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Stop Making Yourself Small!

Have you ever made yourself small? Diminished your light just a bit in certain situations? Around particular people? Maybe you've kept quiet, keeping your opinion, thoughts, and ideas to yourself? You're not alone. Many of us have been in situations where we silence ourselves a little... or a lot. The big question becomes--why? Why do we do this? The number of possible responses to this question are probably great and too many to capture here. And your experience is going to be different than mine. As I reflect upon the times I've made myself small, it's been because I was fearful--fearful of being shamed or rejected somehow. As I became more confident, I quickly learned that my confidence made other people feel uncomfortable. And then I became fearful that their discomfort would lead to not being liked or included. Unpacking these experiences made it clear--I was seeking connection, love, and acceptance and feared that if I showed up as my most authentic self, I would be rejected. And not loved. Now let's go a little deeper. We are all born with the innate need to be in relationship with others. The love and affection we received from our caregivers was a critical part of our healthy development. In the best of circumstances acceptance, appreciation and love was extended without conditions, simply because we exist. Yeah, I didn't have that experience. Did you? If you did... that's pretty incredible! So many of us (who did not have that experience) figure out how to fulfill the need for acceptance and love. Sometimes that's being overly helpful and kind. Sometimes that's caring for others, putting their needs before our own. Sometimes it's getting praise and approval for jobs well done. And even further, sometimes we keep parts of ourselves quiet so others aren't uncomfortable by our brilliance and they come to accept and appreciate the parts of us we're willing to share. Please don't confuse this with being boastful, conceited, or narcissistic. That's not what this is about. This is about aligning with the truth of who you are as a Divine Being... a co-creator with God where your unique talents are intended to be gifts to the world. Aligning with this Truth helps us recognize that the only approval necessary comes from within. And when we show up as our authentic selves, we give others permission to so as well.


DOWNLOAD THE STOP PLAYING SMALL WORKSHEET TO HELP UNEARTH WHAT MIGHT BE GETTING IN THE WAY OF YOU AUTHENTICALLY SHOWING UP AND SHINING YOUR LIGHT!




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