Shut Down, Not Shaken Part 20 (A Broken Fridge and Boundaries)

In this story-filled episode, Cristin takes listeners from a government shutdown to a refrigerator breakdown and finds meaning in the most unexpected place.

What starts as a stressful moment of lost groceries and repair bills turns into a reflection on how we make decisions when resources feel scarce. Cristin shares how the pressure to “take what you can get,” whether it’s a discounted appliance or a toxic workplace, mirrors the larger story many Black women are living right now: being told to be grateful for the bare minimum, even when something is clearly broken.

This episode is for anyone navigating transition, uncertainty, or a season where “good enough” feels safer than waiting for what’s right. It’s a reminder that you can pause, ask for clarity, and say no, even in the name of self-preservation.

Reflection Questions

In what areas of your life are you accepting “good enough” when you deserve better?

When was the last time you paused before saying yes — and what did that pause reveal?

How do you balance gratitude with self-respect and boundaries?

What’s one situation right now where you could “walk out of the store” instead of settling?

What would choosing differently look like if you fully trusted that better is possible?