Claim your right to exist and reshape your confidence

We avoid it often without realizing: that deep-down fear of “Who am I—really—to take up space?” It shows up in slouched shoulders, muttered apologies, and the flood of “Should I…?” that lights up our backs in social settings. Yet our self-esteem hinges on one bitter truth: You and I each have a right to exist.

In an exercise I borrowed from therapy groups, we ask you to look in a mirror and simply say, “I have a right to exist.” Sounds basic—but try it. Most people gasp, shrink their gaze, or catch a tremor in their throat. Our bodies reflexively signal that we’re doing something forbidden. But if you meet that fear, name the trembling as “I feel anxious” or “I feel ashamed,” something shifts. By naming the opposition, you break its power. You learn that fear is not your master.

Each repetition—“I have a right to exist”—becomes an act of self-assertion. You steady your voice, square your shoulders, let your eyes hold their line. You’re literally standing your ground. The new memory of calm confidence pools under your feet, and the next time you waver—in a meeting, at a family dinner—you will recall that you have practiced this declaration.

It’s not a magic incantation. Some days it takes more practice than others. But each time you step into that few seconds of truth, you anchor your self-esteem a little deeper. You learn firsthand that you belong here just as much as anyone else.

You know that quiver in your gut when you fear you’re not good enough? Step in front of a mirror tonight and say, “I have a right to exist.” Name the fear—“I feel anxious”—then repeat “I have a right to exist” until you steady yourself. You’ll feel your spine align with your worth—try it now.