My belief is that life is enlarging us all the time – should we choose to see it that way.

I grew up around this mindset which allows me to naturally adopt this approach perhaps a bit more quickly than most. Even though this was my outlook on life, the fall of 2015 brought a whole new meaning to this stance.

Here’s why…

As I reflect on why my soul has been flooded with the word, Enlarge, what I see is the word: opportunity.

Every day, we’re presented with opportunities that expand who we are from the inside-out. Opportunities that refine our character, highlight what we say we value and strengthen the depth of who we are. If we choose to accept these daily invitations as opportunities to grow - we enlarge our value and presence in life. If we choose to step past them, we simply lose an incredible opportunity of meaningful growth. Growth that’s lined on purpose and for a purpose.

For over fifteen years of my life, I had been reading and studying about the power of our minds and how they literally direct every part of our body, including our performance and potential. 

Our thinking, words, and emotions determine our proximity to our vision, goals, and people. I was fascinated with everything I was learning and tried to apply it to my own life, as well as use my knowledge to lift others.

When you look up the definition of Grit, you’ll find: Courage. Resolve. Strength of character and will. Moral fiber. Determination despite difficulties.

Until mid-2015, adversity was never really part of my life. Yes, I had moments for sure, yet nothing where I had to dig to the deepest part of my inner core to move forward in a productive fashion.

Have you ever played Tic Tac Toe or Connect Four? If so, have you noticed that when you focus on your next move and fail to look at what your partner is doing, you always lose?

Your perspective becomes so inward and narrow that you forget to look up. 

As part of this journey, I was nudged to look up and not get self-consumed. What was placed on my heart was this: Look up. Notice. Act.  

It was up to me to use the sidelines as an opportunity to grow, to be intentional about choosing growth. 

Growth is a silent investment - it does not speak up, it shows up. -John Maxwell

As I think back on my journey through cancer that I titled as the 3 G’s:  Grit, Gratitude & Growth, here’s what I learned…