The Soft Power Journal

Tag: Self-Expression

  • You’re Not Too Much—They Were Just Too Small

    You’re Not Too Much—They Were Just Too Small

    There’s a lie that so many of us, especially women, have been fed since the beginning:

    That we have to shrink in order to be loved.

    That our softness is a burden.

    That our strength makes us intimidating.

    That our emotions are too much.

    And what happens when you hear that lie enough times?

    You start trying to edit yourself.

    You overthink every word, every feeling, every truth your body wants to speak.

    You start shrinking in places where you were born to rise.

    But let me tell you something—and I want you to read this slow:

    You were never too much.

    You were never too sensitive.

    You were never too emotional, too bold, too loud, too honest.

    They were just too small to hold the fullness of you.

    You weren’t asking for too much—you were just asking the wrong people.

    The truth is, being deeply connected to yourself and your truth is a gift. Not everyone will know what to do with that. And that’s not your burden to carry. That’s their limitation. Their emotional immaturity. Their discomfort with intimacy. Their unhealed parts reacting to your wholeness. And you do not have to apologize for that.

    In fact, one of the softest, most feminine things you can do is release the need to be understood by everyone.

    Let them misunderstand you. Let them label you. Let them make assumptions.

    You’re not here to be digestible.

    You’re here to be true.

    You don’t have to justify your tears.

    You don’t have to explain why you care so deeply.

    You don’t need to prove your softness isn’t weakness.

    The ones who are meant to see you—will.

    The ones who can hold space for all of you won’t flinch when you bring your full self to the table.

    You don’t need to shrink. You need to stretch.

    You don’t need to quiet down. You need to get louder.

    And not in volume—but in presence. In truth. In power.

    This post isn’t about clapping back.

    It’s about calling yourself forward.

    So let me ask you:

    Where are you still shrinking to fit?

    Who are you editing yourself for?

    What version of you are you finally ready to reclaim?

    This is your permission slip.

    To take up space.

    To show up fully.

    To be both gentle and powerful.

    To be seen, felt, heard—and deeply respected.

    And if someone calls that “too much”?

    Tell them this: “I’m not too much. You’re just not enough for me.”

    Let that be your standard. Let that be your liberation.

    ✨ Let this post be your reminder: softness is not weakness, and your truth deserves room. Continue your journey through power, presence, and radical softness at The Soft Power Journal.

  • Dear Former Me:

    Dear Former Me:

    This isn’t a letter to my past self, but a poem that grew from the same soil. It’s called Behind the Smile…

    Behind the smile is a girl who’s tired of waiting for people to see her fire.

    She laughs loud but it’s a shield,

    a soft heart wrapped in the battlefield.

    Behind the smile is the weight of “I’m fine”.

    A thousand no’s dressed up like a sign.

    It’s cracked ribs from holding it in.

    The art of breaking without making a scene.

    She beams like the sun- on purpose not ease

    ‘cause no one asked how she weathered the freeze.

    She shows up radiant, dressed in gold, but no one asked what that brightness holds

    Behind the smile is grief that lingers.

    Dreams slipping through trembling fingers.

    The girl who claps for everyone’s win, but wonders when hers will begin.

    It’s the mask she wears to keep peace alive,

    the ache she silences just to survive.

    It’s knowing her worth in a world that forgot

    and loving herself whether seen or not.

    So next time you see her and she grins wide,

    don’t just compliment the light in her eyes.

    Ask her how long she’s been standing alone,

    holding her softness like a cornerstone because behind the smile,

    there’s strength you’ll never measure

    a soul stitch together

    by pain

    and still by pleasure.

    Evelyn Michelle

  • Unapologetic Woman: The Cost of Playing Small and the Power in Taking Up Space

    Unapologetic Woman: The Cost of Playing Small and the Power in Taking Up Space

    There was a time in my life when I mastered the art of shrinking.

    Not physically, of course—but emotionally, energetically, and spiritually. I made myself smaller in conversations so I wouldn’t be “too much.” I muted my opinions so I wouldn’t come off as “difficult.” I accepted crumbs, thinking I didn’t deserve the full meal. I apologized for taking up space. For having needs. For wanting more.

    And I didn’t even realize how loud my silence had become.

    The Subtle Ways We Shrink

    Playing small doesn’t always look like failure—it often looks like “being easy to deal with.” It looks like:

    • Agreeing when your spirit disagrees

    • Smiling when you’re hurting

    • Minimizing your accomplishments so no one feels “less than”

    • Staying in rooms that no longer value your presence

    • Shrinking your dreams because someone else can’t see your vision

    And it chips away at you. Quietly.

    Until one day, you don’t recognize the woman you’ve become.

    The Breaking Point Wasn’t Loud—It Was a Whisper

    It didn’t happen all at once. It was subtle. Soft. A conversation where I felt invisible. A job where my voice didn’t matter. A relationship where I poured and poured until I had nothing left. I remember sitting in my car thinking: I don’t think I’ve ever truly chosen myself.

    I had been making peace offerings with my power.

    Every time I stayed quiet, every time I settled—I was negotiating my worth.

    The Lie We’re Told: That Power Makes Us Unlovable

    They tell women to be humble, soft-spoken, agreeable. To let others lead.

    But I’ve learned that real love never asks you to be less of yourself.

    And any space that requires your silence is not a safe space—it’s a cage.

    The truth is:

    You’re not intimidating. They’re just not used to a woman who doesn’t apologize for being whole.

    You’re not “too much.” You’re simply more than they’re ready to receive.

    You’re not dramatic. You’re just finally being honest.

    Taking Up Space is a Power Move—Not a Personality Flaw

    When I stopped playing small, I didn’t become aggressive—I became honest. I started asking for what I needed. I raised my standards. I said no without guilt. I stopped watering myself down and started blooming where I was planted—even if no one clapped for me.

    Taking up space means:

    • Walking into a room and knowing you belong without needing permission

    • Reclaiming your time, your energy, your voice

    • Owning your power without fear of rejection

    • Allowing yourself to be fully expressed—soft and strong, bold and kind

    And that’s what scares people.

    Not your flaws. Not your past.

    But the fact that you’re no longer afraid to own your light.

    To the Woman Who’s Been Playing Small: It’s Time

    You weren’t born to dim.

    You weren’t made to shrink.

    And you were never meant to blend in.

    I know it’s scary to take up space when the world teaches you to disappear.

    But every time you choose yourself, you show another woman what’s possible.

    And that’s how we rise—together.

    A Soft Power Affirmation

    I am no longer available for spaces that silence me.

    I do not dim. I do not shrink.

    I rise. I radiate. I take up space with grace.

    You are not asking for too much.

    You are finally asking from a place that knows her worth.

    And that, my love, changes everything.

  • Unleashing the Creative Goddess Within: How to Awaken Your Inner Artist

    Unleashing the Creative Goddess Within: How to Awaken Your Inner Artist

    Hey everyone, I hope your Valentine’s Day and weekend were filled with love, joy, and meaningful moments! Whether you celebrated with someone special or took time to honor yourself, I hope it was everything you needed. Now, as we dive into this week’s post, let’s talk about something that’s truly close to my heart: embracing your inner artist and awakening the creative goddess within.

    What is Creativity?

    Creativity is often boxed into terms like “art” or “talent,” but the truth is that creativity is a sacred, inherent part of who we are. It’s not confined to one medium or type of expression—it’s a deep force that runs through all of us. At times, many of us feel disconnected from this creative side, convinced it’s something for others, not us. However, the truth is that everyone has the ability to be creative. Whether it’s through writing, art, or even the way we approach life itself, creativity is always present.

    The Power of Creative Expression:

    Creativity is more than just making something beautiful—it’s a powerful way to express our emotions, our deepest thoughts, and our innermost desires. When we express ourselves creatively—whether through painting, writing, or even dancing—we allow our hearts to speak. Creativity helps us heal, grow, and explore parts of ourselves we might otherwise ignore.

    How Creativity and Our Inner Energy Flow Together:

    Creativity isn’t just a product of talent—it’s connected to our energy. When we allow ourselves to feel joy and freedom in our creative expression, we unlock a deeper flow of energy. This isn’t just about creating something physical, but about reconnecting with our true selves.

    Let’s talk briefly about energy. The sacral chakra, or Svadhisthana, governs creativity, emotions, and sensuality. It resides just below the belly button and plays a huge role in unlocking creative flow. When it’s balanced, we feel open to expressing ourselves, freely creating, and embracing our desires. But when it’s blocked, we can feel stuck, disconnected, or hesitant to explore our creativity. In the next few sections, I’ll share ways you can tap into this flow and get in touch with your inner artist.

    How to Reconnect with Your Inner Artist and Balance Your Sacral Chakra:

    1. Start Small, But Start:

    If you’re feeling disconnected from your creativity, the first step is to simply begin. Whether it’s painting, writing, or dancing, allow yourself to express whatever comes naturally. Start small—perhaps with a few minutes of free journaling or sketching. As you allow your creative energy to flow, you’ll start to feel the sacral chakra’s energy awakening within you.

    2. Create Without Judgement:

    The sacral energy thrives when we let go of perfection. Let go of the need for perfection, and simply create. Let go of self-doubt and the fear of being judged. Creativity is not about impressing anyone. It’s about allowing your soul to express itself freely and authentically.

    3. Make Time for Joy and Pleasure:

    Creativity is closely tied to joy, pleasure, and play. Take time to enjoy the things that make you happy, and don’t rush the process. Whether it’s dancing in your living room, cooking a meal, or singing along to your favorite song, engage in activities that nourish your soul and remind you of the beauty of being alive.

    4. Incorporate Creativity into Everyday Life:

    Creativity isn’t just about making art. It’s in everything we do. From how we dress to how we arrange our homes, creativity is woven into every aspect of life. Try changing up your routine or adding a creative touch to your environment. How can you express creativity through your daily actions?

    How to Balance Your Sacral Chakra to Unlock Creativity:

    1. Gentle Movement:

    Try doing some gentle, hip-opening yoga or dance to get your body moving. These movements help release any stagnant energy in the sacral chakra and allow creativity to flow freely.

    2. Self-Expression Through Art:

    Experiment with different forms of creative expression. Start a journal, paint, write poetry, or simply doodle. The act of expressing yourself creatively will activate the energy of the sacral chakra and help unblock any barriers to creativity.

    3. Embrace Sensuality:

    Creativity isn’t just intellectual—it’s also sensual. Spend time engaging with your senses: savor a delicious meal, take a warm bath, enjoy the beauty of nature. Nourishing your senses connects you with your creativity in a profound way.

    My Journey with Creative Blocks: A Story of Vulnerability

    For so long, I struggled with creative blocks, constantly battling feelings of fear, shame, and guilt. Every time I tried something new, whether it was writing, painting, or even dancing, I feared rejection. What if people didn’t like it? What if I wasn’t good enough? These feelings were overwhelming, and they held me back for years.

    But here’s what I’ve learned: being vulnerable with your creativity is one of the most powerful things you can do. The fear of rejection is natural, but it doesn’t define our worth. Creativity is not about perfection—it’s about self-expression and embracing the joy of creating for yourself first, not for anyone else’s approval.

    I had to remind myself that failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s part of the process. I had to let go of the need for everything to be perfect and simply allow myself to create, no matter how messy or unrefined the process seemed. Over time, I realized that my worth wasn’t tied to the judgment of others—it was tied to my willingness to be unapologetically myself.

    Releasing those blocks has been a huge part of my growth. Today, when I create, I no longer let fear dictate my actions. I create from a place of love, not expectation. And I hope you can do the same.

    Engage and Explore Your Creativity: An Invitation to Action

    Now that we’ve explored how to embrace creativity and balance our sacral chakra, let’s take it a step further. Here are a few activities to awaken your creative energy and embrace the beauty of self-expression:

    1. The Creative Journaling Challenge:

    Grab a journal and write without judgment. Start with a simple prompt:

    • “When was the last time I felt truly creative?”

    • “How can I express myself more freely?”

    Write for at least 10 minutes, allowing your thoughts to flow onto the page. Don’t censor yourself—just let it out.

    2. Create a Vision Board for Your Creative Self:

    Create a vision board that represents your creative aspirations. Use images, words, and colors that inspire you, and place them on your board. This is a visual reminder of your creative potential.

    3. Dance and Move Your Body:

    Put on your favorite music and let your body move freely. Don’t worry about how you look—just feel the music and express yourself. This will help release any creative blocks and encourage your sacral chakra to open.

    4. Try Something New:

    Take a step outside your comfort zone and try a new creative activity. Whether it’s painting, photography, or even taking a dance class, allow yourself to explore. Creativity thrives when you embrace new experiences.

    5. The Color Challenge:

    Wear or surround yourself with orange—the color associated with the sacral chakra. Whether it’s in your clothes, your home décor, or through your art, let this color inspire creativity and joy.

    Final Thoughts:

    The sacral chakra is a powerful force that governs our creativity, emotions, and ability to experience pleasure. By reconnecting with this energy, we can unlock new levels of creativity, self-expression, and personal growth.

    Remember: Creativity isn’t about perfection. It’s about expressing yourself authentically and allowing your soul to shine. Embrace your creativity, honor your inner artist, and let the sacral chakra guide you toward infinite possibilities.