What Do We Say to The God of Imposter Syndrome?

When the book club reached out to me to ask if I’d take a writing class, I said yes without giving a thought. I’ve always wanted to teach. It’s something I thoroughly enjoy doing.

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But as the day for the class drew near, I found myself panicking a lot. What bothered me the most was the feeling of inadequacy that just wouldn’t leave. So there I was, constantly thinking, “you’re not qualified enough for this. you still have so much to learn, why do you think you know enough to take on a class? When last did you write?” etc.

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There’s a thin line between being humble and invalidating your work. I have read all my life. I have written for as long as I can remember and I’ve been actively putting out work for 5 years +. I have been editing since 2015. Working with words is all I want to do and if we’re keeping it a buck, I’m great at it.

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I had the best time taking the class today. I’ve come a long way and I know the journey ahead holds a lot in store for me, but I’m learning that it’s okay to pause and give yourself credit for all the work you’ve done; to tell yourself that you’re doing amazing and acknowledge the work that you’re doing. It’s okay to feel inadequate sometimes but what’s not okay, is to hold on to that lie, because you’re not. you’re so so so enough.

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More than anything, I am grateful for the voices that remind me of who I am when I forget; when my own voice isn’t loud enough.

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So what do we say to the god of imposter syndrome? perish.