Why You Keep Shrinking Yourself

You know that moment when you feel yourself pull back.
You want to speak up, raise your hand, post the thing, go for the opportunity, then anxiety whispers, “Stay small,” and your whole body listens.

The first time I heard the “Our deepest fear” poem in Coach Carter, I felt punched in the chest.
I thought about grade school, high school, college, and even my work.
Times I stayed quiet so someone else felt comfortable.
Times I played the “supporting role” in my own life because I thought shining made me selfish or “too much.”
I thought hiding my light kept me safe.
It did not.
It kept me stuck.

Anxiety loves it when you shrink.
It tells you that playing small protects you from judgment or failure.
But shrinking does not protect you.
It teaches your brain that fear is the boss.
Shining is not about being loud or perfect.
Shining means showing up as who you are, using your gifts without an apology, and taking up your space even when your hands shake.
Every time you do that, you train your brain to trust you a little more.

In this week’s episode, we talk about what dimming your light really costs you and how to take one brave step back toward yourself.

How to Stop Dimming Your Light: Overcome Anxiety & Self-Doubt

In this episode, you will hear why anxiety pushes you to play small, how other people’s fear gets in your head, and what to do when you want to shine but feel scared to be seen.

When was the last time you dimmed your light so someone else felt more comfortable, and what did that moment cost you? Hit reply and tell me about it.

With you in this,
Jessica
Mindset Coach for Anxious Teens and Young Adults

P.S. If one person in your life feels “too scared to be seen,” forward this to them and tell them the truth you forget to say out loud, “Your light matters to me.”