It’s Okay to Take Up Space

I grew up thinking “sorry” was my first name.

Sorry for asking questions.

Sorry for talking too loud.

Sorry for existing in a body that didn’t know how to shrink small enough to be loved.

Somewhere along the way, I learned to apologize before I even spoke.

To cushion my words with self-doubt so no one else had to.

To fold myself in half so I wouldn’t take up too much room at the table.

But here’s what I’m learning now:

It’s okay to take up space.

It’s okay to be quiet.

It’s okay to not have all the answers.

Because what is life, really, if not a bunch of damaged souls stumbling around, trying to find our people and our way?

If no one’s told you yet, let me: existing isn’t a crime. You don’t need permission slips to show up as yourself. You don’t need to edit yourself just to prove you belong.

Be you. Unapologetically.

And if people don’t like it? That’s their prerogative. That’s a them problem, not a you problem.

Now, I know that’s easier said than done. It might even sound like the same tired “Just be happy and thankful” advice. But that’s not what I mean. What I mean is: you are allowed to show up as the most flawed version of yourself. (So long as you’re not breaking laws. Let’s be clear. But I digress.)

Trust me, I’ve spent years apologizing to inanimate objects that never once said “It’s okay.” or “I love you too.” back.

So now? I look for joy in the little moments. I lead with empathy, kindness, and the radical act of just being decent.

Why be anything else? Because the world sucks? Yeah, no shit, the world sucks. People suck.

But all it really takes is finding the ones who make it suck less. And if we’re really lucky, we stumble into someone who makes life suck a whole lot less, and maybe even realize it doesn’t suck at all.

© Dereck Pritchard, 2025. All Rights Reserved.