~ Expansionism ~

This morning I was scrolling through my Twitter feed when I saw a horoscope that a friend had posted. The first sentence was: “You have recently experienced a phase of expansionism, and it’s time to regain balance in your life.” While I understand that horoscopes are essentially written so that all of us can say, “Oh wow, that’s totally me”, the word expansionism made my inner Self react. While it’s a lengthy word which essentially means growth, it also brings visions of other, more applicable terms for its personal meaning.

You can make your own Wordle!

 

“Expansionism” makes me feel energetically enormous all while wanting to wrap my arms around myself. There is a little bit of fear poking her head out from behind a chair, because it’s so all-encompassing to allow yourself to expand in every way imaginable. What will happen when you take a step over your comfort zone? As it turns out, wonderful things can occur!

This year I will have a theme based on three words: Journey. Discovery. Self. Expansionism fits perfectly as a subcategory under Journey. It’s the personal allowance which leads to the awakening, the growth, and the illumination of discovery. If we live in our absolute comfort zone, how are we to experience the unknown? Yes, it’s scary to knock on those doors, but the more we do that, the more our lives are affected by possibilities and wonder.

I used to be painfully shy – so much so that the idea of picking up the phone to call someone was terrifying. I also battled agoraphobia for over a year – where leaving the house was enough to bring on horrific panic attacks. I had to take that first step, or else I would die in that apartment! After the first few steps, it became easier. I felt my feathers growing back. I constantly push myself to meet challenges; writing publicly about these things is healing and invigorating all at once.

How can you challenge yourself this year to expand? What will make your soul sing and your wings unfurl in anticipation and excitement? I would love to hear about the challenges that you are setting for yourself!