She shrinks…
To adjust.
To keep the peace.
To avoid rejection.
To not rock the boat.
To carry the emotional and mental burden no one else sees.
To protect the image of her husband, her family, her marriage.
To do the household chores even when her body aches and spirit is tired.
To take on extra work, just so no one says she’s lazy, incapable, or ungrateful.
She shrinks… not because she is weak,
But because she has been taught —
That silence is noble.
That sacrifice is love.
That tolerance is strength.

But in all that shrinking,
She disappears…
Little by little.
And then one day,
She no longer recognizes herself.

Reflective Questions:

• When did you last shrink to avoid conflict?
• What are the unspoken expectations you carry?
• Who benefits from your shrinking?
• And most importantly… what part of you is waiting to rise again?