Take Up Space
As a new mom/woman, I am learning myself all over again and what it truly means to be me. I've lived in the shadows for way too long and am coming out of a shell that never served me. Having a child has prompted me to be better, because he's watching (and I want to set an example of strength).
I stayed quiet for too long, worried too much and lived below the surface of who I was made to be, for decades. Times up! A life full of self-deprivation never served me. It's been a little bit of Imposter Syndrome, too, that's been sullying my potential. I know who I am, but have been letting my fears of what people thought, affect me. Their voices were so loud, I couldn't hear my own. Better yet, I second guessed my own voice.
Now, I am surrounded by good people - like-minded individuals who get it. They are Creatives, just like me, who aren't afraid of a little transparency. And isn't that what life's all about? Being open to the ones you love and living without apology?
As women, we've been told to "sit down and shut up" for way too long. I am TIRED of taking a back seat to what the louder voice says is right! That patriarchal, and sometimes female-driven-suppressed narrative that is so visceral, you wonder if she hasn't suffered the same traumas you're dealing with now.
In any case, I'm not holding onto bad blood. I've released those people from my life. I am ok with being me and not meshing into a crowd, because the more I am myself, the easier it is to attract my village, my people, my tribe. We aren't meant to befriend everyone and I am truly ok with that… finally.
I've always thought people didn't understand me. But, the problem was, I was around the wrong ones. Part of taking up space, is surrounding yourself with people who can support your voice.
Other ways to assert yourself would be to:
Speak up - say what you feel (and some people translate this as "saying it with your chest!" Ha) All that means is to speak your mind unapologetically and let people think whatever they want.
Have an opinion - too many times, our voices get lost in the crowd. But how do you feel? What is on your heart? And why haven't you shared your point of view yet? It matters.
Trust the process - this concept of becoming takes time. So, be gentle with yourself as you are opening up to you.
Life get's better as we learn to accept self and take up space.