First off, What is an Expander?
An expander is someone who will help you “see to believe” what’s possible. They are mentors, guides, teachers, and strangers we have crossed paths with designed to help us see the option of a different future.
Think about it this way, would you have ever known that you could be a professional singer and get paid for it if you had never heard a song or seen a performance? Probably not, but the second I saw Shakira on stage, 5 ft tall and blonde curly hair, I knew it was a possibility for me in high school.
Behold: 17-year Taynah (I never pursued it of course,) but do you get it?
Our brain has endless amounts of space. The more we continue to expand what we hear, see, and do, the more we can continue to believe that anything is possible. I know it’s cheesy, but it’s true! All jokes aside, to whatever God you believe in, or don’t, this is has nothing to do with it. However, having faith or hope in that which you have seen or heard, can make the difference.
You must have some form of belief system instilled so you can know what it feels like to believe in a brand new reality. Whether it be prayer, meditation, journaling, or singing, make your new reality a daily practice. Soon, it will become your new routine. You can make the decision every day to drink more water or kiss your mom a little more. When you start to consciously make the decision that you wish to live a better life than the one you’ve been programmed to, things begin to change.
From personal experience, coming out as queer has been a ride and a half with family and friends. Most days, I’ve never felt so strong. Others, I still struggle to think I’m not insane. I recognize though, that that’s trauma speaking. One that labeled queer thinking as a mental disease. Being raised in a traditional catholic family had its influences too, but I’m not here to point fingers. Everything that happened, served its purpose for when I needed it. Just because it no longer serves me, does not mean I am not thankful for it. That same catholic church gave me lifelong friends, some of who I still speak to today. It also taught me kindness and mercy and the power of loving another unconditionally.
So my advice to you; GET EXPANDING! The closer these relationships are to you, the more energy they can carry over to you creating a new life.
If you’re religious, volunteer with your church.
If you’re an athlete or a health nut, interview a bodybuilder or nutritionist.
If you’re a creative, take a class according to your passion.
If you’re all of the above, then do all 3. Just remember, you always have the power to be free.
Love you all and Happy 2021!
Yours Truly,
Taynahmite
P.S. Here are just a few of my favorite Expanding Podcasts:
(Available on all streaming platforms)
EXPANDED with Lacy Phillips
https://tobemagnetic.com/expanded-podcast
Aubrey Marcus Podcast
https://www.aubreymarcus.com/blogs/aubrey-marcus-podcast
Uncovering By Brene Brown
https://brenebrown.com/podcast/introducing-unlocking-us/
(I’d also recommend The Power of Vulnerability By Brene Brown-TED Talk)
https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_the_power_of_vulnerability?language=en
Over It And On With It By Christine Hassler
https://christinehassler.com/podcast/
Startup Podcast By Gimlet
It is never to early or to late to learn … the bigger the exposure, the bigger your reality.
I couldn’t agree more!