I’ve been noticing falling back into an old pattern recently, related to people pleasing and fear of judgement. I’ve been minimizing some aspects of who I am and what I’m up to, so as to avoid potentially making other people uncomfortable. 

In case you may be in the same boat, here’s a quick “symptom” assessment. Do you:

• Hide your accomplishments so as not to “brag?”
• Suppress your desires so as not to seem “greedy?”
• Minimize your emotions to as not to be “too much?”

If you are a “yes” to any of the above, please read on, and we’ll work through this together.

As I sort through this, I’m remembering how each transformational shift I’ve experienced in my life was made possible through role models showing me it was possible. Each time I’ve overcome a perceived limitation, or stepped outside a box I’ve drawn around myself, it’s been because someone came before me, and paved the way. Someone modeled for me what is possible.

From this, I’m reminded that each time I reduce, minimize, or suppress myself, I’m taking the gift of possibility from someone else. I am here to expand into my own possibility, AND to model possibility for others. I assert that you are here for this, as well. You being your most authentic, fully expressed version of yourself gives others hope, and permission to do the same.

Do you have a message the world needs to hear?

Is there a book inside you, waiting to be written?

Do you desire a far different lifestyle than you currently live (nomadic? minimalist? extravagant? off the grid? communal?)

Do you envision a radically different version of relationship than you have ever experienced?

Is there a career shift that your heart yearns for?

Pursuing it is a gift to you, and to the rest of us, as well.

I leave you with three journaling questions:

1.   Where do you minimize your: 

•     needs
•     talents
•     voice
•     beauty
•     emotions
•     desires
•     possibility 

2.   If you weren’t playing small, what would be possible for you?

3.   What one step will you take toward full expression, as a gift to yourself AND the world?

As always, I’m here for ongoing conversation and support. I invite you to reach out anytime. And in the meanwhile, I’ll be over here doing my best to practice what I preach 😉