Let’s talk about the word dysfunctional—when something does not function how it was meant to. As human beings, we were created to fully flourish, walk in clarity, be at peace, and have a connection with God. And yet, many of us normalize dysfunction. We believe we have to just “deal with it”—stress, disorder, exhaustion—because society has made this normal. This is not to say that professional help is unnecessary, nor does it dismiss the importance of daily prayer. But we often overlook the importance of living within the boundaries God created for our thriving. When we do this, we are better able to walk in peace and hear His voice more clearly.
Stewarding the Body: The Wholeness We Were Made For
The physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of our lives are deeply connected. Yet the idea of stewarding the body has often been reduced to shallow definitions. Many of us have been wounded by the extremes of diet culture and rigid fitness regimes. And these wounds can leave us discouraged, as we drift to the opposite extreme: neglecting to truly care for our bodies.
We must first stop believing that we have to earn our worth by looking a certain way. Teaching ourselves what we are worth comes not from restrictive eating, over-exercising, or hating our reflection. Nor does it come from squeezing into clothes that are too small in hopes of becoming more “disciplined.” Rather, our worth is reflected in daily choices that honor our whole being.
These choices can be simple, such as eating healthy meals and creating various routines. But they can be powerful ways to help us understand the cues our bodies tell us about what is helpful or stressful to our wellbeing.
A Cup of Coffee and a Body in Survival Mode
During the daily grind of college life, I often skipped breakfast or lunch, but I always had time for coffee. I regularly overbooked myself with work, clubs, and classes to the point of rarely having time to eat healthy meals. I told myself this was necessary, but I was living in survival mode—too stressed to enjoy big moments.
Eventually I began eating protein-packed, nutrient-dense meals, and I found that I was better able to regulate my emotions, think with clarity, and maintain peace in my life. I made these changes not to become skinny, but to become physically and mentally well, stewarding my body in a more holistic sense. This reminded me that I am a person, not a machine. I’m not made to just work, live paycheck to paycheck, and check tasks off my to-do list so I can call myself productive.
I was made to live and live well.
Sacred Rhythms of Our Physical Reality
I often talk with my friends about the power of physical rhythms that teach our hearts deep truths about who we are. For example, simple acts like getting ready in the morning are not vain, but rather things we can do to teach ourselves that we are worth caring for. And on the days when there isn't time or space to get ready, I am reminded that Christ wants my whole heart, just as I am. Yes, the physical matters, but only because He makes it matter, not because of anything we do to prove our worth.
Whether we feel messy or perfectly prepared, both experiences can be powerful. On days we feel ready, let us prepare with joy. On days we are worn out or not looking our best, these are the moments that show our need to receive Jesus the most, so let us throw ourselves into His arms with great trust in His love and mercy.
Our Bodies Speak the Truth
Our bodies tell the truth about our stories. It is beautiful how God designed them this way. We are invited to listen to our bodies, allowing them to bear witness to our pain and joy. It is a tactic of the enemy to convince us to suppress natural habits of the body—suppressing our cycles through convenience, anxiety through numbing habits, or that sinking feeling in the stomach through self-loathing.
Jesus invites us to sit with ourselves—to sit with our pain as we’re held by Him.
God created us to be connected to ourselves, as this is part of being connected to Him. As I am learning to honor what my body reveals about my story and about our Lord, I am feeling like a more unified whole, rather than an assemblage of pieces. There is deeper peace and greater understanding when we discover what our bodies are meant for. Jesus meets us in the mess—not to shame us, but to bring us out of it. That is how He transforms us.
Victoria Cardona is a graduate of Ave Maria University with a bachelor’s and masters’ degree in theology, with minors in education and catechetics, and is currently pursuing a master’s in educational leadership at Saint Thomas University. She is a published writer primarily on Caeli and The Star of Bethlehem, where she shares reflections rooted in faith, beauty, and discipleship. She draws strength in the lives of the Saints, the beauty of adoration, and the quiet strength of our Lady, striving to live each day with gratitude, simplicity, and joy.
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