Imagine with me that you are in a new town.
You walk into a building you’ve never been in.
You are about to do something you’ve never done.
How do you feel?
Nervous?
Excited?
Fearful?
Last week, I took a leap of faith and went to Kansas City to speak at my first homeschool conference.
I tiptoed in wondering how a public school teacher would be received.
I spoke on cultivating compassion in kids.
Everyone was completely gracious and kind.
The volunteers helped us when needed.
The parents listened and asked questions.
Character Club books found new homes with children who I pray will love them forever.
This almost didn’t happen.
I struggle with imposter syndrome: the persistent inability to believe that one's success is deserved or has been legitimatley achieved as a result of one's own efforts or skills.
What wisdom do I have worth sharing?
Are my books good enough?
Lately, I’ve pushed myself to just OWN it.
I AM a teacher.
I AM an author.
I wear books (see pants in pic;)
Not everyone needs to love my books but IF I don’t ever put myself out there,
those who will love them, won’t get a chance to decide for themselves.
My niece once told my girls the story of when her fly was down and she didn’t notice for an hour. When she did, instead of hiding in a corner and sheepishly pulling it back up, she announced the the room,
“Hey! Why didn’t anyone tell me about this?”
Her moral: Life happens.
Don’t hide from it.
Her message was for my young girls but it has always stuck with me.
So where are you hiding your gifts or abilities?
Take a step out of your comfort zone and own them!