Last month, we looked at information pertaining to dimming one’s light. We identified underlying causes like invisibility syndrome, safety, and survival—and what it looks like when we dim our light. Now, we will look at owning your presence confidently—you know the true you.

Trust your voice—stop filtering your thoughts before you speak

You know exactly what to say. You raised your hand in the Zoom call but put it down before anyone could notice. You must trust your voice and value it. Get comfortable with speaking. Don’t stay stuck in your head, filtering your thoughts over and over. Write down the main point you want to get across and execute—say it.

Take up space without apologizing for it

You deserve to be in the room and/or at that table. Walk in unapologetically and take up space. You add value to the spaces you enter. You are knowledgeable and offer a light and unique perspective that only you can add.

Stand confidently in your knowledge, skills, and lived experience

You don’t need another degree. The skills and competence you have gained over the years are an asset to the people you come in contact with. Not only have you been educated and worked on building skills, you also have lived experiences of love, pain, and practicality that only you can confidently share with others.

Express your authentic self without shrinking to fit others’ expectations

I know you feel like you have to hide your true self. You think others will see you as weird or expect you to fit in. Let the world see that seemingly odd behavior. Your authenticity will make way for others to be their authentic selves.

Own your wins—big and small—without downplaying them

Own and acknowledge your wins. Stop deflecting your progress. When you own your wins, it helps you maintain momentum. Track your accomplishments in a journal, reward yourself for milestones, and share your progress with a supportive network.

Your next steps

If this resonates with you, don’t just read it—apply it. Choose one area this week to show up differently. Speak up. Take up space. Acknowledge your win. Your light was never meant to be hidden—it’s time to walk in it. Reach out to Nekeshia c/o Meraki Counseling at 832-779-3039 or merakicounseling@outlook.com today.