When The Imposter Rears Her Ugly Head (with DressLily)

October 2, 2017 / 38 Comments

This past weekend that old nemesis of mine, imposter syndrome, reared her ugly head. And she sent me into a nervous whirlwind of anxiety. I wrote a post a really long time ago which talked about my lifelong struggle with self-confidence and imposter syndrome. You can read that here. If you are unfamiliar with imposter syndrome, this sums it up quite effectively…

*This is a sponsored post. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

*Lace Top: High Low See Through Lace Plus Size Top ($15.21) c/o DressLily.
*Use code XieDressLily at check out to get an additional 10% off your purchase.

So now you may be wondering what is making me feel like an imposter. Well, lots of things actually. But mostly these recent occurrences: I recently had an article published in Resilientista Magazine. And then on that same day, I was asked to be a model for the Forever Fierce Meet Up at Chico’s in New York City. All super exciting things and I have been just going with the flow.  Doing my best to remain calm and take it all in stride. But the imposter crept in when people began approaching me in my community and telling me that they read my magazine article. That it was so helpful for them. That I was brave for writing it. Then I received a message from a couple thanking me for all I have done for them…just by being me. Um. Wow. That’s a lot to take in for a person who has struggled with confidence for a huge part of my life.

*Jacket: c/o Zaful. No longer available. Similar here, here, and here.
*Use code ZafulXie10 at check out to receive $3 off your order.

Being always prepared with my amazing network of fabulous friends, I immediately decided I needed to call my dear friend, Susan, of Then You Stand Enrichment Center. Susan is a brilliant counselor and a great friend whom I know I can call in times of crisis. I don’t want to mislead you though. I was not really in crisis…I was just really in need of a serious pep talk and a fresh perspective. And I knew Susan would give me just what I needed.

She delivered in spades. As she always does. And for that, I thank her…in spades. This is the perspective she gave me. I am paraphrasing: How can you be an imposter when all of these things that are happening are in response to you being your true, authentic, real self? You cannot be an imposter on yourself. You have exposed yourself in amazing ways that give other people permission to be their true authentic selves. And now the universe is giving you a standing ovation.

In case you are wondering, I cried when she said those things. And I teared up as I was typing them. And I am ever so grateful to her and to all of you for following me on this crazy amazing journey. If I have helped you in any way, that makes my heart feel full. But know how much you have all helped me as well.

In this life, we are born innocent and unscathed. At some point, we all are damaged. Then we spend the rest of our lives trying to heal. This blogging journey has been a healing process for me. And I never really realized it until now. So I am going to just keep doing what I do and being who I am and becoming the best possible version of myself. And I thank you all for allowing me to do just that.

Keeping it real on the edge,

Shelbee

Linking up with these Fabulous Link Ups.

I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

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Shelbee on the Edge