If You Suffer From Impostor Syndrome, Read This
You are not a fraud.
Impostor syndrome is defined as feeling like a fraud no matter how successful or capable you are.
If you suffer from impostor syndrome, you probably feel undeserving of your achievements — as if your success was a mere accident that should have never occurred in the first place.
What if my friends find out I’m not good enough? What if my co-workers find out I’m a fraud?
Imposter syndrome can be a byproduct of growing up with a narcissistic parent who mocked, minimized, or gaslighted you when you were a child — and, let’s be honest, who still treats you this way even as an adult, because narcissistic parents don’t change when you grow up.
Our relationship with our caretakers dictates not only how we perceive relationships, but most importantly, how we feel about ourselves.
If, as children, our inner experiences were not appreciated and validated by our parents, we feel like there’s something wrong with us for having such emotions. It gets even worse if, when we share our dreams with them, they tell us things like “who do you think you are?” and project their fears and insecurities onto us.
Well, the good news is, your parents’ idea of you doesn’t have to dictate who you are. So, if you need some validation, read this.
You Are Not A Fraud
No, your achievements are not a coincidence. They’re not a result of good luck — they’re a result of your merit and hard work.
Your success is not a “false positive”. It’s a direct consequence of your ability to tune into your strengths and use them to make the world a better place.
People are not lying or being nice when they tell you they love your work. They’re being honest, and they have every reason to acknowledge how amazing you are.
Tell me, why is it so difficult to believe in your abilities? Why do you keep doubting yourself when it’s obvious that your true self is valued and appreciated? Why do you live in fear of being exposed as a fraud when it’s so clear that you’re more than good enough?
I know you probably feel like it’s unsafe for you to show your true colors. You have a deep fear of being seen, and that is probably why you feel like an impostor. Here’s the thing: you deserve to take up space. You deserve to show your true colors and be loved for who you really are.
Your gifts were placed on you for a reason.
You have a purpose that no one else on this earth can fulfill.
The Journey To Wholeness
Please know that there is a place buried deep down inside your heart, where you will eventually be able to fall so unapologetically in love with your mind, your energy, and your mission.
You will feel like a cup that just keeps overflowing. You will feel so loved, appreciated and adored by yourself and others that happiness will shine out of you like warm sun beams.
Please also know that the journey there will be tough. It will feel long, challenging, and incredibly painful. You will have to process a lot of emotions that you ignored or denied for years. You will have to acknowledge ugly parts of your soul that you didn’t know existed. You will cry, scream, and struggle to catch your breath in between the tears tumbling down your cheeks.
But once you allow the true healing to occur, your heart will crack wide open and peace will flood your entire body.
Then, and only then, will you realize it was all worth every ounce of pain.
Until then, don’t ever forget that your soul is way too big to be held back. Give it the space it deserves.