Finding My Voice, Taking Up Space and Learning to Stop Apologising for It

For years I have made a habit of constantly editing myself to please others. Shrinking my voice. Toning down my “extra.” Making myself more palatable in male dominated boardrooms. Masking my neurodivergence, even to my friends and family. 

Then came motherhood. Returning to work after having my daughter was a lesson in invisibility — years of experience reduced to being “the part-timer.” It didn’t matter how hard I’d worked, how respected I was, or what I’d achieved. I had to earn it all again. 

Of course the inevitable exhaustion that comes with motherhood made it all the more difficult to shine and stand up for myself, but over time my colour returned and I felt closer to my original self.

Then recently, the challenge has been hormones that seem to be sending my previously well managed/ masked/ mitigated ADHD into a tailspin… all mixed in with a big dollop of toddler shenanigans and a heavy dose of trying to manage a business. 

Honestly, I could’ve lost myself in all of it. I very nearly did. 

But my work is my lifeline. 

Painting allows me to step into being the person I always want to be. A free spirit who’s a little wild, unapologetic and determined to see the beauty in everything.

Each piece I create is a revival of a little part of me I thought I had lost. Returning to the energy I once gave away too easily. Returning to the woman I’ve always been — just louder, prouder, and finally, visible.

If you’ve spent years shrinking to fit into boxes that were never made for you — I see you. And I hope my work speaks to the parts of you still waiting to take up space.

You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to show up and claim what’s yours. Loudly, proudly, and with as much colour as you like.

Krissy xx