🕯️Dim Days? Find Your Spark & Ignite Change!

Remember those grade school class photos, where we’d gather in neat rows, smiling—or grimacing—while trying to hold still long enough for the picture?

My mom would look at the photo and, like clockwork, express her frustration: "Why are you kids always in the back row?"

She knew we were tall, but it didn’t stop her from wanting us to stand front and center - seeing our smiles and spotlighting the outfits she carefully picked out!  

It was an unspoken rule; tall kids in the back, shorter kids in the front. It became a running joke in our family that Mom could only see a small circle of our faces in school pictures.

One year, I tried standing at the end of the first row - only to be shuffled right back to my “place”. It was worth trying to change the conversation that year during the photo reveal with my mom.

But here’s the thing—this “knowing your place” mindset doesn’t just apply to school pictures. It creeps into life. And just like those class photos, we often find ourselves in the background, letting others shine.

But what if you were meant to step forward?

Are You Shrinking When You Could Be Shining?

Are you holding yourself back from fully showing up in your life—whether in group settings, photos, or big decisions?

Maybe it feels more comfortable letting others take the lead, or maybe you hide behind someone else for fear of greater responsibility. If this sounds familiar, it's time to ask yourself why.  

Is it possible you haven’t realized the control you have over your future and happiness?

Often, it’s not just about staying comfortable.  It could be a limiting belief - those sneaky, deeply ingrained thoughts that keep you playing smaller than you're meant to.  

These beliefs act like invisible barriers, holding you back from exploring opportunities, shining brightly, and embracing your full potential.

I’ve been there too. Like many of us, my limiting beliefs took root early on—because that's often when they begin.

Peggy leaves her mark

In third grade, I’d go to my neighbor Peggy’s house after school until my parents got home. One day, she singled me out in front of the other kids, saying I wouldn’t get a snack because I was overweight.

That moment was crushing and became an inhibitor to my confidence, beginning at a young age.  This single remark stuck with me for years, and it took a long time to reclaim my confidence.
If this resonates with you, know you’re not alone.  

My superhero mom was devastated when she found out, and she acted quickly.   

From then on, I grabbed a snack from home before heading down the street to Peggy’s house. 

Looking back, Peggy didn’t understand that I, like most kids, was just storing energy for a growth spurt.  Or…she was having a bad moment - as we all can have.

But that moment planted a limiting belief that stayed hidden in me for years - that I could be canceled by others so easily due to my weight.

It took me a long time to reclaim my confidence and realize that no one has the power to define your worth except you.

You Have the Power to Change Your Story

As I grew older, I realized something: the labels others place on you don’t have to stick.

You decide how you want to feel about yourself.

After my awkward adolescent years, I discovered the equation for living healthy and reclaiming my confidence.

I began surrounding myself with active, positive-vibe people and trying out for sports teams. I started living in alignment with my values, building new relationships with friends who were inspiring, supportive, and trustworthy.

The truth is, YOU have the power to rewrite your story.

Wendy #18 - Undefeated Team!

Strategies to Blow Up Limiting Beliefs

If you're ready to stop shrinking and stand front and center in your own life, here are some tips:

1. Challenge Negative Self-Talk

Start by noticing your limiting beliefs and replacing them with affirmations.  

One of my biggest leveling-up moments came when I caught myself thinking, ‘You’re not ready’.  I realized right then this was a limiting belief designed to keep me playing smaller than I was meant to.  

Instead of letting that belief hold me back, I paused. My body was buzzing with excitement about an opportunity. I chose to embrace that energy - and that decision changed everything.

 Looking back, I’m forever grateful that I was wise enough at that moment to shift my mindset and believe in myself.

2. Practice Self-Care
Build routines that nourish your body and mind - mindful eating, regular movement, and adequate rest.

Remember self-care is a journey, not a destination.  Life will occasionally throw you off

course.  In those moments, give yourself grace. 

Stay away from all-or-nothing thinking.  You will have times when you stray from your

routine - what matters is returning to it.

3. Set Boundaries
Say no to what drains you and yes to what energizes you.

Utilize your calendar to block time for your priorities.  It’s perfectly okay to decline an invitation if you’ve set aside time for self-care or personal commitments.

Protect your energy!

4. Seek Positive Influences
Surround yourself with empowering people and social media accounts that encourage self-love and growth.

As John Rohn wisely said, "You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with." 

Choose wisely.

5. Celebrate Small Wins
Each time you step outside your comfort zone - whether it’s speaking up or embracing a new opportunity - acknowledge it. Confidence grows with every small act of courage.

I still remember the first time speaking in front of a group. My heart raced, and I could feel the butterflies in my stomach. But afterward, I celebrated the win.  It fueled my confidence and led to more opportunities. 

Victories like this will remind you how far you’ve come and inspire you to keep pushing forward.

You Were Meant to Shine

Remember, friend, you weren’t made to shrink or hide. 

You are meant to shine - both in photos and life. 

It’s time to challenge those limiting beliefs, reclaim your space, and step boldly into your confidence. 

If you ever catch yourself retreating, take a moment to pause and reflect.  You have the power to change your story and step into the light with confidence.  

Start taking small, brave steps to become the person you dream of being.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsafe, it’s okay to seek help.  Reach out to a licensed counselor who can provide the support and guidance you need to move forward.

Let your light shine, and by doing so, inspire others to shine too!

To Your Success! 🚀

Wendy