Owning Your Space: The Power of Being Seen

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I’ve always been aware of the way I’m perceived.

Maybe it’s because I never quite fit the mold, always slipping through cracks that weren’t made for me. Growing up, I tried to blend in, shrink myself down, and smooth out the edges of who I was. I didn’t want to be seen in the wrong way. But here’s the thing: when you spend your whole life trying to take up less space, you forget that you deserve to exist fully.

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As a lesbian and a stoner—two labels society loves to attach their own perceptions to—I know firsthand what it feels like to be put into a box that doesn’t quite fit. Whether it's about how I live, who I love, or the lifestyle I embrace, there’s always this underlying hum of judgment in the background. People love to decide who you are for you. But when I embraced the fact that I’m not here to conform to anyone’s idea of normal, I finally found freedom. It’s like stepping into the sun after spending years in the shade—suddenly, you’re fully visible, and it feels damn good.

Running a podcast like GirlyStonerPop Pod, where I talk about my experiences, pop culture, and life with my cats in Canada, has been a way of saying,

"Here I am. I’m not dimming my light for anyone anymore."

My voice, my thoughts, my passions—they’re not here to be small. My fascination with football (thanks, Taylor Swift) and my wild love for my girlfriend? I’m taking up space with all of it.

And trust me, it wasn’t always easy. Even though I’ve come to terms with my identity—hell, I *celebrate* it now—there’s still that nagging fear of being misunderstood. What will they think when I talk about my girlfriend? Will people make assumptions when I show up stoned in my YouTube vlogs? It’s not always about the fear of rejection, but the exhaustion of constantly having to explain yourself, to justify your existence. You wonder if it’s just easier to stay small, quiet, unseen.

But here’s the thing: when you take up space unapologetically, you inspire others to do the same.

We’re all out here trying to navigate a world that wants us to fit into neat little categories. But we are messy, multifaceted beings, and that’s the beauty of it. My reality doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Whether it’s a podcast that swings from pop culture to personal heartbreaks or mornings where my ideal routine never quite matches reality—it’s mine. It’s real, it’s loud, and it deserves to be heard.

So, yeah, I’m done shrinking myself to fit someone else’s narrative. I’m leaning into the full version of who I am. Whether it’s gushing about my girlfriend, indulging my stoner tendencies, or diving into football fandom with the Kansas Chiefs, I’m taking up space. The world may have its perceptions, but the only one that truly matters is how I see myself.

To anyone else who feels like they’re teetering between being too much or not enough, remember:

You deserve to take up space.

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🌷  Signed, MJ