By: Kristen Small

At the very moment I hear my name, I feel my heart drop to my stomach. Though I have a confident and unwavering knowing of my calling to this space, doubt and fear bust in the door, bombarding the room with their dark heaviness. Oh, I know why they’re here. They always come make an appearance when I’m given the opportunity to elevate and advance. I’ve become accustomed to their arguments. Under the guise of good intention and reason, they unpack their caution, advising me to consider my inadequacies intently lest I be discovered for my inabilities. They assure me that they are only looking out for my good as they coddle me to stay safe and complacent. 

Though there have been moments in our experience together that I have heeded their counsel, I have also taken note of the instances in which I declined their well-intended admonitions to shrink. In the moments that I silenced their suggestions and leaned into heart’s calling, I found a greater illumination of my light. The depth of their darkness lost its power in the radiance of my shine. No longer overwhelmed by the weight of their gloom, I became lite and bright. 

As I continue to reach new levels and higher heights, I’ve learned to shift my perspective, accepting doubt and fear’s presence on my journey and welcoming them into the room offering them a front row seat in the theater of my brilliance. Knowing that their very presence assures me that I’m in the place of my destiny. Their caution confirms my calling. Though they desire to keep me safe, I desire to see me great. They are the only Imposters here. And once again, they are going to see me shine.