The Fear of Being “Too Much”
Ruby had always been the quiet one, the person who apologized when she hadn’t done anything wrong, who shrank herself in conversations, afraid of taking up space. She believed that if she made herself small enough, people would accept her.
But one day, she realized something: She was erasing herself from her own life.
This is the story of how Ruby learned to stop shrinking, embrace her presence, and finally take up space in the world.
Ruby’s Struggle: A Life of Shrinking Herself
Ruby’s entire life was spent avoiding conflict, staying in the background, and second-guessing her words.
- In meetings, she hesitated to share her ideas, fearing she wasn’t “smart enough.”
- In relationships, she always prioritized others, never expressing her own needs.
- In friendships, she played the role of the listener, never demanding space for her own thoughts.
She thought staying small made her likable, but deep down, she felt invisible.
The Moment That Changed Everything
One evening, Ruby met an old friend who bluntly asked her, “Why do you keep making yourself smaller to fit in? You deserve space, too.”
That simple statement hit her harder than she expected. She spent the next few weeks reflecting on the moments she had silenced herself, the times she had said “It’s okay” when it really wasn’t.
For the first time, she asked herself: What if I stopped apologizing for existing?
How Ruby Took Up Space and Reclaimed Her Power
1. She Stopped Apologizing for Existing
Ruby realized that every time she said, “Sorry, can I just say something?” she was undermining herself. She made a decision—no more unnecessary apologies.
Instead of “Sorry, but I think…,” she started saying, “I believe…” or “Here’s my perspective.”
2. She Took Up Physical and Emotional Space
- She stopped folding her arms and slouching—she stood tall.
- She spoke with more certainty, even when she felt unsure.
- She made eye contact and claimed her space in conversations.
3. She Set Boundaries Without Guilt
For years, Ruby had been a people-pleaser. She finally learned the power of saying “No, that doesn’t work for me,” without feeling guilty.
She discovered that taking up space meant setting boundaries—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally too.
Your Space Is Yours to Claim
Ruby’s journey wasn’t about being louder or more aggressive—it was about recognizing that she deserved to exist fully, without shrinking to make others comfortable.
And so do you.
If you’ve ever felt like you had to make yourself smaller, remember: You are allowed to take up space. Your voice, your presence, your dreams—they all matter.
Have You ever Struggled with Shrinking Yourself?
Have you ever struggled with shrinking yourself? Share your experience in the comments!
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for uplifting contents!
Tag a friend who needs this reminder today!