Take Up Space!

How often have you felt the need to shrink yourself—to quiet your voice, dull your dreams, or take a back seat in your own life? Maybe it was in a crowded meeting, a close relationship, or even in the pursuit of a personal goal. I spent many years shrinking. The belief that we should minimize ourselves often runs deep, stemming from societal pressures, past experiences, or our own inner critic whispering that we are “too much” or “not enough.”

But here’s the truth: you are allowed to take up space.

Taking up space doesn’t mean dominating others or pushing your needs at the expense of someone else’s. It means giving yourself permission to exist fully, authentically, and unapologetically. It’s about living in alignment with your values, honoring your unique abilities, and recognizing that your presence—your thoughts, feelings, and dreams—matters. Let me tell you from experience – it feels SO GOOD to take up space! I enjoy life and each day now!

As a values-based intentional life coach, I work with clients who often wrestle with this concept. Many of them are incredible individuals with a wealth of passion and potential, yet they’ve been conditioned to shrink themselves. They fear being “too bold,” “too needy,” or “too much.” Together, we explore what it means to take up space intentionally—not as an act of defiance, but as an act of alignment with their true selves.

Living Intentionally in Your Space

To claim the space you deserve, it’s essential to identify what matters most to you. What are your core values? What lights you up, energizes you, and makes you feel alive? When you anchor yourself in these truths, you begin to realize that taking up space is not selfish—it’s necessary for your growth and well-being.

Here’s how taking up space might look in an intentional life:

• In relationships: Advocating for your needs and boundaries without guilt, trusting that your voice deserves to be heard.
• In your career: Pursuing goals that align with your passions and talents, even if they require courage and boldness.
• In daily life: Allowing yourself to feel joy, take rest, and prioritize self-care without apology.
• In your personal growth: Exploring dreams you’ve put on hold, giving yourself permission to dream bigger, and stepping fully into the life you envision.

Reframing “Too Much”

One of the greatest shifts I’ve seen in coaching is helping clients reframe the idea of being “too much.” What if your boldness, passion, or drive isn’t too much but exactly what the world needs? What if your ideas, personality, and presence are the puzzle piece that completes the bigger picture?

Taking up space doesn’t mean you’ll always feel comfortable or confident—sometimes it feels vulnerable. But vulnerability is where growth happens. It’s where courage is born.

An Invitation

I encourage you to reflect on this: Where in your life have you been shrinking yourself? What would it look like to take up more space intentionally, rooted in your values?

You are not “too much,” nor are you “not enough.” You are perfectly designed to live a life that aligns with your purpose and brings you joy. Give yourself permission to take up space, step into your full potential, and live a life that reflects who you truly are.

You are worthy of the space you claim! Let’s explore how you can create it together.