Reset. Renew. Reconnect.

So many takeaways from today’s Pennsylvania Conference for Women and I’m so happy I went to it!

There were a few moments, especially when Arianna Huffington and Tabitha Brown spoke, that really left an impression on me. 

The theme for this year’s conference is “Reset. Renew. Reconnect.” which aligns very well with the yoga series I’m taking this month called “Release & Renew.” I keep hearing & seeing this word, Renew. I know it’s coming across my path in this season for a reason. 

The first definition for renew in the dictionary states “to make like new : restore to freshness, vigor, or perfection.” The Bible talks about it 80 times if I counted correctly from my quick search just now. One verse people often quote is Isaiah 40:31, “But those who trust in the Lord for help will find their strength renewed….“ You know what I just noticed for the very first time about this verse? The two words “for help” - trusting in the Lord (i.e. a higher power, open to each individual’s interpretation) FOR HELP. Leaning into God or something or someone or some collective group (today’s conference was a perfect example of women coming together to do exactly this) for help as a means to becoming renewed. This is the not-so-secret secret: we aren’t meant to do life all alone. Especially the hard parts. The dark days. The uncertain, messy, or grief-filled moments. 

Every single person has battles they fight throughout their life. Some are shared, but some (and I believe, most) are kept hidden from others. If we’re in a rough patch, we can find our strength renewed by placing our trust - our hope - in something bigger than ourselves. This often entails sharing what we’re facing & going through. This is why therapy and groups like AA are so effective. There is power in trusting another, even if they’re unseen or not yet fully understood, with our hard stuff. We’re not meant to handle it alone. 

Friends, if you’re going through a difficult season please keep going, keep hoping, and know that you can reach out. May you find your strength renewed.