No More Shrinking-I'm Taking Up Space

The other day I had a beautiful conversation with my best friend. I won't get too much into our discussion, but there was one topic we touched upon that helped me receive her in a way I hadn't before.

Sidenote: I really didn't want to tell ya'll my business, but it would be disobedient of me not to. Why? I believe that there are others who need to be freed from this type of behavior. So, here is my vulnerability.

The topic that came about was her opinion toward my dating habits, and how I struggled to receive them in the past.

The brow sweat is starting to increase. Grinds teeth.

I will wholeheartedly admit that my dating history was not the best. We've all had a period within our adulthood that involved questionable behavior.

This is a judgement free zone, right? Side eye. Right.

In our early twenties, she would often question why I would entertain a certain kind of gentlemen friend after being fully aware of our misalignment. This is a nicer way of saying, "Girl you can do better."

The truth is that I didn't know my worth at the time, and my best friend was there to remind me that certain connections were not indicative of my value. At the time, I was unable to hear her affirmations or see the mirror she was holding up to me. I had only saw it as judgement.

Why? I had shrunk. I saw what wasn't good for me. I even expressed concerns I felt toward a connection to a trusted voice. Yet, I continued to offer myself up to a space that wasn't conducive for my well-being. That type of shrinking overflowed into other areas of my life.

For example, I used to be afraid to dive deeper within my creativity. Because I shrunk. I was afraid to allow my full personality to shine in every environment. Why? My neurodivergence would be triggered and turn every conversation into a song. For me, life is a musical, so I sing everything. Do I sound the best? To me I do, but I digress.

In our conversation, I admitted my inability to receive her words at the time because deep down I knew she was right. I couldn't believe that I was actually allowing myself to shrink, especially relationally. Thankfully, this is no longer my behavior.

Whether your shrinking took place relationally, professionally, or spiritually, let this be your confirmation to stop shrinking. Don't doubt your worth. Stop questioning your anointing. You hear from God. If you've had to ask yourself more than once if that person was the one, they're not. Lift your head. Put your shoulders back and let your light shine. Take up space!

The truth is...you really are that one and always have been.