3. Taking Up Space

I was doomscrolling Instagram Reels at 11 pm Sunday night - as one does - and saw a video trend that would be hilarious to recreate with a bookish twist. Before I kept thinking, my brain shut it down with one sentence. “That’s too much.” I loved seeing the original creator’s video, and not once did I contemplate if she shouldn’t have made it. But as soon as I considered doing the exact same thing, it was a terrible idea.

It’s scary to take up space, to put ourselves out there for people to see. Even if it’s talking to family members or friends, I have heard many say they didn’t reach out or do what they wanted because they didn’t want to be seen as a burden, or too much, or - dare I say - “cringe”. To ask for time and attention is to say, “hi, I have something to tell you. I hope you see me.” It’s excruciating for an anxious person, and if you don’t feel that — gimme whatever you have.

The gift of creativity, though, is that it demands space. It demands time and attention. Art is to be seen. To be loved. Recognized. When is the last time you created something? How did it feel? Did you want to show everyone you know? Were you bursting at the seams to tell someone? GOOD. We want to see it! Art takes so many forms, and every single one is important and deserves to be appreciated.

Whether you baked cookies that your family and friends are now enjoying, or knit Christmas presents, or created a masterpiece hanging in a gallery (shoutout Tessa Nicole Art), or tried to make a book sleeve and your sewing machine broke, and you had to text your group chat for help, and they all offered suggestions. Creativity is active and alive. And we need more of it! My friend, from aforementioned Sewing group chat, made a bed for her phone to avoid nightly screen time and sent us pictures. And we were all damn delighted!! You would have thought someone won the lottery based on our enthusiasm for that tiny quilt. It is a highlight of my day when my children or a friend says “Look! I made this!”

If you are struggling with the feeling of being too much or minimizing yourself, try creating something. Suggestions and small ways to get started are below.

You are taking up space, and I hope you take up more. There is room for you.

Taking Up Space

● Watercolor shapes (let it be abstract!)

● Color an adult coloring book

● Bake cookies

● Make a friendship bracelet

● Write a short poem

● Journal about your day

● Write a card to someone

● Host a party

● Buddy read + discuss the book

● Learn a TikTok dance

Creative suggestions: