I am a "Black Opinionated Woman", a middle aged black woman engaging in thought provoking discussions centering around my life experiences and beliefs. This place is created as a safe space for women like me who dare to dissent. As a black opinionated woman (also known as a B.O.W), I deal with the same insecurities as other women who look like me (and don't). I fight off my fears of vulnerability, struggle with parenting, try to represent being a "wifey", and manage career challenges. Sometimes I hurt and believe it is okay to be honest about it. One thing is certain, my thoughts are my own as I pride myself in not being a lemming... (at least not consciously anyway). As THE Black Opinionated Woman, I will leave you with one main take away... I am not a free thinker by definition, but I am #freefromgroupthink. Receive that!