Do we have encouragement to be bigger, bolder, brighter, and better?

Perhaps you have heard reports (like this one) of one COVID consequence: People looking for bigger homes. They no longer feel they can fit into their space. So they hunt for appropriate room.

Reminds me of a quote, “Stop shrinking to fit places you’ve outgrown.” In this case, we are not considering housing and property. Rather, the emphasis rests on personal growth. (I’m not sure who is the originator as I’ve seen many posts, posters, photos, water bottles and the like with the inscription urging us to “stop shrinking.” For instance, here.)

Like the family that evaluates its space needs for work, living, leisure, and storage, we would do well to pause and evaluate the space—physical, emotional, cognitive, spiritual—we inhabit and determine if it is encouraging or stifling.

When I look back at my teaching career, I am thankful that I found myself in a space (many spaces, in fact) that never smothered or suppressed me. I had mentors, colleagues, and students who encouraged me to stretch and be more. I was fortunate.

When I got into publishing, one of my editors listened, pushed, and pulled so that I would grow. The same with speaking engagements.

In those cases the space was never restricted (or at least not unreasonably so) and I did not have to settle for something less.

Again, I was fortunate.

This short post is a reminder for us to look at the space (personal and professional) in which we exist. Who and what inhabits the space with us? Why? Do we have encouragement to be bigger, bolder, brighter, and better? Or do we feel shut down and confined as our dreams and talents slowly become a memory?

How does your space look? What is your next step?

Video recommendation for the Week:

I came across this scene on one of my beach walks. The sea turtle hatchling reminds us that some beings will not be deterred from finding that larger space to grow. Even against overwhelming odds.

Make it a great week and HTRB has needed.

My latest book can be found in
eBook ($2.99) and paperback ($9.99) format. Click here.

Roxie Looks for Purpose Beyond the Biscuit.

Well, actually, my dog Roxie gets top billing on the author page for this work. Without her, there would be no story.
Click here for more information about the book.

In the meantime, check out her blog.

And you can still order:

• My book, Community as a Safe Place to Land (2019), (print and e-book) is available on Amazon. More information (including seven free podcast episodes that spotlight the seven core values highlighted in the book) at the above link.
• Check out my book Stories about Teaching: No Need to be an Island (2017). One college’s new faculty onboarding program uses the scenarios in this book. Contact me if you and your team are interested in doing the same. The accompanying videos (see the link above) would serve to stimulate community-building conversations at the beginning of a meeting.

My podcasts (all 50 episodes) can be found here.

The Growth and Resilience Network®.

You will find more about what I do at www.stevepiscitelli.com.

©2021. Steve Piscitelli
The Growth and Resilience Network®