“Act big, and you’ll be put back in your cage.”
It’s the constant message we receive from the time we’re little girls.
The world tells us to stay small, to blend in, to be anything but too big. “Nobody will like you if you’re too much, too loud, too full of yourself.” Society seems terrified of women who dare to take up space, to be seen, to speak up, to act big.
I’ve lost count of the times I’ve been told to tone it down, to be quieter, to dim my light, to conform to someone else’s idea of who I should be. “Or else…” they warn, “you won’t belong.”
But why? Why are we constantly monitored, judged, and policed for simply expressing our hearts and authenticity? Why does the world try to tame a woman’s power? Why are we forced to play small? Is it because society’s insecurities can’t handle women who stand in their power and truth?
Isn’t it about time we reclaimed our right to be the protagonists of our stories? To own our pleasure unapologetically and reclaim our sovereignty over our bodies? To prioritize our dreams and chase them boldly, without worrying about who might be offended? Somewhere along the way, it’s as if we’ve unconsciously subscribed to the idea that we need permission to be ourselves—or risk being shoved back into our place.
But let me remind you, sis: wanting more for yourself, pursuing your passions with all your might—that’s your birthright.
We don’t exist to make everyone else happy. We exist to shine in our own unique way, to bring our gifts to the world.
Society punishes us for being authentic—I know it, you know it. Many of us work so hard to be seen in the best possible light, striving to maintain a polished self-image and earn the label of “good girl.” In the process, we suppress or disown the parts of ourselves that don’t fit that ideal. It’s easy to spot—nobody thinks they’re the villain in their own story! But the more we deny our full humanity and delay honoring our authenticity, the more we abandon ourselves to fit someone else’s insecurities. And when we conform to someone else’s idea of what’s “acceptable,” we don’t just hurt ourselves—we hurt the world, creating a “fake” community that is quick to judge and slow to connect.
So here’s your big, bold permission slip: embrace all of YOU, even the parts you or others might label as bad or wrong.
If you’re reading this, remember you can choose YOU.
Your uniqueness is your strength. By embracing your power and speaking your truth, you give other sisters permission to do the same. When one of us steps into her greatness, she lights the path for the rest of us.
And if you ever feel triggered by another woman’s courage, pause. Just maybe, that reaction is an invitation—a sign that it’s time for you to step out of your cage and into your own majesty.
To help expand and deepen your expression, here are some recommended practices and approaches:
1. Self-Reflection & Journaling
- Daily Reflection Questions: Set aside time to reflect on questions like:
- What parts of myself do I often suppress or deny?
- How do societal expectations impact my sense of self-worth?
- Where have I felt the need to “play small,” and why?
- Journaling Prompts:
- What does “playing big” look like for me?
- What would it feel like to fully own my power and authenticity?
- How can I show up more unapologetically in my life?
2. Boundaries & Self-Expression
- Establish Boundaries: Identify areas where you feel the pressure to conform and set boundaries with those influences.
- Speak Your Truth: Practice sharing your thoughts, desires, and opinions in spaces where you might typically stay quiet.
- Celebrate Your Uniqueness: Create affirmations to remind yourself of your unique strengths and worth.
- Example: “I give myself permission to be fully seen and heard.”
3. Visualization & Embodiment Exercises
- Visualization Practices: Close your eyes and visualize stepping into your most empowered self—walking into a room, owning your space, and feeling fully grounded in your presence.
- Embodiment Practices: Use movement, dance, or breathwork to connect with your body and express yourself authentically.
- Power Poses: Practice standing in “power poses” to cultivate confidence—like the Wonder Woman pose or standing tall with open body language.
4. Surround Yourself with Empowering Influences
- Follow Inspiring Role Models: Seek out women who embody confidence and authenticity. Follow them on social media, read their content, or listen to their stories.
- Supportive Communities: Join groups, workshops, or circles focused on self-expression, empowerment, or women’s leadership. Connecting with like-minded individuals can foster encouragement and accountability.
5. Challenge Comfort Zones
- Seek Discomfort: Explore activities that push your boundaries—like public speaking, leading discussions, or participating in unfamiliar settings.
- Lean into Vulnerability: Share openly with trusted friends, partners, or mentors about the parts of yourself you’ve been holding back.
- Reflect on Triggers: When you feel triggered by others’ confidence, ask yourself why it bothers you. This could be a signal that there’s growth waiting on the other side.
6. Celebration & Gratitude Practices
- Celebrate Wins: Acknowledge your small and big victories, whether it’s asserting a boundary, speaking up, or pursuing a passion.
- Gratitude for Your Authentic Self: Regularly express gratitude for who you are, especially the parts that may have been suppressed.
- Reclaim Your Joy: Do activities that bring you joy, pleasure, and aliveness, reminding you of your inherent worth.
7. Reading & Educational Resources
- Books & Articles: Read works, blogs or posts on self-empowerment, feminine energy, and authenticity.
- Podcasts & Workshops: Listen to podcasts or attend workshops focused on confidence, self-expression, and breaking free from societal norms.
No more shrinking, no more dimming—it’s time to rise and claim your full power. When you step into your truth, you inspire others to do the same. Your voice matters, your worth is undeniable, and your light is meant to shine, boldly and unapologetically.
Let’s move forward, together, toward a world where we no longer play small.
