In a recent LinkedIn post, Shulin Lee shares a deeply personal reflection on self-acceptance and the courage to occupy one’s full space, marking a significant personal declaration for the future. Lee articulates a journey of realizing and shedding the constraints of rules that did not align with her authentic self, ultimately leading to a profound sense of self-diminishment.
The Cost of Playing by Others’ Rules
Shulin Lee describes a past tendency to conform to unspoken societal or interpersonal expectations, which she characterizes as playing by rules that were never hers. This involved adhering to directives such as “Don’t be too loud,” “Don’t take up space,” and “Don’t make people uncomfortable.” The consequence, as Lee details, was a gradual process of self-erasure.
“So I shrank. I softened. I stayed safe. And slowly… I disappeared. Not just to others. To myself.”
This period of self-limitation, Lee explains, led to a disconnection not only from external perceptions but, more critically, from her own identity. The post emphasizes that accommodating others’ discomfort by diminishing oneself is a detrimental path.
Setting Boundaries for Authentic Living
Lee draws a firm line in the sand, particularly looking towards 2026, to signify a decisive shift away from seeking external approval and permission to exist fully. She asserts a commitment to stop diluting her voice and to cease waiting for an undefined state of readiness before fully embodying her purpose.
Embracing a ‘Harder,’ Clearer Voice
The focus, according to Lee, is not on being louder but on being clearer. This renewed commitment is driven by a desire to honor her calling rather than to prove anything to others. Lee acknowledges that this authentic expression might unsettle some individuals, but she firmly states that managing their discomfort is not her responsibility.
“Their discomfort is not your responsibility. Your obedience to God is.”
Her motivation stems from a place of obedience and fulfilling her God-given potential, rather than seeking external validation or likability. Lee candidly admits that this shift is somewhat daunting, stating, “(NGL: it does scare me a little!)”.
The Sole Approval That Matters
Ultimately, Shulin Lee concludes that individuals already possess the only approval that holds true significance. The post serves as a powerful call to recognize and internalize this self-worth, encouraging readers to identify and abandon rules that have led them to shrink or diminish their own presence.
“You already have the only approval that matters.”
Lee prompts her audience to reflect on their own restrictive rules and to vocalize them, fostering a shared sense of liberation and commitment to authentic self-expression. As Shulin Lee puts it, the imperative is to move beyond seeking external validation and to embrace one’s inherent potential and calling.
“I’m done asking permission to be who God made me to be. Done diluting my voice so others feel comfortable. Done waiting to be ‘ready.'”
The message resonates as a powerful encouragement for others who may feel constrained by external expectations, urging them to step into their fullness and honor their authentic selves.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Shulin Lee on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on December 31, 2025 | View original post on LinkedIn →