Monday week one

marla fortier

Posted on May 26 2025

Monday week one


Monday — Week One

When “Enough” Is Never Enough

“You have to be thin, but not too thin.

You have to have money, but you can’t ask for money.

You have to be a boss, but you can’t be mean…

You’re supposed to stay pretty for men, but not so pretty that you tempt them too much or threaten other women…

It’s too hard! It’s too contradictory! And nobody gives you a medal or says thank you!

And it turns out in fact that not only are you doing everything wrong, but also everything is your fault.”

— America Ferrera, Barbie (2023)


If you haven’t seen the full scene, look it up on YouTube.

Watch her face. Listen to her voice.

She’s not just talking about a doll—she’s talking about us. About the pressure we’ve all carried far too long.


Let’s Tell the Truth—Then Let It Go

Some of us were shaped by comments we didn’t ask for.

 

By unspoken rules we were expected to follow.

By the feeling that no matter how hard we tried, it was never quite enough.


But friend, we are not carrying that into summer with us.

You are not defined by criticism, performance, or outdated expectations.

You are defined by truth—and God’s truth about you is full of grace, strength, and beauty.


We’re Choosing Joy Over Performance

Let’s just say it: we’ve tried hard enough.

 

Tried to be impressive, to be easygoing, to be endlessly helpful and always “fine.”

And somewhere along the way, we forgot that we were already worthy.

So here’s what I’m holding onto this summer—and maybe you want to hold it too:

We don’t need to hustle for value.

We’re not proving anything.

We are already loved, already valuable, already women of worth.

There’s something powerful about waking up and simply deciding to enjoy being who you are.

To pour your coffee and get dressed for the day with a little more peace in your heart.


Sometimes I like to remind myself with something simple, like:

“I’m a high-value woman.”

Or

“I walk with confidence and kindness.”

Little phrases like that can become anchors.

Not because we’re trying to become someone better—but because we’re finally leaning into who we already are.


Let’s Gently Talk About Self-Talk

You know those quiet little thoughts that sneak in and try to shrink you?

 

The ones that whisper, “You’re not enough…” “You should be more…” “Why can’t you just get it right?”

 

They come in subtle, but they steal so much.


But here’s the truth you need to hear today:

You don’t have to believe every thought that passes through your mind.

You don’t have to hold onto every old story someone once spoke over you.

You are allowed to let it go.


Here’s how we start:

1. Pause and ask: “Would God say this to me?”

If the answer is no, then it’s not truth. You don’t have to keep it.

2. Replace it with something kind and true.

Try this instead:

“I can love who I am today while still growing—with God’s help.”

“I don’t have to be perfect to be valuable.”

“I’m allowed to enjoy my life, even while I’m learning.”


You can hold both: contentment and growth.

God isn’t rushing you—and you don’t have to rush yourself either.


3. Speak life with intention.

Say it while you’re getting ready. Write it on a sticky note. Let it guide your tone throughout the day.

4. Be your own friend.

Would you say that to your daughter or your best friend?

If not, it has no place in how you speak to yourself. Be kind. Be honest. Be gentle.

A Little Note for You Today

I was listening to Jim Richards recently, and something he said really stayed with me.

He shared that the best decision he ever made was investing in his heart every single day—spending time in what he calls the “heart zone,” reaffirming the important things, and doing his character sketch.

It made me think about how powerful it is to invest in ourselves daily too.

When you intentionally renew your heart and mind, everything can begin to shift—sometimes in just a matter of days.


So my encouragement to you today is this


  • Invest in your heart.
  • Invest in yourself.
  • Spend a little time sketching out the character of the woman you already are—the one God sees so clearly. Picture it. Live it.

And if you want to live a healthy, long, beautiful life, don’t settle for a boring one!

Get excited about your future.

Find things that spark joy, that make you feel vibrant and alive.

Keep learning. Keep growing. Keep enjoying the life God gave you.


You are worth every bit of it.

And I’m cheering for you.


Speak This Over Yourself Today:

I am deeply loved by God—just as I am.

  • I am not behind. I’m blooming in perfect timing.
  • I can enjoy who I am today and still grow—with God’s help.
  • I am allowed to rest, breathe, and just be.
  • I am not here to impress—I’m here to live with peace and purpose.
  • I am a high-value woman.


Scripture Focus

“The Lord does not look at the things people look at.

 

People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

—1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)

Affirmation

I am walking in confidence today—not to be seen, but because I know who I am.

I carry value, grace, and strength.

God’s truth about me is what I choose to live from.

Prayer

Lord,

Thank You for reminding me of who I am.

Help me release the lies, the pressure, and the heaviness I’ve carried.

Fill me with clarity, joy, and confidence.

Let this be a new season—one where I enjoy who I am and trust You with what’s ahead.

Amen.

Summer Joie de Vivre

What emotion are you ready to release today?

 

Is it guilt? Insecurity? Comparison?

Let it go—on purpose.

Now refresh your environment and your mindset.

Put on a pretty summer dress. Try a new lipstick. Make a little mocktail or iced latte just for fun.

Play music you love. Light a candle.

And enjoy your life today like the worthy woman you are.

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