I stopped looking for their approval.

“Most of my life has been spent trying to shrink myself. 
Trying to become smaller. 
Quieter.
Less sensitive. 
Less opinionated. 
Less needy. 
Because I didn’t want to be a burden. 
I didn’t want to be too much or push people away. 
I wanted people to like me. 
I wanted to be cared for and valued. 
I wanted to be wanted. 
So for years, I sacrificed myself for the sake of making other people happy. 
And for years, I suffered. 
But I’m tired of suffering, and I’m done shrinking. 
It’s not my job to change who I am in order to become someone else’s idea of a worthwhile human being. 
I am worthwhile. 
Not because other people think I am, but because I exist, and therefore I matter. 
My thoughts matter. 
My feelings matter. 
My voice matters. 
And with or without anyone’s permission or approval, I will continue to be who I am and speak my truth. 
Even if it makes people angry. 
Even if it makes them uncomfortable. 
Even if they choose to leave. 
I refuse to shrink. 
I choose to take up space. 
I choose honor my feelings. 
I choose to give myself permission to get my needs met. 
I choose me”
~Daniel Keopke

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