Taking up your space isn’t arrogance. You’re allowed to exist at full size.

Shrinking gets practised until it starts to feel like modesty. Speaking quietly, apologising for being present, taking the smallest version of whatever is offered, none of that is humility, it is a habit of being easier to overlook, and it usually formed for a reason that no longer applies. Occupying the space that is yours takes nothing from anyone else.

Notice one place this week where you automatically make yourself smaller, and do not do it this time. Finish the sentence, take the seat, say what you think. There is enough room, and some of it was always meant for you.