the Soft Life is Political series is a space for us to breathe, to laugh, to remember who we are.

Forward it to your sister circle. Please and kindly. ( in my midwest voice)

And before I go, I’m going to share one of my favorite “Whitney” songs that has gotten me through some tough days. I hope you add it to your joy toolkit.

We’ve got us. And I’ve got you.

With love,
Monica Wisdom