Evolving

In the brightness of day, a warrior stands tall

With courage and strength, admired by all

Yet in the shadows, when the world is still

A different truth emerges, a void to fill

Inside, a battle rages, unseen by the crowd

Anxiety creeps in, like a dark, heavy shroud

Success adorns like a mask, hiding the doubt

Imposter syndrome whispers, breeding self-doubt

But know this, dear soul, you’re not alone

Many walk this path, in silence they’ve grown

Strength doesn’t lie in the absence of fear

But in facing the darkness, your truth sincere

Embrace your vulnerabilities, let light shine through

For in your imperfections, your beauty is true

You’re not a hypocrite, nor inadequate be

You’re human, like us all, evolving, you’ll see

I am working on my core beliefs in therapy right now. I have been very successful. Maintain a high GPA in my grad program, social work intern, my clients are making progress, I'm getting good reviews from my intern organization, and friends and family tell me how much they admire me, how much I've changed, and how proud they are of me. Yet, when night creeps in, my anxiety is crippling. I start thinking I'm manipulating or cheating somehow to gain success. I start to second guess everything; This website, my school, my clients, am I capable of this? Am I capable of success? My inner critic, or my mother in my head says no. Because every time I achieved success it was downplayed, or I was told I was manipulating, cheating or lying somehow. During the day I know this is not true. I don't second guess myself at all, and am full of confidence, drive, and passion. But the second I'm done with homework and my documentation for my clients, the anxiety comes, and it's overwhelming. It's overwhelming to the point of needing to use the very coping skills I teach my clients, to help ground and calm myself. I work on challenging these thoughts, finding valid reasons why my thoughts are incorrect, which usually always point back to my life with my mother, and looking at the substantial evidence as to why I'm successful.

#ImosterSyndrome #Success #Anxiety

#TedX

#CounselorCarl

#Shakira