This nomination felt good – It’s very humbling to know that I might’ve, in one way or another, inspired someone enough to be nominated – these are the types of accomplishments that overwhelm me with happiness.

But if I were to be honest, joyful moments like this don’t last for too long. It’s always the voice within that not only belittles, but also attributes any accomplishment of mine, however big or small, to luck rather than to effort and hard work. Safe to say this drives any moment of pride all the way down the drain.

Imposter syndrome is real and is unfortunately very common. I’ve learnt rather late in life that engaging in meaningful discussions enhance our chances of discovering aspects of ourselves that would’ve otherwise been left under the rug. I chose to engage in this discussion in hopes that it might encourage you to do the same, and for it to be paid forward in some way or another.

Funny as it is up until a year ago, I hadn’t known that what I struggled with for most my teenage years had a technical term. This is completely understandable, if we don’t voice our thoughts, experiences, and opinions; then in what other way will we be able to reassure ourselves that our struggles are normal, that they should be addressed, and that they can be overcome?

If you struggle with imposter syndrome, if you have in the past, if you’re unsure whether you do or not, then take it from someone who continues to work on overcoming day by day; engage in conversations, talk about it, and empower yourself with knowledge on how to conquer it.

I have and continue to struggle with imposter syndrome, so I know how easy it is to sweep it under the rug, and negate its existence – don’t, you deserve to feel an overwhelming sense of pride from the smallest and largest achievements in life, and you deserve to attribute that pride to you, your effort, hard work, and all the other variables that factor into it.