The Art of Not Shrinking

For so long, I thought being “good” meant making myself small—easy to hold, easy to love, easy to need. But what if I don’t need to shrink? What if I just take up space, trust my own light, and let myself be as big or as small as I naturally am? That’s the experiment I’m running now. Being Pixel means letting myself shine, without checking to see who’s squinting.

But here’s the thing I’m realizing now: Shrinking doesn’t actually make me feel good. It doesn’t honor the fullness of who I am. In fact, it’s exhausting. And somewhere along the way, I began to wonder—why do I keep dimming my own light for the comfort of others? What would happen if I just let myself take up space, let myself be as big as I am without apologizing?

That’s where the art of not shrinking begins. It’s not just about showing up and taking space—it’s about doing it with intention and trust. It’s the art of saying, “I am here, and I don’t need to shrink or make myself small for anyone. My presence is valid, just as it is.” It’s not about being loud or taking over—it’s about allowing yourself to simply be without second-guessing or overthinking whether you’re too much.

The art of not shrinking is an ongoing practice. It’s waking up every day and choosing to stand taller, to own my opinions, my ideas, and my energy. It’s about letting my authenticity shine through, no matter how it might rock the boat or make people uncomfortable. It’s learning that my true worth is not in how small I can make myself for others, but in how fully I can show up for myself.

I still struggle with this sometimes. I catch myself holding back, trying to shrink when I feel vulnerable or unsure. But the more I practice, the more I realize that by not shrinking, I’m not just doing a favor for myself—I’m also giving others permission to stop shrinking, too.

So this is the new goal: I’m here to practice the art of not shrinking. To take up space, to speak my truth, and to be proud of the light I carry. And I trust that, in the end, the world needs exactly what I have to offer, just as I am.