Permission to Be Who You Are and Do What You Love: You’re Not Here to Hide | Episode 24

Maybe it happened at a family dinner, during a work presentation, or while scrolling social media. You had something to say—something true, creative, or bold—but you held it in. You told yourself, “Now’s not the right time,” or “What if they don’t get it?” or worse, “What if they think I’m too much?”

So you stayed quiet. You played it safe. And afterward, you felt that familiar mix of frustration and regret—the kind that whispers, “There’s more in you than this.”

If you’ve ever felt like you have to shrink yourself to be accepted or tone down your gifts to avoid judgment, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too. But the truth is, the world doesn’t need more people hiding who they are—it needs more people brave enough to show up fully.

In this article, we’ll explore how giving yourself permission to be seen, to speak, and to lead from authenticity can change everything.

For the longest time, I kept my ideas to myself, spoke in ways that didn’t offend anyone, and made sure I didn’t appear like I was “too much.” I shaped myself into what I thought others needed me to be—likable, safe, agreeable. I stayed in the box I thought I was supposed to fit in. One that kept me invisible, but at least I didn’t risk being disapproved of. Or so I thought.

What I didn’t realize was that in trying so hard to be accepted, I was slowly losing myself. I was excited about new ideas, but scared to share them. I wanted to help more people and expand my impact, even start another business—but the fear of judgment kept me stuck. Deep down, I was waiting for someone to give me permission. To say, “It’s okay. You can do this. You’re allowed to be this bold.”

The truth? That permission never came—from others. But everything changed when I gave it to myself.

When I stopped waiting to be validated and started honoring the pull in my heart, I felt free. I gave myself permission to follow what excites me, to share what I believe in, and to show up as all of me. Not perfect. Not polished. But real.

Many of us hold back—not because we don’t have something valuable to offer, but because we fear what will happen if we’re seen. We’ve internalized messages like:

Sometimes these thoughts come from old patterns—people-pleasing, avoiding conflict, fearing rejection. Other times, they’re rooted in past experiences: being misunderstood, criticized, or shut down when we tried to show our true selves.

So, we shrink. We mute ourselves. We turn off our light like a lighthouse, afraid to shine. And we wonder why we feel disconnected, overlooked, and unfulfilled.

But here’s what I’ve learned:

Hiding your gifts doesn’t protect you. It disconnects you—from your purpose, your joy, and your power to make a difference.

You are here for a reason. Your story, your strengths, even your scars—they’re not liabilities. They’re your qualifications. Someone out there needs exactly what you have to offer, in the way only you can offer it.

The moment I gave myself permission to shine was the moment everything started shifting. I began speaking more boldly, writing more freely, and launching offers that felt aligned. Not everyone understood. Not everyone stayed. But I stayed. I showed up, even when it was scary. And because I did, the right people—clients, collaborators, even friends—began to find me.

Doing what you love isn’t selfish. It’s how you align with your truth. Sharing your voice isn’t arrogance. It’s how you serve a mission bigger than your fear.

And when fear still shows up—as it often does—I remind myself of something I learned from Mel Robbins: The Let Them Theory.

Let them say what they want. Let them unfollow. Let them misunderstand. That’s their choice.

And let me follow my heart.
Let me grow at my own pace.
Let me do what lights me up.
Let me be seen by those who are ready for what I have to give.

Let me live in alignment.
Let me make mistakes and learn.
Let me speak from love, not fear.
Let me become who I’m meant to be.

Let them… and let me.

When you stop hiding, something powerful begins to shift: your energy realigns. You’re no longer pouring from a place of fear or pressure, trying to prove yourself or stay small to be accepted. Instead, you're fueled by passion, love, and a sense of alignment with who you truly are. It’s not about pushing harder or doing more—it’s about showing up fully and authentically. And that changes everything.

Work starts to feel more meaningful, even joyful. Your message lands with more clarity and connection, not because it’s perfectly crafted, but because it comes from a genuine place. You're not just checking tasks off a list—you’re creating, serving, and connecting from the heart.

Authenticity has a quiet power. People sense it. Your presence becomes magnetic—not through performance, but through sincerity. You’re not trying to impress—you’re simply being who you are, and that’s what draws others in.

“My light helps others—it’s safe and right to shine.”

You’re not shining from ego or seeking applause. You’re shining from your values, your mission, and the deeper part of you that knows you’re here for something more. Just like the sun, your light doesn’t diminish anyone else’s—it helps the people around you grow.

I know this because I’ve lived it. When I finally stopped hiding and started showing up—even through the nerves, the shaky voice, and the fear of being seen—everything began to shift. My confidence grew, my fulfillment deepened, and the impact I longed to make started becoming real, one conversation, one client, one life at a time.

If you’re feeling that nudge to stop holding back—here’s how you can start, gently and intentionally:

You don’t have to keep shrinking to fit someone else’s comfort. You don’t have to second-guess your voice or delay your dreams. Book your FREE Coaching Consultation and let’s uncover what’s still holding you back—and gently help you step into more freedom, joy, and purpose. Together, we’ll design the space for you to lead and live as your fullest, truest self.

00:00 – Introduction

02:05 – Playing Safe & Waiting for Permission

05:28 – The Hidden Cost of Hiding Your Gifts

08:51 – What I Realized About Fear

11:28 – The Shift: Let Them… and Let Me

16:24 – Quick Action Steps You Can Try

17:08 – Your Journey to Growth Starts Here