The Invisible Black Woman

Let’s be real: a lot of us are on autopilot. We wake up, drag ourselves to work, sit through meetings that could’ve been emails, smile when we want to scream, and call that life. But that’s not life. That’s survival.

Survival gets you through the day. It pays the rent, keeps the lights on, and makes sure you show up where you’re expected. But survival is hollow. It’s a body without spirit, a voice without laughter, a paycheck without purpose.

Living? That’s different. Living is when you reclaim your time, not just trade it. Living is when you say no to what drains you and yes to what fills you. Living is not waiting until vacation to breathe, not letting a job title decide your worth, not mistaking constant exhaustion for achievement.

And here’s the thing: corporations, toxic bosses, even well-meaning family will try to convince you that surviving is good enough. They’ll hand you just enough money, just enough benefits, just enough crumbs to keep you grinding while your soul withers. Don’t fall for it.

Because living requires more than existing. It requires courage to walk away from what only keeps you alive but never lets you thrive. It requires building a life where joy is non-negotiable, where rest isn’t guilt-ridden, and where peace is your bottom line.

So the next time you catch yourself saying “at least I’m getting by,” pause and ask: is that survival, or am I really living? Because surviving ain’t the same as living. And you deserve more than just to survive.

Until next time, I wish you nothing but sunshine, rainbows, and unicorns, which are no less fictitious than the vibrant creature you are.