For When Imposter Syndrome Creeps In

The other day I witnessed something special. I had the opportunity to hear someone open up and share that imposter syndrome was hitting them hard. They didn’t know where else to go with it, but just wanted to put it out there.

Not long after that, they were met with so much affirmation, and others began to share how they were either currently having similar feelings, or about times when they experienced imposter syndrome, and how they navigated it.

I echo the others’ sharing in affirming the person that they were enough.  I also let them know how much I appreciated their acknowledgement of those feelings, and how their sharing  had offered room for others to express their solidarity and support.

When that imposter syndrome kicks in, it’s okay to acknowledge it to yourself, and to trusted folks whom you are in community with.

I feel making our experiences accessible in this way are acts of kindness, realness and resistance to environments that in many ways value superficiality and the appearance/performance of some false sense of competence over genuine investment and commitment to struggle; difficult as it may be.

There is strength in vulnerability and community. Be encouraged. You are enough.

Ubuntu,

From Aspiring Humanitarian, Relando Thompkins-Jones