For far too long, I’ve shrunk myself to fit into boxes that were never meant for me—boxes shaped by other people’s expectations, comfort zones, and opinions. I’ve silenced my voice to keep the peace, softened my edges to be more “acceptable,” and dimmed my light so others wouldn’t feel uncomfortable. But something in me has shifted. I’m no longer willing to live that way.
This awakening isn’t just about one area of my life. It touches everything. There comes a moment when you realize just how much of your life has been lived trying to appease others. And while I don’t believe in being unkind or thoughtless, I also believe there comes a time when we must stop abandoning ourselves to maintain harmony that doesn’t actually serve us or others.
Every time I said yes to something that dishonored me, I was saying no to myself. I was subtly and consistently telling myself that I don’t matter as much. That everyone else’s comfort, opinion, and validation came first.
But not anymore.
I’m not arrogant for setting a standard. I’m aligned. I’m not selfish for choosing myself. I’m whole.
This shift is not about dishonoring others—I’ll never stop honoring others, because love is the very essence of who I am. But now, I’m also learning to honor myself. I can hold love for others and still refuse to shrink. I can walk in kindness without walking all over my truth.
This season is asking for more of me—the real me. It’s not a season of shrinking. It’s a season of expansion. I’m being called to make room for the woman I’ve always been but was too afraid to let her rise.
And I’m learning that if a space, a relationship, a dynamic, or a system can’t hold room for that version of me—the one who knows her worth and refuses to negotiate it—then it’s simply not meant to come along. And that’s okay.
I’m choosing peace. I’m choosing truth. I’m choosing me.
This is my journey back to myself.