Don't Shrink Yourself

Ever heard the saying: “Don’t you dare shrink yourself for someone else’s comfort. Do not become small for people who refuse to grow.”

Well, what does it mean to not "shrink yourself" for other people? I'm sure many of you have already figured this out, but here's what it means to me...

For the bulk of my adult life I would say I've been a guy who learned to say what other people wanted to hear. It's a skill in and of itself, honestly. I used to pat myself on the back at how well I could get along with anyone I met because I could read them quickly and then feel my way through conversations. I would read them and present a faux Adam to them enough to make them like me.

But at what cost? I can answer that now. It's at the cost of you, and in effect, at the cost of everything you are. Living your life that way never allows others to see the real you. Which is a shame. Because you/we are unique in all we bring to the world. Truly. That’s not just some hippie speak. That’s truth.

I’ve been saying it a lot over recent months, but I’ve truly learned so much this year. And maybe the most valuable thing I’ve learned out of everything is to never EVER shrink myself for other people. I mean… yeah, I’m an emotional guy, and for a whole lot of people that’s too much for them. But that’s THEIR problem, you see? Not mine. I can’t stop being who I am, living up to my potential for fear of being seen as what… weird? nonconforming? A heart on the sleeve, “super sensitive” kinda guy? Pfft. Screw that. Don’t care. That’s me, truly. Deep down, the way I see things, the thoughts that enter my brain, the emotions I feel… all me.

And of course I can choose not to say those things aloud during practical moments at work when I’m in front of customers, and that’s my decision in each circumstance. BUT I will never hold those things back again out of FEAR of how others will take it. If that means I’m “too much” or I’m “too big” for the people I’m around… well, then it’s up to THEM to learn how to start living THEIR lives up to their potential too. Not for me to come down. Because when we live up to the maximum potential of our individual selves, it inspires others to live bigger too… and can you imagine a world like that, with all of us living up to our potential and expressing ourselves honestly and without fear? Can you imagine it?? Wow... Where would hate go to hide from all that love and truth?

Don't shrink yourself EVER. Took me decades to learn this oh so valuable lesson, but look out now world. I’m coming right at ya!