Wait… Am I Even Breathing?

Have you ever had a conversation that hits you like a boulder? Not literally of course, but in a way that reveals something so simple, yet so real in your life. 

Let me tell y’all something really quick.

I was having a conversation with a friend. This was not one of those “everything’s fine” types, but the kind that sits heavy in your chest. We are both in our 40’s and we were discussing our next move in life. I was listening, nodding, processing like I always do (because I’m a processor, okay?), and then my girl stops mid-sentence and says to me,

“Tracy… are you holding your breath?”

I imagine this is how I really looked! LOL

Now, I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, but it stopped me in my tracks. I hadn’t even noticed it… but they were right.

I was holding my breath. Literally.

And not just in that moment but in life.

And I don’t mean just the air in and out of your lung's kind of breath. I mean the kind of breath that reminds you that you’re alive. That you’re present. That you are safe to feel, process, and release. The kind of breath that grounds you when your world is spinning. The kind that Black women forget to take… because we’re too busy surviving.

Let Me Be Real With You....

I didn’t even know I was carrying that kind of weight. I just thought I was “handling it.” You know, doing what we do…...showing up, pushing through, putting on the polished face at work, managing home, caring for others, checking the boxes… while ignoring the emotional and spiritual suffocation happening on the inside.

And here’s the part that hit me the hardest:

I wasn’t the only one.

The professional women around me powerhouses in their own right, were also struggling to pause. To exhale. To ask themselves what they needed. Not what the meeting needed. Not what their kids needed. Not what their partner needed. But what they needed.

Pre-Order copies are coming soon......I promise! (Sigh)

This Is why I created Black Girl Breathe. It wasn’t just a cute name or a self-care trend. It was born out of necessity. Survival. Liberation.

Because what I realized is that many of us, especially Black women, are walking through life in a state of emotional apnea. We’re doing life without breathing through it. And that’s not sustainable. It’s not holy. And it’s not what we were created for.

Statistically, we know the numbers: Black women are more prone to stress-related illnesses and early death.

That’s not drama.

That’s data.

But here’s what the numbers don’t say: how many of us are silently breaking down inside because we were never given permission to pause. Or worse, we never gave ourselves permission.

Sis… Just Breathe

Take a moment to breathe my Sista!

So, here’s what I want to say to you:

If you’ve been holding your breath......emotionally, mentally, or spiritually—it’s okay to exhale now. This space, Black Girl Breathe, is your reminder that you don’t have to earn rest. You don’t have to explain your pause.

You don’t have to hold it all in.

You can inhale peace.

You can exhale pressure.

And you can start again.

Drop me a comment if this hits you. Or just whisper to yourself, “breathe, girl, breathe.” Either way, I hope this gives you the pause you didn’t know you needed.

Let’s talk more. Because you’re not alone.

And you don’t have to hold your breath to be powerful.

🧡

Tracy

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How to Use the “Breathe In” Video for Your Daily Reset

This short video was created as a sacred pause—a moment just for you. Use it to reconnect with your breath, your body, and your peace.

Try this breathing exercise. Email me and let me know if it helped you: tracy@shefirecircle.com.

Directions:

1. Find a Quiet Space: Choose a space where you feel safe and undisturbed, even if just for a few moments.

2. Get Comfortable: Sit or stand in a position where your body feels supported. Loosen your shoulders. Unclench your jaw.

3. Press Play: Hit play on the “Breathe In” video below. Watch it all the way through, or let it play as a loop if you need more time.

4. Follow the Prompts: As you listen and watch, gently follow the breathing cues. Inhale deeply. Exhale slowly. Let your breath match the rhythm.

5. Allow Yourself to Feel: Don’t rush. Give yourself permission to feel whatever comes up peace, release, stillness, or even tears.

6. Repeat As Needed: Come back to this moment whenever you need a reset, a reminder, or a breath.

   
   

Reflection Prompt:

After watching, take 2-3 minutes to write down how you feel. Ask yourself: What did I release? What did I need? What am I breathing in?

If you would like to talk more about this- schedule a session with me! BOOK ONLINE .