You’re Allowed To Take Up Space

I have a love-hate relationship with New Year’s resolutions.

On one hand, the motivation that bubbles up at the start of a new year is almost unmatched. Knowing that millions, if not billions, of people are deciding that January 1st is the perfect time to start improving their lives is wildly energizing. On the other hand, about 80% of people abandon their resolutions before the end of February.

That’s why I stopped making traditional New Year’s resolutions. Instead, I usually choose a word or theme to guide me through the year. But for 2025, I needed something more. This year, I decided on a mantra:

I am allowed to take up space.

How I Found My Mantra

The idea struck me in the most ordinary of places: the grocery store.

There I was, standing in front of the frozen juice section of the freezer aisle, waiting for someone to move so I could grab a thing of orange juice. All I wanted was to check if they had country-style orange juice. (Which BTW is the kind with just the right amount of pulp.) But I stood there, silently waiting, as if I wasn’t allowed to say “excuse me” or reach for what I needed.

And then it hit me: Why was I standing there like I didn’t belong in the grocery store? I had every right to be there. I was allowed to politely ask someone to move. People throw the classic ole Midwest “Ope, lemme just squeeze right past ya there” at me all the time and it’s not a big deal.

That little moment sparked a bigger realization in me. I’ve spent entirely too much of my life quietly stepping aside, making myself smaller to accommodate others. This isn’t just about grocery store aisles. it’s about how I navigate the world.

Taking Up Space

Physically

Let’s talk about physical space first. Society, particularly for women, has long pushed the idea that smaller is better. We see this constantly in diet culture, where our worth is often tied to how small we can make our bodies.

But the truth is your body is supposed to take up space. Whether you’re thin or curvy, tall or short, your size has no bearing on your worth. You’re allowed to exist as you are, unapologetically.

Mentally & Emotionally

The idea of taking up space goes beyond the physical. It’s also about mental and emotional space.

As a mom, I’ve felt the pressure to give everything including my time, energy, and even identity to my child and family. Society romanticizes this idea of a mother’s self-sacrifice, but it often leaves moms feeling like they can’t claim any space for themselves.

But here’s the thing: You can.

• You’re allowed to rest. Go to bed early. Light some candles and spend an evening soaking in the tub. 

• You’re allowed to say no. Skip the extra volunteer project. Hand over a responsibility to your partner. Decline the invitation to yet another family get together.

• You’re allowed to prioritize yourself. Take a walk by yourself. Make a meal for supper because YOU want it. 

Taking up space isn’t selfish… it’s essential!

Owning My New Mantra

For me, the mantra of I’m allowed to take up space isn’t just about my moment in the grocery store or setting boundaries with my time. It’s about reclaiming my right to be here on this earth, fully and authentically.

Physically, mentally, and emotionally, I am allowed to take up space. I don’t need to shrink myself to meet someone else’s expectations.

And neither should you, dear reader of this blog.

Let this post serve as a reminder that you’re allowed to take up space, too.

• You’re allowed to claim the last slice of pizza.

• You’re allowed to speak up when something bothers you.

• You’re allowed to exist without apologizing for it.

Whatever taking up space looks like for you, embrace it. You deserve it.