Take up the damn space

Do you ever catch yourself trying to take up less space?

I do.

All the time.

Case in point: last week, I went to the park to work, using an empty picnic table as my workspace. And instead of sitting in the middle of the picnic table like a normal human, I perched at the very end like I was trying to make room for twelve imaginary people.

Why?

No idea.

Just… muscle memory, I guess. The sit-small-and-don’t-bother-anyone reflex.

And that wasn’t even the best one.

The week before, we were at an event and I had a question for the staff— so I asked Chad to ask it for me. Not because I couldn't ask. But because I didn’t want to draw attention to myself. (Which is rich, considering I was exactly two weeks post-surgery and walking with the speed and grace of a garden snail wearing hiking boots. Trust me, people noticed.)

It made me laugh at first.

Then it made me mad.

Because I’m 41.

I’ve done therapy. I’ve done affirmations. I’ve done childbirth. And still — still — that little voice tries to keep me small.

And honestly? I’m over it.

I am worthy of sitting in the center.

Of asking questions.

Of saying, “Yep, I’m walking slow. How you doin’?”

Of being seen. Fully.

And so are you.

So let’s talk about your walls.

Because if you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “Maybe I’ll just get the smaller size…” or “This might be too bold for my space,” let me stop you right there.

Your life deserves to be seen.

Your stories, your memories, your joy — all of it.

And yes, your walls deserve that big beautiful fine art print that catches the light just right and makes you smile every single time you walk past it.

No more shrinking.

No more tucking ourselves into corners.

Art has the power to remind us of who we are.

So let it speak boldly.

Let it take up space.

And let it remind you to do the same.