i constantly have to remind myself that i have just as much of a right to be in spaces as other people do. i think a lot of my issues with taking up space came from feelings of guilt and shame that started when i was a kid. as iāve gotten older iāve realized that i havenāt done anything wrong and donāt need to feel that way. challenging those thoughts for me usually looks like joining conversations that spike my interest and actively participating, going to events that i like even though i might not feel like theyāre made for me (like concerts where the crowd is 80% men), and by dressing how i want to. my clothes are a huge reflection of me and for a long time i was afraid to wear what i wanted because of how my body would be perceived. however, i noticed iām much more comfortable when iām in clothes that i like, so now i wear what makes me feel happy and thatās improved my mood in general. you donāt need to feel shame or guilt. you deserve to be happy and enjoy your life and take up as much space as youād like :)
