Most of my life has been spent trying to shrink myself.
Trying to become smaller. Quieter. Less sensitive. Less
opinionated. Less needy. Less me. Because I didn't
want to be a burden. I didn't want to be too much or
push people away. I wanted people to like me. I wanted
to be cared for and valued. I wanted to be wanted. So
for years, I sacrificed myself for the sake of making
other people happy. And for years, I suffered. But I'm
tired of suffering, and I'm done shrinking. It's not my
job to change who I am in order to become someone
else's idea of a worthwhile human being. I am
worthwhile. Not because other people think I am, but
because I exist, and therefore I matter. My thoughts
matter. My feelings matter. My voice matters. And with
or without anyone's permission or approval, I will
continue to be who I am and speak my truth. Even if it
makes people angry. Even if it makes them
uncomfortable. Even if they choose to leave. I refuse to
shrink. I choose to take up space. I choose to honour
my feelings. I choose to give myself permission to get
my needs met. I choose to make self-care a priority. I
choose me."