In a world that has seemingly convinced us that our worth is measured by our productivity, Meghan Markle’s new Netflix series “With Love, Meghan” has arrived like a gentle reminder to breathe. And trust me, I needed it.

When I first pressed play on the eight-part series, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The internet noise surrounding the Duchess of Sussex has reached deafening levels, with critics ready to pounce before the title sequence finished playing. But what I discovered was something surprisingly radical: permission to slow down.

As a Black woman, I’ve internalized the message that I must work twice as hard to get half as far. The constant hustle culture has convinced many of us that busy equals worthy. Yet here was Meghan, creating beautiful salt-baked for friends and arranging flowers without a hint of apology for taking her time with these seemingly “unproductive” activities.

The beauty of “With Love, Meghan” isn’t in its polished aesthetic (though we do love to see it). It’s in the philosophy that underpins every episode: “We’re not in pursuit of perfection, we’re in pursuit of joy.” In a culture that demands Black women be exceptional at all times, seeing Meghan center joy over perfectionism felt revolutionary.

What struck me most was how the show celebrates connection and hospitality without shame. There’s no judgment about whether your ingredients come from your garden or a grocery store package. For Black women who’ve historically been caretakers in so many spaces, seeing this approach to hospitality — one that centers our joy rather than our service — is profoundly refreshing.

I found myself nodding along with @thenutritiontea on Threads who pointed out how, while Meghan cooks primarily from scratch, the series thrives “without shaming packaged or pre-bought food. It’s almost like she is living a certain way without putting others down.” In a wellness industry that often weaponizes privilege, Meghan’s approach feels inclusive rather than exclusive.

The criticism hurled at the show — that it’s “boring” or “unrelatable” — misses the point entirely. What’s actually happening is something more subversive: a Black woman is unapologetically creating space for herself and inviting us to do the same. When @thebrittneyscottt noted that Meghan is “exactly who I’d be if I didn’t have to work and was financially secure,” I felt that in my soul.

Because here’s the truth: watching a Black woman exist peacefully in spaces of beauty and leisure without being defined by struggle or resilience narratives is still rare on our screens. The simple act of Meghan taking her time, enjoying her friends, and creating beautiful moments isn’t just lifestyle content — it’s a quiet revolution against a system that has historically denied Black women rest and joy.

In a media landscape that often portrays Black women as either superhuman or struggling, “With Love, Meghan” offers a different template: one where we can simply be. We can make flower arrangements while listening to the perfect playlist. We can take our time preparing a meal for people we love.

And in a world that constantly tells Black women to do more and be more, that message feels like exactly what we need right now: permission to slow down, connect with our loved ones, and find joy in the small, beautiful moments that make a life worth living.