There was a time when I played small—when I tiptoed around people’s feelings, bent over backward for approval, and ran myself ragged trying to be everything to everyone. But those days? Gone. Buried. Never to return.
Now, I stand in my authentic power, and let me tell you—it’s a whole new level of peace, power, and unapologetic me.
Stepping into this version of myself meant rewriting the rules. No more shrinking, no more second-guessing, no more handing over my joy on a silver platter. So here’s what I’m no longer doing as I reclaim my time, energy, and joy, along with the mindset shifts that got me here:
🚫 Shrinking myself to make others comfortable.
🗣 Before, my internal narrative would have been: “Let me not come across as too much—I’ll tone it down so no one feels intimidated.”
😩 How that made me feel: Like I was constantly monitoring myself, walking on eggshells to make sure I didn’t take up too much space. I felt small, invisible, and exhausted from trying to be palatable.
✨ Now, it is: “I am exactly the right amount. My success isn’t a threat—it’s an invitation for others to rise.”
😌 How this makes me feel now: Liberated. Powerful. Like I can finally exhale and show up fully, knowing that my presence is a gift, not a burden. Talk about a breath of fresh air.
🔮 Why this change serves me better: Playing small does nothing but suffocate me and my potential. The fullest version of me owns her brilliance and walks in every room like she belongs—because she does.
🚫 Over-explaining my choices.
🗣 Before, my internal narrative would have been: “I hope they understand why I can’t make it… Maybe if I give them a solid reason, they won’t be upset.”
😩 How that made me feel: Like I was constantly justifying myself, as if my choices weren’t valid unless someone else approved them. It was exhausting and made me doubt my own decisions.
✨ Now, it is: “No, I won’t be able to. Thanks for understanding!”
😌 How this makes me feel now: Confident. At peace. Like I finally trust myself enough to make a decision and let it stand without looking for validation. What a feeling!
🔮 Why this change serves me better: My time and energy are mine to allocate. The best version of me doesn’t need a permission slip to make decisions that serve her. Period.
🚫 Performing for approval.
🗣 Before, my internal narrative would have been: “If I do this extra work, they’ll see my value. If I show up for everyone, they’ll appreciate me.”
😩 How that made me feel: Like I was running a race I could never win—constantly chasing validation but never quite feeling enough. No matter how much I did, it was never enough to silence the doubt.
✨ Now, it is: “My value is not up for negotiation. I bring the magic, and those who recognize it will show up accordingly.”
😌 How this makes me feel now: Free. Worthy. Like I finally understand that my worth isn’t measured by my productivity or how much I sacrifice. When I tell you this freed up so much time on my calendar, please believe it.
🔮 Why this change serves me better: Exhausting myself for claps? Absolutely not. The best version of me is whole, worthy, and enough—with or without the standing ovation.
🚫 Pouring from an empty cup.
🗣 Before, my internal narrative would have been: “They need me, so I’ll just push through. I can rest later.”
😩 How that made me feel: Overwhelmed, drained, and resentful. I was giving so much that there was nothing left for me.
✨ Now, it is: “I need me too. My rest is non-negotiable.”
😌 How this makes me feel now: Rejuvenated. In control. Like I’m finally giving myself the care I need and was so good at freely giving to others. Now when I need a nap, I take a nap. When I need to pass, I pass without guilt. I freely give myself what I need to renew, restore, and rejuvenate.
🔮 Why this change serves me better: You can’t serve from an empty well, and the best version of me understands that rest isn’t a luxury—it’s a requirement.
🚫 Saying yes out of guilt.
🗣 Before, my internal narrative would have been: “I really don’t want to, but they’ll be upset if I say no…”
😩 How that made me feel: Trapped. Like I was living for everyone but me. Like my time wasn’t my own.
✨ Now, it is: “My time and energy are precious, and ‘no’ is a complete sentence.”
😌 How this makes me feel now: Empowered. Like I finally get to choose how I show up and where I invest my energy.
🔮 Why this change serves me better: Saying yes when I mean no is a fast pass to resentment. The best version of me moves from joy, not obligation.
🚫 Forgetting who I am.
🗣 Before, my internal narrative would have been: “Maybe I should just stay in this situation—it’s familiar, even if it doesn’t make me happy.”
😩 How that made me feel: Stuck. Like I was settling for less than I deserved because I was afraid of change.
✨ Now, it is: “I have worked too hard to become this version of me. She is here to stay.”
😌 How this makes me feel now: Unshakable. Like I have my own back, and I will never betray myself again.
🔮 Why this change serves me better: The woman I fought to become deserves my loyalty. I refuse to abandon her for anyone’s comfort.
Are You Ready to Stand in Your Authentic Power?
To my fellow high-achieving, heart-centered women—if this resonates, drop a 🔥 in the comments and tell me: Which one hit you the hardest? What are you no longer doing?
Here’s to standing tall, living boldly, and choosing you—every single time. 👑✨
Thank you Sharon. The changes have brought me so much peace.
That’s so lovely to read! Have a great week. X