Navigating the Stream: Seasons of Sowing, Soaking, and Reaping with Purpose

Life is like a river, constantly flowing and changing. There are seasons of sowing, seasons of reaping, and, often overlooked, seasons of soaking. Each phase serves a unique purpose, but they are all deeply interconnected. Understanding the value of each season can shape the way we navigate the stream of life, allowing us to move forward with intention, gratitude, and alignment.

Sowing and Reaping: The Law of the Harvest

The principle of sowing and reaping is as timeless as it is profound: what you plant today, you will harvest tomorrow. Sowing requires effort, patience, and faith in the unseen. It’s hard work—often thankless—and the results may feel delayed. But sowing with intention is essential. Whether it’s kindness, resilience, or integrity, the seeds you plant now will shape the future you reap.

Reaping, on the other hand, is the reward for your labor. It’s the joy of seeing your hard work, sacrifices, and faith come to fruition. But here’s the catch: you can only reap what you’ve sown. Plant bitterness, and you’ll harvest discontent. Sow recklessly, and stability will elude you. The quality of your harvest depends entirely on the quality of your seeds.

Soaking: The Often Overlooked Season

Before you can effectively sow or reap, there’s a critical in-between season: soaking. This is particularly true in your 20s or as a young adult—a time when you absorb lessons, experiences, and wisdom that will shape the rest of your life. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being intentional.

This is a season to be curious, to surround yourself with mentors, books, and experiences that challenge and inspire you. Be a sponge, soaking up values and skills that will enrich you when it’s time to sow. What you absorb in this season will determine your ability to plant seeds that lead to meaningful harvests later.

My Season of Soaking: A Personal Reflection

I’ve had my fair share of setbacks that, in hindsight, were invaluable. I was initially admitted to Florida State University through the CARE (Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement) program, which supports first-generation college students and those from underrepresented backgrounds. But even with that support, I struggled. Navigating the pressures of being a first-generation college student and a first-generation American was overwhelming. Conversations about mental health weren’t something we had at home in ways I understood, leaving me feeling isolated and uncertain about how to manage my challenges.

Eventually, I had to take a step back. I dropped out of college and returned home to regroup, heal, and figure out who I was. During that time, I worked at the Southwest Focal Point Senior Center in Pembroke Pines, Florida. My job in the transportation office was, on the surface, just a job. But in reality, it was a classroom. The seniors I served taught me patience, humility, and the art of slowing down. They shared their stories, their warmth, and their attitudes. I learned to sit with people, to truly connect, and to appreciate the beauty of human connection. Those lessons—about compassion, resilience, and grace—became the seeds for my future.

Returning to FSU: A Season of Sowing

Eventually, I returned to Florida State University and graduated. By then, I knew I had to do something to help students who struggled the way I had. I wanted to use my experiences to support others who were navigating the same uncharted waters I had faced.

After graduation, I came full circle and returned to FSU as a staff member at the CARE program. This time, I was on the other side, helping students who, like me, were trying to find their way. My goal was to teach them how to avoid the pitfalls I had encountered and to provide them with the tools and support they needed to succeed.

I’ll never forget the first time I shared my story with the students. I was nervous and a little ashamed, worried that my vulnerability might cause them to lose respect for me. But the opposite happened. My honesty struck a chord. They saw themselves in my story, and it gave them hope.

Students began showing up at my office, sharing their struggles and trusting me to help them navigate their challenges. They saw someone who had overcome setbacks and succeeded. Seeing them thrive despite their challenges became one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life.

A Season of Reaping: Walking in Alignment

This year, I’ve found myself in a season of reaping—a time when seeds I’ve sown over the years are blooming in ways I couldn’t have imagined. After pouring into others for so long, I decided to step out on faith and pour into myself. I leaned into my purpose, asking God for what I wanted. What I’ve received in return has been nothing short of miraculous.

I’m surrounded by authentic, compassionate women who see me and support my passion projects—whether it’s reducing the stigma around mental health, working with teens to heal from trauma, or advocating for underserved communities. These women are rooting for me, collaborating with me, and building alongside me to serve our community. Their energy is a reflection of the love and intention I’ve always poured into others.

What’s been especially humbling is the support I’ve received from students I’ve worked with in the past. Thanks to social media, I’ve stayed connected with many of them. They’re thriving in their own lives and cheering me on. Some have shared prayers, encouragement, and stories about how our time together shaped their journeys. Knowing that I’ve made a lasting impact on their lives fills me with immense gratitude.

Living in Alignment with Purpose

This season of reaping has reminded me of the importance of living a life aligned with my faith, my values, and God’s plan for me. At the heart of this alignment is my commitment to:

• God as My Foundation: My faith is at the core of everything I do. I strive to embody God’s love in my actions, my relationships, and my work, serving as a reflection of His grace and compassion.

• Serving My Community: Whether through mental health advocacy, trauma work, or empowering families, I aim to create spaces where people feel supported and seen.

• Being a Role Model for My Children: I want my children to see the power of resilience, faith, and kindness—and to know that setbacks are stepping stones to success when lived with purpose.

• Honoring My Family and Marriage: My family is my foundation. Their love and support remind me of life’s greatest blessings and fuel me to continue showing up for others while staying grounded at home.

• Mental Health Advocacy: My work is rooted in creating awareness, reducing stigma, and empowering individuals, especially in underserved communities.

  
  

This season of reaping isn’t just about receiving; it’s about reflecting and aligning with God’s will. It’s about appreciating how every challenge, every lesson, and every connection has brought me to this moment. While I don’t know exactly what the future holds, I know it will be rooted in faith, purpose, and service.

Navigating the Stream: A Reflection

So, take a moment to reflect: What season are you in? Are you soaking up the lessons around you, planting seeds for the future, or reaping the rewards of your hard work? Whatever phase you find yourself in, trust that it has a purpose. Embrace the flow of life and know that, with intention and alignment, the stream will always carry you toward growth and abundance.

To help you embrace and navigate your current season, here are a few books that offer inspiration and guidance for each stage of the journey:

Books for Every Season of Life

Each season—soaking, sowing, and reaping—comes with unique challenges and opportunities for growth. Whether you’re absorbing lessons, planting seeds of intention, or harvesting the rewards of your hard work, the right book can provide insight and encouragement.

Season of Soaking

(Absorbing lessons and preparing for the future)

1. What I Know For Sure by Oprah Winfrey – A collection of profound reflections that teaches us to embrace gratitude, live with intention, and find joy in the small, everyday moments.

2. Daring Greatly by Brené Brown – A guide to embracing vulnerability as a strength and fostering deeper connections with yourself and others by letting go of perfectionism.

3. Atomic Habits by James Clear – A practical approach to building small, sustainable habits that lead to significant personal transformation and long-term success.

Season of Sowing

(Taking intentional action and planting seeds for success)

1. Grit by Angela Duckworth – A deep dive into perseverance and passion, showing how determination and consistent effort outweigh raw talent in achieving success.

2. Start with Why by Simon Sinek – A book that challenges you to discover your deeper purpose and use it to inspire others and drive meaningful action.

3. The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma – A motivational guide to maximizing productivity, focus, and personal growth by adopting disciplined routines and an early start.

Season of Reaping

(Reflecting, celebrating, and aligning with your values)

1. The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown – A heartfelt reminder that embracing your authentic self and letting go of shame leads to wholehearted, joyful living.

2. The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks – A powerful tool for overcoming self-imposed limitations and stepping fully into your "zone of genius" to achieve your highest potential.

3. Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes – A delightful and empowering memoir that teaches the importance of saying "yes" to opportunities, self-care, and personal growth.

Each of these books holds insights and inspiration to help you make the most of every phase of your journey. As you reflect on your own season, consider picking up one of these reads to encourage, challenge, or guide you. Because no matter where you are in life’s stream, there’s always something to learn, grow, and celebrate.