Expansion

Middle age often feels like a time of contraction. Life gets busy, routines settle, kids don’t need us as much and we might feel the world narrowing around us as our season of life changes.

But what if this season is meant for expansion?

I believe it is!

Let’s envision what expansion might look like for us:

A woman who’s expanding radiates an undeniable energy—a mix of confidence, curiosity, and compassion. She stands tall, her posture open, as if embracing the world with outstretched arms. Her face glows with a quiet strength, framed by a smile that hints at dreams both realized and yet to be explored.

She moves with purpose, but not haste, her steps grounded yet forward-focused. Her eyes sparkle with curiosity, as though every moment holds the potential for discovery. In one hand, she carries a book—symbolizing the wisdom she seeks—and in the other, she holds an offering, perhaps a basket of food, flowers, or gifts for someone in need.

Her clothing, vibrant yet effortless, reflects her personality—bold patterns or soft hues that speak to her journey of self-expression. Around her, there’s a sense of connection: children laughing, a friend walking beside her, or a stranger smiling in her direction.

She is both rooted and reaching—a tree with deep roots and wide, growing branches. She embodies a life in motion, expanding not just for herself but for those she touches along the way.

Who is ready to choose expansion over contraction this year? What part of this explanation spoke to you?