There's a lot of pressure that comes with suddenly having a platform to speak to so many people. I always longed for the day when I would finally win the Listserve, but now I have to admit that I almost considered not writing anything at all. I've spent the last day agonizing over what to write, finding the perfect topic, starting and stopping this email a thousand times.
And then I realized that the one thing that was stopping me was the one thing that I really did need to talk about: self doubt. This is a concept that has followed me throughout my entire life, governed so many of my decisions, caused me to miss so many opportunities. I think this is something that most of us can agree we share, the overwhelming fear of not being "good enough." It's a bit ridiculous, don't you think? Based on what scale are we all so painfully ridiculing ourselves? I'm currently in the midst of what has thus far been the strangest period of my life, the transition from college to the "real world." Let me tell you, it's terrifying. Leaving your comfort zone, your best friends, your home that has held your hand through the most self-defining years you've ever lived through - it doesn't feel good. Still, as many changes as I might be facing, the hardest of them all is believing that I have the right to be confident, the right to believe that I am, indeed, enough.
I think we're all looking for some sort of reassurance, a pat on the back and just being told that we are doing ok. Why do we find it so difficult to do this from within? I know that sounds cheesy as can be, but if I've learned anything in my mere 22 years of life, it's that we all need to stop being SO insanely hard on ourselves! The only one who holds an opinion of you that matters, is you. I know better than anyone that this can be the hardest realization to come to, but I can promise that you are worth more than you believe.
Some final notes:
Find something that you are passionate about. Do yourself this favor, and don't go through life as only a series of motions.
If you've never been to NYC, get yourself there immediately.
Binge watch Friends as often as you get the chance to.
Smile at everyone you pass.
Stop body shaming. Especially if it's to yourself. I can rant and rave about this one forever, but I'll spare you.
Whether you believe you can or you can't, you're right.
This is already far longer than I was planning, so I'll leave you at that. I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Have a happy day :)
Aimee
[email protected]
Orlando, FL