Reformed and Refreshed

I was recently married earlier this spring—the greatest “yes” of my life.  With that, the last year has been packed with wedding planning, work and a long distance fiancé. I often found myself trying to slow down, but the world around me kept spinning, as it does. The women in my family have taken retreats around Christmas time, and my soul was desperately longing for some intentional time away with Jesus. After weeks of trying, we were not able to get a retreat booked, and I remember sitting in my car asking Jesus, “You know I need this time with You, so why won’t you make it happen?”

I found out exactly why when, the VERY next day, I received an email about Reform Online. I signed up immediately and eagerly awaited for my journey to start. I am usually guarded when it comes to programs and “reformation courses.” I know there are great ones out there, but I always want to make sure that what I am spending my time with is authentic and aligned with my faith.  Words like “holistic” can often come with strings of new age remedies and things I am just not interested in. It didn’t take long to realize what Jackie, Dr. Bridget, and the Reform team created is completely and authentically Catholic, and each pillar is centered around the beauty of our faith. Reform points to the Eucharist—to the Divine Healer—and everything revolves around wholeness with Him.  

Thanks to Reform, I hold stronger boundaries, dedicate more time to cooking healthy meals for me and my husband, prioritize sleep, and honor the Sabbath. The most significant lesson I learned from this experience was that God carefully designed each of us with intention, and it is GOOD and HOLY to desire cohesiveness in each wellness pillar. The body and soul, though many parts and functions, truly do work as one, and it is our obligation to find the balance.  I feel confidence and peace in the tools I have  acquired. I feel hopeful, refreshed, nourished, and excited about my life!

As our Reform course was wrapping up, I had the privilege of attending the “Totus Tuus” Reform retreat in Long Island along with other Reform women. Once again, it was exactly what my heart needed. We spent the weekend practicing and experiencing each pillar nestled under Mary’s mantle and with Jesus in the Eucharist. It was here that I felt the holes in my heart fill, and everything that we had been studying came full circle.

The Reform way of life is the life Christ calls us to. It’s what keeps our gaze on Him instead of the world, and it’s what we’re called to as Catholics.  Reform completely changed the way I look at health and I feel like I finally have the tools to make informed decisions for my body and soul. I am so grateful for my Reform journey and am excited to continue it. 

— Taylor O’Brien