My mom has a phrase: “be all, do all.” She uses it to describe the expectation she felt throughout her life–the pressure to take care of everyone and everything. It’s a tall order, and many women feel the weight of that burden.
Recently, a phrase came to mind that stopped me in my tracks: “you are not infinite.” It made me pause and reflect. I realized that I do not have an endless supply of energy or strength. I can’t get everything done, and I certainly don’t have infinite wisdom to understand what everyone needs and how to make them happy. The truth is, even though I often operate as if I can handle it all, I have limits and bounds.
A heartfelt wake-up call
This past week, our town unexpectedly lost a beloved guidance counselor, coach, colleague, friend, husband, and father. The news came as a shock, sending ripples through social media and conversations as people shared the impact he had on their lives. This loss has knocked the wind out of me. It’s a reminder that we are never truly ready to say goodbye to those who profoundly touched our lives. I am grateful for the time our paths journeyed together, and I’m reminded of how something as simple as a smile can leave a lasting impression.
In light of this renewed awareness–that life is fragile and tomorrow is not guaranteed–I’ve begun to rethink my “superwoman complex,” I deeply desire to shed the cape and stop pretending I can leap over human limits. A prayer forms in my heart, asking to see the people around me through new eyes, and to approach the tasks ahead with a spirit of service.
Purpose in service
I’m not here to “be all” for everyone, but I do have the opportunity to love those I encounter. I may not be able to “do all,” but I can view each day’s to-do list as an invitation to be of service. This no longer is a burden of expectation, but a gift of being alive.