I was recently hired on as a contributing writer for 4b (soon to be rebranded to Ponderly, see the links above in Gina’s favorite things). When I applied, I remember thinking what a waste of time it was…I am not a writer, granted I write, but the title of writer was far too lofty a word to describe what I do. When they came back telling me they enjoyed the sample pieces I sent, I was shocked. They asked me to do a trial article to test my work using their guidelines and prompt of their choice. I thought, “well, I got lucky once, no way will it happen again. I wrote the article with the same frame of mind as before…waste of time, I will never qualify for this. Low and behold…they loved my piece.
I share this story with you because imposter syndrome is a real thing!
im·post·er syn·drome
[ im-pos-ter sin-drohm ]
noun Psychology.
anxiety or self-doubt that results from persistently undervaluing one’s competence and active role in achieving success, while falsely attributing one’s accomplishments to luck or other external forces.
I have suffered from this long before I knew there was a word or definition for it. I think my father suffers from it as well. I make a point of telling him how incredible he is and how proud I am of him regularly…he has a very hard time accepting that he is amazing.
I am lucky enough to have had thousands of amazing conversations with my clients over the years. Every night I leave the salon more enlightened than I was when I arrived that day. It’s through these conversation that I am able to accumulate more pieces of the mysterious puzzle of my life. One of the little nuggets of wisdom I have heard from clients talking about their young adult children is to also apply for the jobs you think you are under-qualified for. You never know what people/organizations are looking for.
God has destined me to share my life experiences with you to help uncover your path. This writing position has given me a whole new level of confidence…a level I never would’ve of achieved had I not just gone for it. It serves as another lesson, not just for me, but for others as well. Put it out there…that thing you have to offer…that thing that is tugging on your heart, stop resisting…allow it to pull you onto God’s path for you.
I want to give a special thank you to each and every one of you who I’ve connected with over my 23+ year career…you have given me some of the puzzle pieces that comprise who I am…you are part of me…that can never be taken away. We all have way more impact on others than we think we do.
I pray this message finds its way into your heart. I pray you are compelled to use your God given gift, no matter what it is. I ask you pray for me as well. Pray for Lola to be a sanctuary…an escape from the hectic schedules and demands of our lives, where you can find peace, acceptance, and love. Pray for my hands…pray they be Blessed with the ability to make you feel your best. Pray for our team, that they too are blessed with the ability to fill your cup to an overflowing status which can be then shared with your friends and families. If prayer does not sit in your heart, simply send well wishes to us please.
Xoxo,
Gina
