This is one of my favorite pieces. Crazy that we need encouragement to take up space! Like @debra douglas, cheering for oneself seems boastful? Maybe thats too strong a word. Why does it have to be in a group to feel right and encouraging. Hmm. Thanks for writing this one.
For so long, I believed that shrinking myself was the same as staying humble. But the truth is, dimming your own light doesn’t serve anyone — especially not yourself.
Your words are a beautiful reminder that taking up space isn't arrogance, it's honoring the work, the growth, and the journey.
Leading with lessons, speaking our truth, and owning our wins unapologetically is how we stay grounded and open while still rising.
Thank you for sharing this — I’m holding it close and walking taller because of it.
Thank you for sharing this, Debra. It’s such an important point — when you’re in a structured environment like corporate, owning your wins almost feels expected. It’s part of the system.
But when you’re on your own? It’s a completely different kind of vulnerability.
It’s you, standing behind your work without the shield of a title or a company name.
This is great - it is so important to own what we have created. I read over my notes of the last few years and was surprised at how successful the business I ran was. Somehow in my memory I had only connected with how hard work it was!
I love this so much, Jane. It’s incredible how, when we look back, we sometimes only remember the hard parts — but the success and impact deserve just as much space in our memory.
Thank you for sharing this reminder. Your story captures exactly why it’s so important to pause and truly honor what we’ve built.
We have to show up for ourselves and tell our story - that's a very important reminder. I think from childhood I was conditioned to think that hard work and being the best performer automatically warranted recognition, but in the working world it is very different. It might be an area that many have to unlearn.
The idea that hard work alone guarantees recognition is something so many of us were taught — and it’s such a painful unlearning when reality doesn’t match that.
It really does take intentionality to show up for ourselves, to share our stories, and to advocate for our growth.
Thank you for putting this into words so beautifully.
I found a similar story in the volunteer world. For years, I downplayed my roles and my work for our local community. Time and again, I experienced other people taking credit for my work because I didn't speak up and own it, and it was demoralising. But long before I learned to start appreciating my worth, someone did notice and nominated me for a Human Rights Award. I'm looking at that award now and reminding myself to hold my head up, keep showing up, and own the work that I do.
It takes real strength to keep showing up, especially after being overlooked or uncredited. And that Human Rights Award? That’s such a beautiful reminder that your impact has always been there, even before you fully saw it yourself.
You’ve absolutely earned the right to hold your head high and own every part of the work you’ve done.
This hits deep. When we stay silent, we leave space for assumptions and they rarely capture the truth. Telling your story isn't just self-expression, it's reclaiming your narrative. Thanks for the reminder that our voice matters.
You said it so perfectly — silence can leave too much room for assumptions, and those rarely tell the full story. Reclaiming our voice isn’t just brave, it’s necessary.
I’m so glad this resonated. Your words reflect exactly why I wrote it.
This is an important distinction- the difference between ego and humility. It is very important to learn to accept a compliment and just accept the praise. It is also important to have at least one person who you can celebrate the wins either!
I completely agree — learning to accept praise without feeling like it compromises humility is such an important shift.
I also love what you said about having someone to celebrate with. It’s such a beautiful reminder that we’re not meant to carry our wins (or our growth) alone.
This is one of my favorite pieces. Crazy that we need encouragement to take up space! Like @debra douglas, cheering for oneself seems boastful? Maybe thats too strong a word. Why does it have to be in a group to feel right and encouraging. Hmm. Thanks for writing this one.
Ken, I really appreciate you sharing this.
It’s so true — somewhere along the way, celebrating ourselves started to feel “too much,” when really it’s just part of honoring the work we’ve done.
I’m glad this piece sparked something. Thanks again for reading it so thoughtfully.
This hit deeper than I expected.
For so long, I believed that shrinking myself was the same as staying humble. But the truth is, dimming your own light doesn’t serve anyone — especially not yourself.
Your words are a beautiful reminder that taking up space isn't arrogance, it's honoring the work, the growth, and the journey.
Leading with lessons, speaking our truth, and owning our wins unapologetically is how we stay grounded and open while still rising.
Thank you for sharing this — I’m holding it close and walking taller because of it.
Monica, thank you so much for sharing this.
Reading your words honestly gave me chills — you captured the heart of what I was trying to say so beautifully.
It’s so true: shrinking ourselves doesn’t serve anyone, and honoring our growth doesn’t make us any less grounded.
It just makes us honest about the journey.
I’m so grateful this resonated with you — and even more grateful that you’re walking taller because of it.
You deserve every inch of that space you’re stepping into.
It’s interesting. When I worked in corporate marketing that was the goal: own and celebrate wins. Out here on my own? It’s terrifying.
Thank you for sharing this, Debra. It’s such an important point — when you’re in a structured environment like corporate, owning your wins almost feels expected. It’s part of the system.
But when you’re on your own? It’s a completely different kind of vulnerability.
It’s you, standing behind your work without the shield of a title or a company name.
I hear you. It’s terrifying — and it’s brave.
Thank you, Sara. It was a lot easier to write about fixed income products!
This is great - it is so important to own what we have created. I read over my notes of the last few years and was surprised at how successful the business I ran was. Somehow in my memory I had only connected with how hard work it was!
I love this so much, Jane. It’s incredible how, when we look back, we sometimes only remember the hard parts — but the success and impact deserve just as much space in our memory.
Thank you for sharing this reminder. Your story captures exactly why it’s so important to pause and truly honor what we’ve built.
We have to show up for ourselves and tell our story - that's a very important reminder. I think from childhood I was conditioned to think that hard work and being the best performer automatically warranted recognition, but in the working world it is very different. It might be an area that many have to unlearn.
Malick, you captured this so well.
The idea that hard work alone guarantees recognition is something so many of us were taught — and it’s such a painful unlearning when reality doesn’t match that.
It really does take intentionality to show up for ourselves, to share our stories, and to advocate for our growth.
Thank you for putting this into words so beautifully.
I found a similar story in the volunteer world. For years, I downplayed my roles and my work for our local community. Time and again, I experienced other people taking credit for my work because I didn't speak up and own it, and it was demoralising. But long before I learned to start appreciating my worth, someone did notice and nominated me for a Human Rights Award. I'm looking at that award now and reminding myself to hold my head up, keep showing up, and own the work that I do.
Thank you so much for sharing this.
It takes real strength to keep showing up, especially after being overlooked or uncredited. And that Human Rights Award? That’s such a beautiful reminder that your impact has always been there, even before you fully saw it yourself.
You’ve absolutely earned the right to hold your head high and own every part of the work you’ve done.
This hits deep. When we stay silent, we leave space for assumptions and they rarely capture the truth. Telling your story isn't just self-expression, it's reclaiming your narrative. Thanks for the reminder that our voice matters.
You said it so perfectly — silence can leave too much room for assumptions, and those rarely tell the full story. Reclaiming our voice isn’t just brave, it’s necessary.
I’m so glad this resonated. Your words reflect exactly why I wrote it.
This rings so true for me. I’m proud of starting my Substack without feeling like I was sure of what to do or how it would go.
That’s something to be so proud of, Erin.
Starting without all the answers takes real courage — and you did it anyway.
Changing careers. Knowing I was risking a lot and doing it anyway. Doing it because life is for the living.
Rachel, this is so powerful.
There’s such a deep kind of bravery in stepping into the unknown, especially when you know what’s at stake.
I love how you put it — “life is for the living.”
That spirit, that willingness to risk comfort for growth, is something worth celebrating loud and clear.
Thank you for sharing this reminder. It really moved me.
This is an important distinction- the difference between ego and humility. It is very important to learn to accept a compliment and just accept the praise. It is also important to have at least one person who you can celebrate the wins either!
I completely agree — learning to accept praise without feeling like it compromises humility is such an important shift.
I also love what you said about having someone to celebrate with. It’s such a beautiful reminder that we’re not meant to carry our wins (or our growth) alone.
Thank you for sharing this thoughtful reflection!