How Much Space Do You Give Yourself?

Recently, I took a photograph of a beautiful sunset. The sky turned golden, as if the day wanted to reveal itself one last time in its most beautiful light. In the foreground stood a fence. As I looked at the photo, I realized how much this image reflects the way we often view our lives. To me, the sunset symbolizes the gold that is present every day. Not literal gold, but the valuable moments in life: a smile, a meaningful conversation, good health, love, connection, personal growth, or simply a moment of peace.

And yet, we do not always see that gold. Our attention is often drawn to the fence in the foreground. To everything that seems to be holding us back. To thoughts such as:

• "I'm not good enough yet."
• "I need to work harder first."
• "Later, when everything is finished."
• "That's not meant for me."

These thoughts often feel like facts. But are they really?

In my work, I regularly see that such beliefs originate from earlier experiences. Patterns that were once created to protect us. Mechanisms that helped us cope with difficult situations and navigate challenges. At that time, they served an important purpose. But what once provided protection can later become a limitation.

Sometimes these unconscious patterns prevent us from fully living, growing, or appreciating what is already present in our lives. Not because there is actually a fence standing in our way, but because we have come to believe that the fence cannot be crossed. What is remarkable is that change often does not begin by fighting these patterns. Change begins with understanding.

By becoming curious about what lies beneath certain thoughts, emotions, or physical symptoms, awareness begins to grow. And from awareness comes space.

• Space to see things differently.
• Space to hold old beliefs more lightly.
• Space to allow yourself more.
• Space to notice the gold that may have been there all along.

Perhaps today's question is not: "What is holding me back?" But rather: "How much space do I give myself?"

In my practice, I work together with clients to explore which patterns, beliefs, or unresolved experiences may still be influencing their daily lives. Not to push anything away, but to create greater understanding, inner calm, and freedom of movement. From that space, something new often emerges naturally.

And very often, it turns out that the view beyond the fence is far more valuable—and lighter—than we ever expected.