The Stretch Before the Shift: 3 Ways to Grow with Grace

DeAnna Taylor
Mar 27
2 min read

Have you been feeling stretched lately?

Pulled in different directions… challenged in new ways… maybe even a little uncomfortable?

Yeah… me too.

I recently came back from the Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women business orientation in New York, and while it was an incredible experience (and yes, chile… a time was had 😁), I walked away feeling inspired, stretched, and if I’m honest… a little nervous. Because growth will do that to you!

It will place you in rooms you prayed for… and then require a version of you you’ve never fully been before. And in those moments, it’s easy to feel unsure.

But here’s what I’m learning:

Being stretched is not a sign that something is wrong. It’s often a sign that something is expanding. The key is learning how to grow without losing yourself in the process.

So let’s talk about how to grow with grace in this season.

1. Give Yourself Permission to Be in Process

You don’t have to have it all figured out.

Read that again.

Growth is messy. It’s uncomfortable. And sometimes it feels like you’re doing it wrong… even when you’re doing it right.

Instead of saying: “I should know this by now…” Try: “I’m learning this right now.”

TAKE ACTION---> At the end of your day, write down one thing you’re learning, not just what you accomplished.

This shifts your focus from perfection to progress.

2. Stay Anchored in What You Know, Not What You Fear

When you’re stretched, your mind will start spiraling:

“What if I fail?”, “What if I’m not ready?”, “What if this is too much?”

But fear is loud. Truth is steady.

Anchor yourself in what you know:

You’ve handled hard things before
You didn’t get here by accident
God doesn’t expand you without equipping you

TAKE ACTION ---> Create a quick “truth list” in your phone. List 3–5 reminders you can read when doubt creeps in.

Example:

I am capable
I am growing into this
I am supported

3. Simplify While You Stretch

Here’s the part most people miss:

When life stretches you… you don’t need to do more. You actually need to do less, better.

Growth requires energy. And if your life is cluttered with unnecessary obligations, you’ll feel overwhelmed instead of expanded.

TAKE ACTION ---> Ask yourself this week:

“What can I pause, delegate, or release just for this season?”

Even removing one thing creates space for clarity and peace.

Just remember that you’re not behind, or failing, or in the wrong place.

You’re in a stretching season.

And while it may feel uncomfortable now, it’s preparing you for something greater than you can currently see.

So don’t rush it. Don’t resist it. And definitely don’t quit.

Grow through it with grace.