Living under the spotlight for most of my adult life has been a journey, one filled with waves of excitement, novelty, and joy. But as time went on, I realized that being seen all the time comes with a cost. Every move, every word, someone always has something to say. Things get twisted, taken out of context, and suddenly, you’re not just living, you’re performing. It felt like I was at work 24/7.

I’ve made mistakes. Who hasn’t? But being in the public eye doesn’t make me any less human. People often forget that. They put us on pedestals and expect us to be perfect. But the truth is, nobody is perfect. We all stumble. We all grow.

Over time, I’ve learned the power of picking and choosing when to be vulnerable. Not every moment is meant to be shared. Some things are sacred. Some things are just for me. And that’s how I protect my peace. Vulnerability is powerful… but only when it’s real, intentional, and safe. But I’ve also learned the hard way that growth doesn’t come from comfort, so I challenge myself. I look at things from new angles. I ask, “What can I do better?” And slowly, I’ve started getting it right more often than not.

I don’t live my life trying to be a role model. I just live. But if someone sees something in me that inspires them, I’m honored. That means the world. But I’ve found that the best way to inspire others is to be unapologetically myself. Not perfect. Not polished. Just real. Just me.

To anyone out there who’s afraid to live openly, to love loudly, to be fully themselves, I see you. I’ve been you. I know what it’s like to try to fit into a mold that was never meant for you. To go home every night feeling like you left pieces of yourself behind just to make others comfortable. But here’s the truth: they’re not thinking about you the way you think they are. So why give them that power?

Be you. Whatever that looks like: coming out, embracing your truth, it’s all a process. But it’s worth it. You only get one life. Don’t waste it trying to be someone else.

Brittney Griner