Vows: Commitments That Shape Us

As we traverse life in its many roles — mother, teacher, boyfriend, or simply a “liver” as Orry might say — we often distance ourselves from our beautifully unique, idiosyncratic roots. Moving through different phases, we can get caught up in the inferences we make from how things turn out: a project’s success, a moment of praise, or even someone’s silence. In these moments, we may become overly critical — of ourselves, and sometimes others — based on the stories we attach to these outcomes.

To be with someone — in any capacity — it’s vital to first understand how we are when we are on our own. This could mean developing awareness around why silence feels uncomfortable and must be quickly filled, why pre-planning brings us ease even if others find it overwhelming, or why — despite all our differences — we crave people around us. We are, after all, social beings.

This Week’s Theme: Vows

Vows are more than ceremonial promises. They are meaningful, voluntary commitments — to a person, a cause, a belief, or even to ourselves. They carry weight because they represent our deepest intentions and the values we hold dear. Vows can connect us, keep us grounded, and reflect our aspirations. And when broken, they can teach us some of life’s hardest but most necessary lessons.

This week, let’s explore the concept of Vows and what it means to make and keep them — to others, yes, but also to ourselves.

Reflective Prompts for Journaling:

What are some vows — spoken or unspoken — you believe you’ve made to yourself, a task, or others?
Can you recall a time when a vow was broken — by you or someone else? How did that feel?
What lessons did you carry forward from that experience?
What are your current beliefs about vows — are they essential, outdated, spiritual, binding?
Is there a vow you now feel committed to keeping no matter what? Why is this so important to you?

A Gentle Reminder

Each of us carries unique motivations and values — traits that the world may sometimes dismiss as “too much.” But perhaps those very parts of you are exactly what the world needs more of. Use these prompts as a mirror, helping you reflect, re-center, and reconnect with your inner self.

If you or someone you know is navigating mental health challenges or wants to explore their inner world more deeply, we invite you to reach out to our Support and Engage verticals — designed to be inclusive, accessible, and rooted in care.

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