It's okay if you're still learning to take up space, and that's the heart of today's conversation. I want to share my journey of moving from a place where I felt the need to stay small to one where I've embraced the value of my voice and presence. For a long time, I believed that not taking up too much air was the right way to go, but I've realized that staying small comes at a cost—it quiets our ideas and diminishes our worth. Through my experience hosting the Life Shift podcast, I've learned that taking up space is not just about being loud; it's about being authentic and allowing ourselves to be heard. So, if you’ve ever felt like you’re meant for more but are held back, let this episode be a gentle reminder that your voice matters and you have permission to take up space.
Takeaways:
It's completely okay to still be learning how to take up space in life.
Staying small can have a significant cost, affecting how we value our ideas.
Podcasting helped me learn to hold space for myself and embrace my own voice.
Taking up space is a practice we can build into our everyday lives and routines.
Everyone should remind themselves that their voice and presence truly matter in any situation.
Giving yourself permission to take up space can transform how you engage with others.
Transcripts
Speaker A:
Hey, this is.
Speaker A:
It's okay if bite sized permission slips.
Speaker A:
I'm Matt Gilhooley, and today's permission.
Speaker A:
It's okay if you're still learning to take up space.
Speaker A:
For a long time, I was the person who tried to stay small.
Speaker A:
In meetings, in conversation, in life.
Speaker A:
I just didn't want to be a burden.
Speaker A:
I didn't want to take up too much air.
Speaker A:
I was the responsible one, the good one, the one who didn't ruffle feathers.
Speaker A:
But staying small comes at a cost.
Speaker A:
Your ideas get quieter, your voice gets softer.
Speaker A:
You start believing that what you have to offer isn't as valuable.
Speaker A:
And then I started podcasting.
Speaker A:
Hosting the Life Shift podcast forced me to take up space, to ask real questions, to hold space for others.
Speaker A:
And in doing that, I had to hold space for myself, too.
Speaker A:
It didn't happen overnight.
Speaker A:
It's still happening.
Speaker A:
But every episode, every conversation, I learn a little bit more about standing in my own voice.
Speaker A:
Not shrinking, not apologizing.
Speaker A:
Maybe you're still learning that, too.
Speaker A:
And that's okay.
Speaker A:
Taking up space is a practice.
Speaker A:
It's a muscle you build, a permission that you give yourself.
Speaker A:
So if today you're feeling small but you know you're meant for more, let this be your reminder.
Speaker A:
So if you're up for it, tell yourself, I give myself permission to take up space.
Speaker A:
My voice matters.
Speaker A:
My presence matters.
Speaker A:
That's your permission slip, friend.
Speaker A:
Tuck it in your pocket, and I'll see you next time.
