Taking Up Space

There are times when we learn to make ourselves smaller.

We soften our voice, hold back an opinion, temper our energy, or move through the world in ways that feel safe, familiar, or expected. Sometimes we do this so gradually that we don’t even realize we’re doing it.

But identity isn’t still. It moves.

As we grow, different parts of ourselves begin asking for more room. A stronger voice. A clearer boundary. A willingness to challenge. A side of ourselves that may feel bolder, more direct, or simply less concerned with fitting into the version of ourselves we thought we were supposed to be.

What parts of yourself have you been turning down?

Where have you made yourself smaller because you believed that was how you were supposed to show up?

Perhaps growth isn’t always about becoming someone new. Sometimes it is about allowing more of who we already are to move forward.

There can be gentleness and strength. Softness and conviction. Space to support and space to challenge. We don’t have to choose one way of being and remain there.

So perhaps the question is not, Who am I supposed to be?

Perhaps it is, What part of me is ready to take up more space?