Remember Your Why

Sis, can I be real? Transition is hard. Unboxing is hard. Change is hard. And sometimes in the middle of it all — the packing, the letting go, the sideways comments from people who don’t understand — you start to wonder, “Why am I even doing this?”

That’s when you have to stop, take a deep breath, and remember your why.

The Temptation to Forget

When God told me it was time for my husband and I to prepare to move to Mexico, I was excited. Pumped up. Ready. But excitement only carries you so far. Because then comes the part where you’re selling things, having hard conversations, sorting through boxes, and sweating through your good church clothes during a hot flash while trying to stay gracious.

That’s when the whispers of doubt show up. “Is this really worth it? Couldn’t you just stay where it’s comfortable? What if this is too much?”

Sis, those whispers are loud. But your why has to be louder.

My Why

So let me tell you mine.

My why is freedom. Freedom to live outside the box God showed me I was stuck in. Freedom to serve women in this season of life with honesty, humor, and heart. Freedom to breathe in a new land, new culture, and new rhythm without feeling tied to titles or traditions.

My why is my family. To step into a lifestyle that allows us to thrive together. To show my children and grandchildren that it’s never too late to follow God’s call, no matter how wild it looks.

And my why is purpose. I know deep in my bones that God has more for me to do. Not just inside the four walls of a church, but out in the world, where women everywhere need encouragement, laughter, and light.

That’s my why. And when I start to forget, I remind myself: God didn’t bring me this far to leave me now.

Your Why

But let’s turn the table. What’s your why?

Why are you fighting through the mood swings, the career shifts, the parenting transitions, the messy middle of menopause? Why are you daring to say yes to yourself after years of saying yes to everyone else?

Your why might look like:

• Wanting to break cycles in your family.
• Taking care of your health so you can enjoy the next chapter.
• Building the business, the ministry, or the dream you put on the shelf years ago.
• Finally giving yourself permission to rest, heal, and grow.

Whatever it is — write it down. Put it on your mirror. Say it out loud. Because your why will be the anchor when life tries to push you back into old patterns.

The Humor in It

You know I have to sprinkle in some laughs, because this wouldn’t be Hot Flashes & Cold Truths without it.

One day while sorting through stuff for the move, I found myself hugging a blanket like it was my lifeline. My husband looked at me like, “Are you really crying over a blanket?” And I was like, “Yes, because this blanket has been with me through three seasons of Grey’s Anatomy reruns and countless hot flashes at 3 a.m.!”

But in that moment, I had to laugh. Because the blanket wasn’t my why. My why was bigger. My why was stronger. My why could survive without a blanket.

Sometimes, sis, you have to laugh at yourself and let go — because holding on to the small things can distract you from the big thing God is doing.

Tools to Remember Your Why

Here are some things that help me (and might help you too):

1. Write It Down
   When the chaos hits, written words ground you. Journal your why. Post it on your fridge. Keep it close.
2. Visual Reminders
   Create a vision board. Make a playlist that inspires you. Find a scripture or affirmation that centers you.
3. Community Matters
   Surround yourself with people who get it. Folks who will say, “Girl, remember your why,” when you want to give up.
4. Celebrate Small Wins
   Every step toward your why is worth celebrating. Don’t wait for the finish line.
5. Pray It Out
   Sometimes the only way to silence doubt is to lay it before God and let Him remind you who you are and why you started.

Encouragement for You

Sis, I don’t know what your transition looks like right now. Maybe you’re leaving a marriage. Maybe you’re stepping into empty nesting. Maybe you’re just trying to survive another week of hot flashes, brain fog, and mood swings.

But hear me: you have a why. And that why is holy.

Don’t let the noise of doubt, guilt, or other people’s opinions drown it out. Don’t forget that God called you, equipped you, and prepared you for such a time as this.

So the next time you feel overwhelmed, say it out loud: “I remember my why.”

Hot Flashes & Cold Truths with Antoinette McCormick
Because in the middle of transition, laughter, and life’s chaos — your why is what will keep you going.

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