For years, I hid who I really was. I told myself it was fine to be quiet, to fade into the background, to keep my thoughts to myself. I watched other women take up space, make their voices heard, speak their truth and I thought, “Why can’t I do that?” I never realised I was trying to force myself into someone else’s mould. I didn’t have to be like them. I had to be me.

I spent years thinking that being quiet was something to change or stop being. I watered myself down to avoid standing out. I stayed small, stayed safe, stayed hidden.

Why? So people wouldn’t think I was too much. So I wouldn’t be judged. So I wouldn’t be rejected.

But here’s the thing, no one really ever tells you about playing small: it’s not about protection. It’s about holding yourself back from everything growth, opportunities, connection, impact. Every time I stayed silent, I missed out on something I’ll never get back. Those opportunities that slipped through my fingers. Conversations I was too scared to start. Rooms I never stepped into because I was too afraid to be seen.

And for years, I convinced myself I wasn’t ready. But in all honestly, I was just scared. Terrified of what would happen if I let myself be seen. Terrified of the judgement, of the vulnerability, of standing out. It’s only when I stoped hiding that everything started to change.

No one’s coming to save you from the shadows. You have to decide, every single day, to stop playing small. You have to decide to show up, even when you’re scared, even when you doubt yourself.

If you’re doubting yourself right now, don’t take that as a sign you’re not enough. It’s a sign you’re human. But don’t let that doubt hold you back. Don’t let it stop you from taking up space. Don’t let it stop you from going after what you really want.

This isn’t about trying to be someone else. This is about you being who you are. It’s about showing up as your true self, without apology. Letting go of all the stories that keep you small and embracing the woman you’re meant to be.

You don’t need to change. You just need to step into what’s already there. YOU.

So, are you ready? Ready to stop holding back? Ready to take up the space you’ve been avoiding? I’m here, with you, every step of the way.