Love Letters to My Grown Self Vol 3: I Will Not Shrink

A Love Letter to My Grown Self—and to the Woman Who Stopped Shrinking

Prepping with purpose. Every glow-up starts behind the scenes.

Dear Grown Me,

It’s officially Leo season. Your season. And this year, you’ve stepped into it differently.

Not just with boldness… but with intention. Not just with confidence… but with clarity. You’re no longer shrinking to make others comfortable. You’re no longer apologizing for the light that’s always been yours.

This is exactly why I started writing these love letters to my grown self—to remember moments like this, when clarity finally caught up with confidence.

Because the truth is, you were never trying to take up space. You just do.

What I Didn’t Understand Back Then

I’ve always had a certain presence. Since I was a kid, people noticed me—whether I was outgoing or quiet, whether I was performing or just existing. And as I got older, I realized not everyone could handle that. Not everyone could sit beside light and not feel dimmed by it.

So I tried to tone it down.

I would make myself smaller—so other people could feel bigger. I would hold back my ideas, quiet my voice, dull my energy. Not because I lacked confidence—but because I didn’t want to make anyone else feel insecure.

I thought I was being kind. I thought I was being loyal. But the truth is, I was shrinking for people who had no intention of growing.

What I Know Now

Taking the mic and the moment—because I finally know the power I bring to every room.

There’s a reason people are drawn to me. It’s not just the personality or the talent or the look. It’s the aura. The presence. The energy.

And I finally understand: That’s not something I have to apologize for. That’s not something I have to dull down.

Yes, I’m loyal. Yes, I’m nurturing. Yes, I want everyone to win.

But I’m no longer stepping aside just to let someone else feel like they belong. Because I belong too. I always have.

And honestly? Some of the people who had the biggest issue with my shine weren’t even trying to grow their own light. They just wanted me dim.

But now? I step in the room fully. Unapologetically. I am the face. I am the energy. And I’m finally okay with that.

A Promise to My Future Self

I will not shrink again. I will not apologize for my gifts. I will not dull my brilliance to protect someone else’s ego.

I promise to show up fully, even if it makes some people uncomfortable. That discomfort is not my burden to carry.

I don’t just walk in rooms anymore—I own my presence. This is me, fully grown, fully healed, fully alive.

I promise to lead, to shine, to inspire—without guilt. Because my presence is purpose. My voice is valid. My light is divine.

I was never too much. They were just not enough for where I was headed.

So I take up space. Loud when I need to be. Soft when I want to be. But always all of me.

With love,

Me

Grown, glowing, and grounded in my power. I no longer shrink. I shine.