Taking up space (how?)

I hear the phrase a lot, the advice: don’t be afraid to take up space.

And like… sure, it could be self-explanatory. Just like when we hear words or talks or poems about healing—yeah, sure, but how? What does it mean?

I think that is the exact point in which so many people, myself included, get stuck when it comes to actions of any kind: starting a project, finding a new job, writing a book, trying to heal parts of ourselves, “healing” language, building new relationships; the list goes on.

I think every learning technique we hear is subjective, meaning that is an individual experience and what works for one person may not work for everyone else. I know that’s personally the case with me, especially when I accept that my neurodivergence plays a role in my processing.

Initially, ‘taking up space’ sounds almost like a rebellion of sorts—and I guess it is, if you’re not a natural. But who is, really? I immediately think of all the rebellious ways I can occupy a space and none of them sound really me: being loud, showcasing my differences—is this really what taking space is? For some, maybe! But for me, and maybe you? Maybe not, but there has to be other ways for us to define what this looks like for us, and I believe it’s important because it boosts our ability to love and trust ourselves.