Burn Bright Anyway
Because playing small never saved anyone
There was a time I dimmed my light on purpose. Not because I didn’t have anything to offer—but because I didn’t want too much attention. Not all attention is good. When you shine, you attract more than admiration—you attract projection, jealousy, and envy. And I didn’t want any of that smoke.
So, I made myself more approachable. Softer. Less “intimidating.” I didn’t want to scare people off.
But here’s what I know now: some people will be uncomfortable no matter what you do. So let them be uncomfortable.
How We Dim Our Light
We shrink in subtle ways. It’s not always loud, but it’s always real:
We downplay our wins.
We hide our talents.
We let others lead, even when we know the way.
We silence ourselves to keep the peace.
We blend in, even when we were born to stand out.
We think we’re protecting ourselves—but we’re just abandoning ourselves.
Why We Dim for Us
Sometimes we do it for others, yes. But sometimes, we do it for us:
To be liked.
To feel safe.
Because trauma taught us to stay hidden.
Because standing out feels dangerous.
Because we’re still healing.
We convince ourselves that it’s easier to stay low, unnoticed. But at what cost?
My Light Isn’t Up for Debate Anymore
I’m learning that the people who are for me won’t flinch at my fire—they’ll warm their hands by it. And the people who aren’t? Let them be uncomfortable. Let them leave. Let my shine be the alarm clock that wakes them up—or sends them on their way.
I’m not dimming for anyone anymore.
If my light unsettles you, good. Maybe you were never meant to sit at my table.
How to Stop Dimming Your Light
Call it out. When you notice yourself shrinking—pause.
Own your presence. Take up space. Unapologetically.
Speak louder. Your voice matters.
Set boundaries. You don’t need to be accessible to everyone.
Give yourself permission. To grow. To be seen. To shine.
Remember: You were never too much. They were just not enough.
We hand people the dimmer switch, and then get mad when they use it.
No more.
The power was always mine. The fire was always in me.
And now—I burn brighter.
Let it scare them.
The ones who belong won’t run.
They’ll glow with me.
