Imposter Syndrome and Writing

Buckle your seatbelts; this is going to be a doozy.

When I was high school, I did a lot.

I worked 25 hours a week, participated in varsity and club sports, served as Class President, was a member of the show choir, FFA, Youth Board, Student Council, and Prom Committee, performed in the spring musical, and took college courses.

And yet, each night, I would go home and feel like I was a fraud.

I would send toxic thoughts in my head that I somehow did not deserve the things that I had worked so hard to earn.

I am a phony.

I don't deserve good grades.

No one really likes me.

None of it was true.

It was all a way for my mind to prevent me from celebrating my accomplishments.

Fast forward to now, and I feel the same dilemma.

I do not earn what is coming my way.

No one will like my book.

Even if my book becomes a bestseller, it is not because I have earned it or that I have talent.

Yikes, right?

The difference between the thoughts that I had in high school and the ones that I have now is awareness.

I know that this is imposter syndrome.

I know that what I keep telling myself simply is not true.

I hope that if you find yourself saying similar things to yourself that you recognize them for lies.

That you are worthy of joy.

You should be celebrated.

You deserve to be loved.

And that there is nothing that you can say or do that will ever change that.