A Prepared Woman: Intentional Steps Towards Purposeful Living
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
In a world that demands so much from women at home, at work, in church, and in our communities it’s easy to feel like you’re constantly reacting, rarely ready, and often overwhelmed. But what if preparation wasn't just about staying ahead of your to-do list? What if it was about aligning your daily actions with a greater vision?
In episode 4 of the Raised Women podcast, I sit down with a long-time friend Leela for a deeply honest and practical conversation about what it means to be a prepared woman. Leela brings a wealth of insight drawn from her life as a wife, mother, and woman of faith. Her wisdom as grounded as it is inspiring.
Preparation with Purpose: The 10-Year Timeline
One of the most powerful takeaways from Leela’s story is her use of what she calls a Ten-Year Timeline a personal framework that takes long-term goals and breaks them down into daily decisions. Whether it's cultivating spiritual strength, nurturing her marriage, or showing up for her kids, Leela believes that every choice we make today impacts who we become tomorrow.
“Your everyday decisions have a bigger impact. I don’t like to aimlessly do things there has to be a reason or a purpose.”
- Leela
This practice reminds us that true preparation begins with vision. It’s not just about being busy; it’s about being intentional.
The Power of Quiet Mornings and Overflow
Leela’s preparation starts before dawn. With three children and countless roles to juggle, she’s learned to wake up early to spend time with God and care for her physical health. Prayer and 5,000 steps before breakfast aren’t just routines they're non-negotiables that ground her and set the tone for her day.
“If I don’t have time with God in the morning, it doesn’t overflow to the rest of my day.”
-Leela
We all know life gets loud, messy, and unpredictable. That’s why Leela emphasizes the importance of overflow spiritually, emotionally, physically. A prepared woman doesn't wait until she's on empty to refill.
Boundaries That Protect What Matters Most
Early in marriage, Leela admits she put her kids before her husband until her marriage started breaking down. That hard lesson led to a powerful shift in her priorities.
“I learned that boundary of protecting my marriage first.”
-Leela
Being prepared also means setting boundaries that honor your values whether that means saying no to certain activities or standing firm on family commitments like attending church. It's not always easy, especially when your choices clash with cultural norms or peer pressure. But as Leela says, "Together we are stronger."
Simple Strategies for Real-Life Preparation
You don’t need a fancy app or program to prepare well. For Leela, success starts with:
A handwritten diary to manage her time and reflect intentionally
Drinking 2 liters of water a day
Getting in 5,000 steps before breakfast
Prioritizing quiet time with God
And for her children? It's about modeling preparation through values, structure, and clarity around priorities. It’s not about perfection it’s about consistency.
It’s Okay to Let Go of the Pressure
Perhaps the most freeing advice Leela offers is this: You don’t have to do everything.
“It's okay to let things be. That one moment doesn't define who you are.”
-Leela
So many women carry invisible expectations to be everything to everyone. But being prepared means knowing what to release. It’s okay to say no. It’s okay to not run back home for forgotten sports shoes. These moments are lessons, not failures.
Are You Preparing Well?
Are you preparing well for the areas in your life that require action? What boundaries are you putting in place to protect your time and energy?
Being a prepared woman isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about positioning yourself to respond with faith, flexibility, and intention.
Want more?
Leela’s full story is rich with practical wisdom and honest encouragement. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, under-equipped, or just unsure how to balance it all tune into this episode
Listen now to the FULL #5 Episode: A Prepared Woman on Raised Women Podcast and get inspired to walk with clarity, strength, and purpose.
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