Hello, John!

For those of us who struggle with body image, certain terms can feel like double-edged swords. One of these words is "growth."

On the one hand, it can convey the results of hard work—in a garden, in a therapist's chair, in the role of a parent, in the practice of spiritual discernment. On the other hand, it can evoke unpleasant feelings of taking up more space than what's allowed.

Author Shannon K. Evans reflects on growth in her recently released guided journal, Luminous: A 30-Day Journal for Accepting Your Body, Honoring Your Soul, and Finding Your Joy, saying that it looks different for every person.

"How does a woman measure her growth? Is it the weight she gained or lost? The mental or physical health she recovered? Is it finally accepting her small chest or big nose? These can be promising signs of life, but they don't corner the market on growth. Growth also means letting go of control and judgment. Growth can mean changing your mind or expanding your worldview. For some, growth means saying yes. For others, growth means saying no. How does a woman measure her growth? Only she can say."

Luminous: A 30-Day Journal for Accepting Your Body, Honoring Your Soul, and Finding Your Joy is now available to order wherever books are sold, including from Franciscan Media’s online bookstore (the most direct way for your purchase to support our mission). 

Peace and all good!

Kelly Sundberg

Director, Product Marketing