We live in such a fear driven and judgemental world where so many are afraid to be themselves.

It’s often code for ‘you make me uncomfortable because you’re not playing small like I am.’ It’s projection, plain and simple. It’s done more damage than we give it credit for. How many bright, bold people have dimmed their light because someone couldn’t handle the wattage?

That editor didn’t want gregariousness. He wanted compliance. He wanted me to blend in, not stand out. Connection is my superpower. I don’t just write stories, I draw them out of people. That’s gold in journalism and in life. While he was busy policing my personality, I was holding the keys to what makes great storytelling: humanity, curiosity, and connection.

The bigger issue here is how often feedback is just veiled fear. People afraid to be seen feel threatened by those who show up fully. They cloak their insecurity in advice. It sticks. Especially when we’re younger, eager, and still figuring ourselves out. The traits that get you labelled too much are often exactly what makes you extraordinary.

If you’ve ever been told you’re too loud, too direct, too emotional, too ambitious, too anything, it’s a sign you’re not beige. You’re memorable. You challenge comfort zones. You rattle cages. That’s leadership. It’s visibility. It’s impact.

No one changes the world hiding. You’re not too much. You’re enough.