Do you remember Shrinky Dinks; those sheets of polystyrene that you color and bake? When they come out of the oven, they are ⅓ of the size.
Do you remember Shrinky Dinks; those sheets of polystyrene that you color and bake? When they come out of the oven, they are ⅓ of the size.
When it comes to your truth and being your most authentic self, are you contracting and shrinking like a Shrinky Dink?
It’s easy at times to get caught up in the mindset of “My opinion/my life doesn’t matter” or “What I have to share is not important.”
At times, we may question our very existence and wonder why we were ever born in the first place.
Have you, like me, played small for much of your life, bowing to others’ desires or hiding how you feel in order to be liked and accepted?
Although we cannot change the past, we can decide how we want to show up for ourselves and others in the future.
For me, self-doubt has been one of the contributors to my playing small. It has prevented me from taking actions, remaining stuck in my head rather than courageously putting myself out to actually be seen and heard.
For instance, there are times where I have kept silent rather than speaking my truth. Rather than lovingly sharing my thoughts and ideas with others, I have often shut down and withdrawn so as not to appear different or countercultural.
I wanted to fit in. I have been learning to see the difference between “fitting in” and “belonging.”
“Belonging” is when you allow yourself to be exactly who you are and others love you for it. Belonging is being accepted. “Fitting in” is pretending to be someone you’re not, trying to conform.
When I am silent out of fear, I shrink and harbor resentment and frustration.
When I worry about others’ opinions of me, my self-confidence weakens and I don’t show up as the strong and secure woman I want to be.
I have been afraid that by sharing my true self, I would be judged by others, but ironically, I was judging myself in advance.
I have come to see that my truth for my life is valid and when I speak it and embrace it, I feel expansive. When I deny and withhold it, I shrink.
Having the inner strength to acknowledge the fact that my opinions are completely valid propels me forward to focus on taking action that will make a difference in my corner of the world.
My truth matters. So does yours.
We are free to think whatever we want and to be whoever we want.
No one can take away that God-given right.
If your truth isn’t being honored and respected by those in your life, you may need to find your tribe. We can choose to love others from afar.
Finding the people with whom you belong, those who support you and celebrate you for your differences is a beautiful gift.
Always speak your truth with love. God gave you a voice.
Always be your authentic self. You are unique and wonderfully made.
Find where you belong, surrounding yourself with and giving to others love and acceptance.
This is expansion.
“Expanding, growing, becoming more who we already are is our true purpose.” JW
“Life is too short, the world is too big and God’s love is too great to live ordinary.” Christine Caine
Ready for your expansion? Start with your Vision Map…CLICK HERE
**Blog from Mindrise Coach, Jennifer Wielage
