How I Stopped Shrinking - A Bookkeeper's Tale

One random day, without a dramatic moment or a big breakthrough, I simply decided:
I was done dimming my light to make other people comfortable.

I had spent years shrinking.
Keeping my ideas to myself so no one felt threatened.
Letting takers take.

Giving my time, my energy, and my brilliance away for free, just to prove I was worth the space.
Every time I doubted myself, every time I made myself smaller to keep the peace, I lost a little more of me.

Until I was tired of playing small and timid. Until I decided I was okay with conflict.

That day, something inside me shifted and said: enough - today we shine bright.
I didn’t owe anyone my silence. I didn’t have to apologize for my ambition.
And I certainly didn’t have to make myself palatable just to be accepted.

Now, I ruffle feathers with my confidence.
I take up space. I speak my truth. I own my story.

It has definitely been painful and uncomfortable - and you will definitely catch me crying about it.

But it feels so good, so freeing, so real, so deeply aligned with who I am that I will keep doing it and showing up for myself over and over and over.

Because here’s the thing:
When you stop hiding…
When you finally own your dreams…
When you stop waiting for permission…
You don’t just shine bright, you also lead by example.

You give others the courage to do the same. And I love that as much as I love being me.

If you’re reading this and you feel the nudge to show up more boldly…
I’ll be right here, cheering you on as you do.

You’re not too much. And I'm here for it.

Lub you,
Crystal 🦄