Balanced Black Girl: How to Create Change Without Burning Out with Alencia Johnson
Release Date: March 11, 2025
In this compelling episode of Balanced Black Girl, host Balanced Black Girl welcomes Alencia Johnson, a dynamic author and advocate, to discuss her latest book and explore strategies for creating meaningful change without succumbing to burnout. The conversation delves into the delicate balance between personal well-being and societal activism, offering listeners invaluable insights into maintaining resilience amidst chaos.
1. Navigating a Turbulent Start to 2025
Alencia Johnson opens up about the challenging onset of 2025, marked by political upheaval and lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. She expresses a sense of overwhelm but highlights significant personal milestones that provide solace.
Alencia Johnson [00:40]: "2025 has literally started with a bang. ... putting a book out is extremely hard."
Despite the prevailing despair, Alencia finds grounding in achievements like releasing her book and celebrating cultural victories, such as the Eagles winning the Super Bowl and Beyoncé securing Album of the Year.
2. Balancing Personal Joy with Collective Challenges
The discussion shifts to the importance of finding personal joy as a means to sustain oneself amidst broader societal struggles. Alencia emphasizes that nurturing joy is essential for fulfilling one's purpose without burning out.
Alencia Johnson [01:49]: "Joy does that. The good things in life, like, that happens."
She draws parallels to the Harlem Renaissance, illustrating how periods of intense cultural expression coexist with significant societal tensions. This balance between joy and struggle is crucial for advancing community resilience.
3. The Power of Creativity and Storytelling
Alencia underscores the significance of storytelling and creativity in fostering empathy and driving social change. She highlights how art and culture have historically been tools of resistance and empowerment.
Alencia Johnson [06:35]: "Storytelling is the tool that we have that doesn't actually require money."
She praises Beyoncé’s "Cowboy Carter" as a trailblazing work that sparks important conversations about the roots of American music and its deep connections to black culture.
4. Embracing Creativity Through Improv
Discussing personal growth, Alencia shares how participating in improv classes helped her unlock her creativity and build confidence. This experience was pivotal in helping her overcome personal barriers and embrace her creative identity.
Alencia Johnson [14:59]: "I actually went and took improv classes. Love."
Improv became a medium for her to practice vulnerability, allowing her to experiment with being silly and learning to embrace imperfections.
5. Navigating Career Pivots with Confidence
Alencia reflects on her non-linear career path, which includes roles in politics, corporate America, and advocacy. She emphasizes the importance of being adaptable and open to new opportunities, even when the path isn't clearly defined.
Alencia Johnson [31:07]: "The thread through of really just connecting the dots in these unusual ways has been what I gravitate towards in my career."
Her experiences demonstrate that embracing uncertainty and being willing to pivot can lead to fulfilling and impactful careers.
6. Disrupting the Self for Greater Impact
A central theme of the conversation is the concept of "disrupting self"—challenging personal limitations and societal expectations to unlock one's full potential. Alencia discusses how confronting personal trauma and embracing authentic self-expression are foundational to effective advocacy.
Alencia Johnson [55:29]: "The first thing that they can do, it is the hardest thing, but it literally is the thing that will unlock so many others is to confront the thing that they have been running from."
This introspective work enables individuals to engage more deeply and sustainably in their efforts to create change.
7. Building Healthy Boundaries and Community Support
Alencia highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive relationships that allow for vulnerability and growth. She shares personal anecdotes about how meaningful friendships have provided strength and encouragement during transformative periods.
Alencia Johnson [25:44]: "She has constantly been like a rock in that. And I could start opening up more with her and realizing, okay, this is a safe space."
Establishing boundaries and seeking out trustworthy companions are essential for maintaining mental and emotional well-being while striving for societal progress.
8. Practical Steps to Strengthen the Inner Disruptor
To empower listeners, Alencia offers actionable advice on building resilience and fostering change from within. She advocates for small, consistent practices such as journaling, trying new creative outlets, and setting personal boundaries.
Alencia Johnson [55:29]: "Figure out your creative outlet, because, again, that will, like, get rid of the roadblocks. It'll also make you feel more liberated and free."
These practices help cultivate the courage and confidence needed to effect change without overwhelming oneself.
9. Embracing Self-Care as a Radical Act
Alencia posits that self-care is not merely a personal luxury but a radical and essential act of resistance against systemic oppression. By prioritizing their own well-being, black women can sustain their efforts to support and uplift their communities.
Alencia Johnson [39:14]: "The most radical, disruptive thing that I can do is actually take care of myself."
This perspective reframes self-care as a foundational strategy for long-term advocacy and community leadership.
10. Conclusion: Encouragement for Emerging Disruptors
In closing, Alencia inspires listeners to embrace their inner disruptor by starting with self-reflection and gradually extending their efforts outward. She emphasizes that every small act of courage contributes to a larger movement for social justice and personal fulfillment.
Alencia Johnson [60:20]: "I hope that people see themselves in this book and how to navigate this moment and how to navigate themselves while also navigating the world."
Her message serves as a call to action for individuals to harness their creativity, maintain their well-being, and persist in their quest for meaningful change.
Key Takeaways:
- Balance is Crucial: Maintaining personal joy and well-being is essential for sustained activism and societal impact.
- Creativity as a Tool: Storytelling and creative expression are powerful mechanisms for fostering empathy and driving change.
- Embrace Flexibility: A non-linear career path can lead to unique and impactful opportunities; adaptability is key.
- Self-Disruption: Challenging personal barriers enables deeper and more effective advocacy.
- Support Systems: Building and maintaining supportive relationships enhances resilience and growth.
- Self-Care is Radical: Prioritizing personal health and well-being is foundational for effective community support and leadership.
Alencia Johnson’s insights provide a roadmap for creating change in a sustainable and fulfilling manner, encouraging listeners to nurture themselves while striving to make a positive impact on the world.