As we welcome Women’s History Month and celebrate the accomplishments of women who have done great things, our mind reflects on the love of our mothers as well as trailblazers such as Madam Vice President Kamala Harris. I believe it is difficult, if not impossible, to measure levels of one success over another because we are all building blocks on top of or beside each other. The success most of us have achieved is in some way due to the efforts of those that have come before us and paved the way.
If we are not careful it is easy to get caught up in the “Superwoman Syndrome” and think we have to be everything to everyone every time without fault or failure. When we feel like we do not measure up or cannot live up to the Superwoman Syndrome it can turn into what is known as the Imposter Syndrome. The Imposter Syndrome (IS) makes us feel like we do not belong in the room or that whatever success or achievement we have achieved is not merited and one day we will be found out as a fraud. This is dangerous and problematic. This can cause anxiety and a host of emotional challenges. Without a fundamental faith in ourselves, we can begin to have doubts about our abilities and our purpose. The best way to combat this is to never compare yourself with someone else and remember you were uniquely made. You have your own set of gifts for the world. Everything you do does not have to be perfect, but you owe it to yourself to try and be your best you. Remember, there will always be someone, smarter, funnier, thinner, and prettier but they will never be you.
A friend of mine recently sent me a meme that shows a woman with a hat on and you can barely see her face and the caption read, “I’ve been sleeping on me…I’m up now!!” One of the best gifts you can give to yourself, the world, to your daughters, nieces, and every little girl that will come after you is a belief in self. Making a difference in the world is about making the world a better place for yourself and others.
When I reflect on the women (and people in general for that matter) that have impacted my life in a positive manner, truth be told I do not remember much about their worldly accomplishments or their earthly possessions, as Maya Angelou told us, people may not remember what you said or what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel. Today’s superwoman’s superpower is the ability to touch someone and have a positive input and impact in their life and on their life.
Remember you have nothing to prove to anyone but yourself. This month as you celebrate the women that helped get you where you are today, you can also be thankful somewhere there is a little girl thinking of you and how you touched her life and made a difference.
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Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is a life strategist, coach, consultant, author, and speaker. You can hear her every Wednesday on Instagram Live at 12 noon PST @wendygladney