Breaking Free from ‘Shoulds’: Reclaiming Your Power and Purpose

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the weight of expectations—society’s, your own, or those unspoken “shoulds” that seem to dictate your life? I know I’ve been there. We’re constantly juggling the roles of mother, partner, professional, friend—trying to be everything to everyone. But where in all of this do we reclaim our power, rediscover our purpose, and lean into the life God has designed for us?
This week, I’ve been reflecting on the need to reclaim our power as women. So many of us are living according to the world’s expectations, hustling to meet standards that often leave us burnt out, disconnected, and feeling far from the woman God intended us to be.
But here’s the truth we need to embrace: reclaiming our power is an inside job. It starts with letting go of the “shoulds” and surrendering to the deeper calling that God has placed on our hearts.
Let Go of the “Shoulds” and Embrace What Matters Most
One of the biggest shifts I’ve experienced is the power of letting go of society’s “shoulds”—the ones that tell us we need to be perfect in every role. The moment we let go of these unrealistic expectations, we make space for what truly matters in our lives: connection, purpose, and joy.
Action Step: Take a moment to identify the “shoulds” in your life. What’s weighing you down? Write them down, pray over them, and ask God to help you release what no longer serves His plan for you.
Reconnect with Your Inner Purpose
Sometimes we get so caught up in doing that we forget why we’re doing it in the first place. We’re more than the roles we play—God has placed a unique purpose in each of our hearts. But to find that purpose, we need to slow down and listen to the voice of God. We need to reconnect with our inner desires, passions, and the things that bring us joy.
Action Step: Take time this week to reflect on what brings you joy and what you feel called to do. Ask God to reveal your purpose and allow yourself to listen to His guidance.
Set Boundaries and Embrace Imperfection
One of the most powerful ways we reclaim our power is by setting boundaries. Boundaries protect our time, energy, and emotional well-being. They allow us to say “no” to the things that drain us and “yes” to the things that bring us closer to our purpose. And here’s the key: we don’t have to do it perfectly.
Embracing imperfection is a strength, not a weakness. God didn’t design us to be perfect; He designed us to rely on His grace and to grow through every step of the journey.
Action Step: Set one new boundary this week, whether it’s in your work, your personal life, or your mental space. Know that it’s okay to prioritize your well-being and trust God with the rest.
Points to Ponder
- In what areas of your life are you feeling weighed down by the “shoulds”? How can you begin to release them?
- How might your life change if you fully embraced your God-given purpose instead of society’s expectations?
- What boundary can you set this week that will protect your time, energy, or peace?
Scripture for the Soul
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” — James 3:17 (NIV)
This verse reminds us that true wisdom, the kind that brings freedom, comes from above. It’s not found in perfectionism or societal expectations. It’s rooted in peace, mercy, and sincerity. When we walk in God’s wisdom, we are empowered to live authentically and confidently, knowing that we are walking in His will, not the world’s demands.
Embrace Your Power
Reclaiming your power isn’t about taking control of everything—it’s about surrendering to God’s plan for your life and trusting that He’s guiding you every step of the way. It’s about finding the balance between ambition and surrender, knowing that true success comes from following His path, not society’s.
If this resonated with you, I encourage you to dive deeper by listening to this episode of The Confident Woman Podcast where we explore what it means to reclaim our personal power, embrace our purpose, and live with confidence, faith, and grace.
Your Time to Rise: Reclaiming Power and Purpose with Arivee Vargas
Together, let’s continue walking this path of freedom and purpose, trusting that God has beautiful plans for our lives.
XO,

Here Are a Few Resources to Support Your Journey:
- Chasing Perfection: A Journey to Healing, Fitness, and Self-Love Discover how to break free from perfectionism and embrace self-love, healing, and personal growth through my personal journey of transformation.
- Fit From Within: 60 Days to Finding Freedom A 60-day guided journal designed to help you reclaim your power, build sustainable habits, and align your mind, body, and soul with your purpose.
- The Confident Woman Podcast Tune in weekly for conversations that inspire confidence, faith, and personal growth, helping you live authentically and thrive on your journey toward holistic success.
Ready to Go Deeper? Explore These Opportunities:
- The Confident Woman Impact Accelerator Join the waitlist for this 8-week program designed to help ambitious women align their life and career with purpose, stepping into leadership and success without burnout.
- Legacy Builders Program This trusted partnered program equips creatives and entrepreneurs with the community, mentorship, and tools to build a sustainable, purpose-driven business that aligns with their values and passions.