All The Things I've Never Said Before - Part 6

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Most of my life feels like I have been spending so much time trying to shrink myself. Trying to become smaller, quieter, less sensitive, less opinionated, and less needy all because I didn't want to be a burden. I never wanted to be too much for someone or push people away. I just really wanted people to like me, I wanted to be cared for and valued, I wanted to be wanted. So, for so many years, I sacrificed myself for the sake of making other people happy. And for so many years, I was the one who suffered. But you see I'm tired of suffering, I'm tired of shrinking. It is not my job to change who I am in order to become someone else's idea of a worthwhile human being. I know that I am worthwhile, not because other people think I am but because I exist in this world and therefore, I should matter too. My voice matters with or without anyone else's permission or approval, I will continue to be who I am, and I will continue to speak my truth. Even if that makes other people angry, even if it makes themselves uncomfortable about the situation, even if they choose to leave. I refuse to be the one to shrink, I will choose to take up space and I will choose to honor the feelings that I have. I will allow myself permission to get my needs met. I choose me