As we approach the final stretch of Q1 and enter a season of sacrifice and reflection, I find myself feeling unprepared in more ways than one. But in the spirit of National Women’s History Month, I think of the women around me—women I admire, women who inspire me daily. They embody resilience, strength, and grace, approaching life with a holistic mindset that allows them to navigate uncertainty with an unwavering sense of purpose.
These women wear many hats. Some are full-time professionals in emotionally and mentally demanding careers, balancing their responsibilities at home with equal dedication. Others are entrepreneurs on their second careers, embracing reinvention with courage. Some are in a deep season of discernment, trying to make sense of the unknown and searching for clarity. Despite their differences, they share one common trait: a commitment to growth, wellness, and balance—not for selfish gain, but for something greater than themselves.
Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.
– St. Augustine
As I enter Lent, I find myself reflecting on the gaps in my own life. The ways I fall short of the life God has planned for me. The areas where I have been too distracted, too consumed by busyness to fully embrace the present moment. As a newlywed, still settling into this new chapter of my life, I realize how little time I have given myself to simply be in this space, to absorb the lessons that come with change, to acknowledge the beauty in transition.
The beauty of this season isn’t just in giving things up; it’s in making space. Space to declutter distractions, shed vices, and release escapes that keep us from confronting what truly matters. As I think back to the women I admire, I realize their ability to lead balanced lives isn’t just about time management or discipline. It’s about making intentional choices to prioritize their spiritual, mental, and emotional well-being. It’s about releasing the need to control every aspect of life and instead trusting in something greater.
Because let’s be honest—life is messy. Even when things are going well, even when we feel like we have some semblance of control, there is always uncertainty. Yet, I often find myself clinging to this idealized version of how my life should look instead of accepting what it is. I judge myself too harshly. I get caught in the endless cycle of perfectionism, believing that I can make sense of the chaos if I just organize, plan, and optimize enough.
Wash the plate not because it is dirty, nor because you are told to wash it, but because you love the person who will use it next.
– St. Theresa of Calcutta
But maybe the real work isn’t in controlling the mess—it’s in learning to release what truly weighs us down. Not just the physical clutter but the unseen burdens: the pressure to meet unrealistic expectations, the need to wear a mask in order to feel seen, the self-doubt that whispers that we are not enough. Maybe the true invitation of this season isn’t to “get it together” but rather to let go.
So, as we step into this time of renewal, I ask: What is something you need to release this season? What is taking up space in your life that no longer serves you? Maybe, just maybe, letting go is the first step to truly making room for something greater.
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