Taking Up Space and Filling the World with Your Presence

The above illustration from my book So Much to Drool About, beautifully visualizes the idea of embracing your size and taking up space. As my Great Danes have taught me, true presence isn’t about physical size, but about the energy we bring and the impact we have on others.

Whether we’re leading a team, raising a family, or simply interacting with those around us, our presence matters. It’s not about dominating the room or shouting the loudest; it’s about showing up authentically, with kindness, confidence, and a genuine desire to make a positive difference

What Does It Mean to Take Up Space?

“Taking up space” is often associated with physical presence – the literal space we occupy in the world. But it can also involve how we show up, how we interact with others, and how we contribute to the spaces we inhabit.

This requires confidence – a belief in ourselves and our right to be seen and heard – which can be challenging for many of us. We may fear judgment, criticism, or rejection. Past experiences, societal pressures, or even our own inner critic can make us want to shrink ourselves down, to make ourselves small and invisible.

But taking up space requires resisting that urge and fully embracing our strengths. It means having the courage to share our ideas and making a positive impact, regardless of our physical size or perceived position in life.

It’s important to note that you can take up space without being the loudest in the room or demanding attention. True presence comes from recognizing our value and giving ourselves permission to share it with the world.

How to Start Taking Up Space

Understanding what it means to “take up space” is one thing, but putting it into practice is another. Here are a few ideas to help you step into your power and show up more fully in your life.

Uncover Your Unique Strengths

If you’re unsure of what you have to offer, you might hesitate to speak up or take action. But when you know your strengths, you can step forward with confidence, knowing that you have something valuable to contribute.

Here are a few ways to discover your strengths:

• Reflect on past successes: Think about times when you felt proud of your accomplishments. What skills and qualities did you use in those situations?
• Seek feedback from trusted sources: Ask friends, family members, mentors, or colleagues to share what they see as your strengths. Their perspectives can offer valuable insights you might not have considered.
• Take strengths-based assessments: There are various assessments and tools available online or through career counselors that can help you identify your natural talents and abilities.

These practices will help you gain a deeper understanding of what makes you unique and how you can best contribute to the world around you. This self-awareness is a crucial foundation for taking up space in a way that feels natural and impactful.

Speak Your Truth with Confidence

Your thoughts, ideas, and feelings deserve to be heard. Speaking your truth with confidence is a powerful way to take up space in conversations and relationships. Of course, speaking up can be challenging, especially if you’re naturally introverted or have a fear of being judged or rejected.

If the idea of speaking up feels daunting, try starting small. Begin by expressing your opinions in safe and supportive environments, like with close friends or family members. As you gain confidence, you can gradually start sharing your thoughts and ideas in larger groups or more challenging situations.

Define Your Boundaries

Think of boundaries as guidelines for how you want to be treated and what you’re willing to tolerate. Without clear boundaries, you might find yourself overcommitted, resentful, or taken advantage of. You might say “yes” to things you don’t want to do or allow others to dictate your time and energy. This can leave you feeling drained and depleted, with little space for your own needs and priorities.

Defining your boundaries allows you to reclaim that space. It allows you to say “yes” to the things that bring you joy and fulfillment and “no” to the things that don’t. It empowers you to protect your energy and focus on what’s important to you. By doing so, you can show up in the world as your most authentic and empowered self.

Expand Your Comfort Zone

Growth rarely happens within the confines of our comfort zones. To take up space, we need to venture beyond familiar territory and dare to be a little uncomfortable.

Stepping outside your comfort zone helps you push past any self-imposed limitations and explore the potential that lies within you. This might involve having a difficult conversation you’ve been avoiding, taking on a new project at work, or finally pursuing that hobby you’ve always been curious about.

Of course, this doesn’t mean recklessly jumping into every risky situation. Start by identifying one small step you can take today to challenge yourself. You can also break down larger goals into smaller, more manageable steps to make them feel less overwhelming. Every step outside your comfort zone, no matter how small, is a victory worth acknowledging.

Claim Your Presence and Live More Authentically

You are worthy of taking up space. You have a voice that deserves to be heard, strengths that deserve to be shared, and a unique contribution to make to the world. It’s time to step into your power, embrace your authenticity, and let your light shine.

Start putting these ideas into practice. Uncover your strengths, speak your truth, define your boundaries, and expand your comfort zone. The journey might not always be easy, but the rewards are immeasurable. As you claim your presence, you’ll discover a deeper sense of confidence, purpose, and fulfillment.

And for more inspiration on living a life filled with joy, purpose, and “gentle strength,” keep an eye out for my upcoming book, So Much to Drool About: Lessons for Living Large! You can subscribe to my mailing list for updates on the release and other exciting news.