Unshrinkable & Unapologetic: A Manifesto for Reclaiming Your Worth

How I flipped the script — and how you can, too

Believing You Matter Isn’t Optional — It’s Revolutionary

For seven years, I practiced believing I was worthy. Every morning and night, I repeated mantras. I journaled through moments of panic. I navigated shadow work in the weird limbo hours between wakefulness and sleep. Over time, that repetition shifted something inside me. The pep talks faded — because the truth became louder than the doubt.

Now, I see my beauty even on breakout days. I recognize my value even when my bank balance is low. I remain lovable through confusion, messiness, and crankiness. I’m not defined by childhood shadows. And no person, rule, or “should” gets veto power over me.

This is not spiritual fluff or toxic positivity. It’s simply fact.

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Why We’re Trained to Shrink (And How That Ends)

Society expects us to shrink. Layer by layer — race, gender, class, body norms — it compresses our sense of self until we forget how to take up space. I used to bow under that weight. I bargained for love. I performed to belong. I silenced parts of myself to keep people comfortable.

But that ends when you choose praxis: daily, non-negotiable, soul-rooted practices. Here’s what worked for me:

• Radical Journaling — spill all your “I’m not enough” stories until they lose power
• Soul-Aligned Boundaries — “I don’t need all the answers now,” “I’ll rest when I need to,” etc.
• Rituals of Reclamation — bury the old voices; ceremonially claim your time, energy, and space
• Receival Practice — say yes to abundance (even when it feels “too much”)

• • Example: I spiraled when my partner gifted me a laptop — I used that reaction to heal my inner child and learn to receive with grace

Once your boundaries and practices feel like yours, your inner work begins to manifest outwardly.

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How Inner Work Shows Up (Often Quietly)

Proof of transformation doesn’t always arrive with fanfare. Usually, it’s small, slippery, and delightful. A few recent “receipts” from my life:

• Vintage jars I’d been thinking about for my homemade beauty products suddenly showing up — free — from a neighbor I’d never even met
• A sewing machine gifted by a family friend, right when I was secretly considering getting back into sewing
• A client discovering me from an old online portfolio I’d forgotten existed

These feel like “lucky breaks.” But they’re not. They’re the Universe, nodding to your behind-the-scenes work. Every small blessing is a confirmation: your energy is shifting, even when the change is subtle.

You don’t need grand gestures. What matters is consistent alignment — and trusting that life will mirror it back.

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The Unshrinkable Declaration

Say it loud and proud, babe:

• I am the joy.
• I am the blessing.
• I am the abundance.
• I am the peace.

No person, rule, or past trauma has the final word on who I am.

If you’re still reading, here’s my vow: I will not explain myself. I will not defend my worth. I do not have to shrink. My energy is sacred — not up for grabs.

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Why I’m Sharing Now (And Why You’re Invited)

Journaling Is Self-Care LLC was born to hold space for voices like ours: messy, real, sacred. From day one, I’ve believed every woman has something powerful to share. The goal wasn’t to be the only voice — it was to create a sister circle of lived experience, breakthroughs, and tools that help us heal.

As I celebrate the five-year anniversary of Journaling Is Self-Care LLC on 10/31/25, I’m turning that dream into action. I’m gathering essays, reflections, mini how-tos, and prompts that fit our mission: honest, spiritual, and practical.

If you write from the inside — memoir flashes, ritual steps, journaling prompts — I would LOVE to feature your voice on our blog. Together, we can heal, inspire, and reclaim more space.

👉 Interested? Click here for submission details and share your story. Your voice matters — and might spark someone else’s reclaiming.