Imposter Syndrome :: Am I Good Enough?

Hi, my name is Cassinda, and I suffer from Imposter Syndrome… and I know I’m not alone. I promise to try not to make this a sappy article about how my life is terrible. Or how I am not good enough for the positive (and challenging) experiences life has handed me.

Imposter Syndrome is so real.

Here’s the definition of Imposter Syndrome: a psychological phenomenon characterized by persistent feelings of inadequacy, fraudulence, and self-doubt despite external evidence of success. Individuals with Impostor Syndrome often attribute their achievements to luck, external factors, or the belief that they are not qualified for their position or accomplishments.

This is my first article in months. Yup, months. I had some real reasons as to why life was chaotic and articles didn’t come to me, but I think my baseline was, “Why am I writing? Who cares what I have to say?” Yikes. Yup, hello Imposter Syndrome and Anxiety. What a fun little reunion this has been, but I think it’s time we’re done.

This isn’t the time for a sob story about how I’m not good enough, I haven’t felt so my whole life, or any other trauma I could associate with this. Moreso, I’m ready to feel empowered, accepted, and capable… more like myself.

I lost a lot of sparks in the chaos that is my life. I am getting ready to sell our first home, only to move back to my mother’s basement (trust me, neither of us wants this), trying to excel at my job as a preschool teacher, and be the best mom I can be to two of the most chaotic, energetic, loving, sweet, silly boys I have ever met. But what the heck did I have to offer to anyone? Misery? I’ll pass. What could I possibly share that could help anyone when I can’t even help myself? Y’all, are you even out there, reading? The answer: No, you can’t read my writing unless I submit it, and I couldn’t bring myself to think I could help anyone. Sorry about that…

I thought everyone thought I wasn’t good enough, when really, I just needed to be good enough for me. Wow, that was corny, but it’s true. Ugh, okay, Cassinda, we get it. I know this is all stuff you have heard before, but I need you to really hear me; I’ll send you a voice memo if I really need to. Repeat after me.

I am brave, and I am strong. I love to learn, I can do hard things, and I belong here.

Every day, I say these things to my own kids and my preschoolers. If I can teach my kids to believe in themselves, why is that not good enough for me? Why is it not good enough for you?

So, here’s the deal: we’re doing this together, you and me. We’re going to commit to stop telling ourselves that we aren’t enough, that we don’t belong, that we aren’t special. I don’t care if I must text you, yes you, daily to remind you of how brave you are. I will sing this until the cows come home. (Wait, where did that expression come from? Googling now.)

My friend, I know it is so hard. Life is hard, and there are so many factors that are telling your brain that you aren’t making an impact, that you aren’t doing enough, that you don’t belong… but I’m here to tell you it isn’t true. Don’t let the Imposter Syndrome win. Don’t let lies stop you from being you and knowing that you are capable of so much.

One impact is one impact; that’s a life changed, including your own. Own it. Be you. Love what and who you are and what you can do to help yourself and someone else.

You belong here. You are more than Imposter Syndrome, and I’m so glad you’re here.