Opt Out of Hustle Worship: Why I No Longer Make Hard Look Holy

In this unfiltered and vulnerable episode of the Black Girl Burnout podcast, Kelley shares her personal experience of hitting an emotional and physical wall—and choosing not to push through. Recording from a space of softness, Kelley opens up about caregiving for her mother, work exhaustion, and the long-standing cultural pressure for Black women to "keep going no matter what."

Kelley challenges the toxic belief that struggle is a badge of honor, and that doing things the hard way is the most admirable path. She invites listeners to opt out of hustle worship and instead opt into softness, rest, and sacred ease.

If you’ve ever felt guilty for resting or struggled with letting go of your “strong Black woman” armor, this episode will speak directly to your soul.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Hard doesn’t equal holy – You don’t need to earn your peace or prove your worth through struggle.
• The glamorization of hustle is harmful – Constantly pushing through burnout isn’t strength, it’s unsustainable.
• Rest is a radical choice – Saying no and choosing ease is a powerful act of self-love and resistance.
• Letting go makes space for new you – Releasing the “old version” of yourself is necessary for real joy and healing.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

• 00:42 – Kelley records in real-time from a space of softness and transparency
• 02:10 – Balancing professional demands with a family emergency
• 05:40 – Letting go of the version of self that pushes through everything
• 08:15 – Naming and rejecting the myth of “holy hardness”
• 12:45 – How pop culture glamorizes Black women’s pain and struggle
• 17:20 – Why “pushing through” is no longer virtuous or sustainable
• 22:58 – An invitation to release the performance of strength
• 26:10 – Closing: Choosing rest and presence over perfection

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Are you stepping into a “Summer of No”? Whether you're canceling plans for rest, setting fresh boundaries, or saying no to what drains you, you don’t owe anyone guilt. Take a moment this week to capture what freedom looks like for you. Snap a pic or video of your joy and tag us:

📱 @blackgirlburnout

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💌 Show some love—don’t let Kelley’s mama be the only one dropping hearts!

Have a question for July's Q &A episode click here to submit your questions.

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