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Allowing Yourself to Take Up Space
This morning, I was startled to see a huge truck bearing down on me from behind. It was on lifts to be up as high as possible, the tires moved out and even the side mirrors were on some type of extensions. The truck barely fit in between the lines.
My first reaction was fear and a strong desire to quickly change lanes to move out of the way. Then, I realized this trigger was an opportunity for me to practice something many highly sensitive and empathic people struggle with — taking up space.
As a matter of fact, we often try to take up the least amount of space as possible. Because we’re conscientious, we tend to think about others first. We don’t want to take advantage of anyone and we don’t want to be a bother.
Yet, what often happens is we sacrifice our own needs to ensure everyone else is comfortable and has what they need. This seems like a loving thing to do.
But it can also take us down the road into martyrdom, which is an unhealthy habit of falling on our own sword. Giving and giving and giving some more until we are depleted.
When we always switch lanes to accommodate what we assume others need, what we’re affirming is we don’t matter as much. It’s not okay to take up space or have needs.
