What if taking up space didn’t require a bold transformation… but started with one quiet moment?

In this solo episode, Dr. Maria-Christina Stewart offers a more reflective, intimate conversation on what it really means to begin coming out of hiding. Instead of pushing yourself into visibility, this episode explores a gentler path—one rooted in awareness, curiosity, and small, meaningful shifts.

If you’ve ever found yourself holding back, editing who you are, or staying small to feel safe, this episode is an invitation to begin—slowly and compassionately—expanding into your life.

• Why “taking up space” often begins with small, quiet moments
• How hiding develops as a protective pattern—and why it makes sense
• The difference between forcing change vs. experimenting with growth
• How to shift from seeking approval to gathering insight
• Why fear before action is often louder than the reality
• How to build trust in your ability to handle discomfort

Where in your life are you shrinking right now?

And what would it look like to expand—just 5%—this week?

Next week, Dr. Danielle Colborn rejoins the conversation as we continue exploring this month's theme of Coming Out of Hiding—with a deeper look at fear, visibility, and what it means to take up space in your life.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek support from a qualified professional.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider subscribing, leaving a rating or review, and sharing it with someone who might benefit. Your support helps these conversations reach more people.

Episode Summary

In this episode of Selves Unedited, Dr. Danielle Colborne and Dr. Maria Christina Stewart explore a powerful and deeply relatable question: Are you shrinking or expanding?

They unpack the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways we hold ourselves back—from avoiding visibility and staying silent, to hiding behind clothing or self-doubt. This conversation goes beyond body image to touch on authenticity, fear, growth, and what it really means to take up space in your life.

Whether you’ve found yourself dimming your voice, avoiding opportunities, or feeling caught between wanting to be seen and wanting to disappear, this episode offers compassionate insight and practical ways to move toward expansion—at your own pace.

✨ In This Episode, We Cover:

• What it means to “shrink” vs. “expand” in everyday life
• The many ways hiding shows up (speech, behavior, body, and choices)
• Fear of visibility and the vulnerability of being seen
• Why even positive growth and success can feel scary
• The role of self-compassion, grace, and emotional awareness
• How to identify and challenge feared outcomes
• Building distress tolerance when things don’t go as planned
• The importance of values and your personal “why”
• Taking small, meaningful steps toward showing up more fully
• Navigating body image, clothing choices, and safety considerations

🔍 Key Takeaways

• Hiding is common and human—it can show up in many areas of life, not just body image.
• Fear doesn’t mean stop—it’s something to understand, validate, and work with.
• Thoughts aren’t facts—others’ opinions don’t define your truth.
• Worst-case scenarios are survivable—you are more capable than your fear suggests.
• Expansion is a practice—small, intentional steps create meaningful change over time.
• You get to define what “taking up space” looks like for you, in a way that feels safe and authentic.

🌱 Reflection Questions

• Where in your life might you be shrinking right now?
• What fears come up when you think about being more visible?
• What is one small step you could take toward expanding this week?
• What values or “why” might support you in showing up more fully?

💬 Notable Moments

• The idea that growth—even positive change—can trigger fear and self-doubt
• A personal example of “shrinking” through avoidance and how awareness shifted action
• Imagining worst-case scenarios as a way to build resilience and confidence
• The reminder that even the most celebrated creators face criticism

⚠️ Disclaimer

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy. If you’re struggling, please consider reaching out to a qualified mental health professional.

💛 Connect & Share

If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with someone who might benefit or leaving a review to help others find the show.

🌿 Closing Thought

As you move through your week, gently notice:

Where are you shrinking—and where might you be ready, even just a little, to expand?

When you start making space for what truly matters, difficult emotions often follow.

In this final episode of our March Spring Cleaning the Mind series, Dr. Maria-Christina Stewart and Dr. Danielle Colborn explore what to do when challenging emotions such as fear, shame, anxiety, or self-doubt show up - especially when you’re stepping outside of old patterns and into growth.

These emotions can feel like a signal to stop. But what if they’re not a sign you’re on the wrong path… but simply part of the process?

In this conversation, we walk through practical, compassionate ways to respond to difficult emotions so they don’t derail you from what matters most.

• Why difficult emotions often increase during periods of growth
• The difference between feelings and facts
• How emotions act as messengers—not directives
• A simple, powerful framework: Notice → Label → Validate → Care
• Why naming your emotions can actually help calm your brain
• How to respond to emotions with self-compassion instead of avoidance
• Ways to care for yourself when emotions feel “sticky”
• The connection between love, fear, and vulnerability
• How allowing a full range of emotions leads to a fuller life

Growth isn’t about getting rid of difficult emotions.

It’s about learning how to make space for them—without letting them decide your path.

When a difficult emotion shows up this week, ask yourself:

Can I make space for this feeling—and still take one small step toward what matters?

Next month, we begin a new theme: Coming Out of Hiding

We’ll explore what it means to take up space in your life—through how you show up, how you express yourself, and how you move through the fear of being seen.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek professional support.

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe to our show, leave a review, and share it with someone who might benefit. It helps these conversations reach more people.