Light in the Learning

Imposter Syndrome.

Have you heard of it? Simply put it means that you feel like an imposter in your own life believing you are not worthy or good enough to be living the life you are often pertaining to your career field.

I know it well.

Days in the classroom are rarely, if ever the exact same as the day before. Which might seem unusual to those who are not familiar with education. I mean we have schedules, we have routines, and we have what most would call consistency. That being said, there are so many variables that go into a day in education that creates unpredictable moments even though predictable routines and expectations are present.

On more than just the occasion I as a teacher, and so many others can probably attest to this, make so many decisions throughout the day and often before 9:00. Each decision you make can be right or wrong, and when you’re overloaded with so many decisions all at once it’s likely there will be some that turn out wrong.

Imposter syndrome shows up best during these times. And even though it presents itself under that guise, let’s call it what it really is, the enemy.

The enemy sets up shop and starts feeding these thoughts…

What am I doing here?

What do I really know?

What was I thinking when I thought I could handle this?

There have been many days that this is where I allow it to go. Questioning the choices, the decisions , and what difference do you really think you are making?

The imposter loves that, he loves those questions, thrives off them even.

Thankfully, I have a gracious helper who doesn’t let me stay there for long. He finds a way to pull me out; replacing the questions with the truth.

Tori, remember that time a student hugged you and said “I love you.” Tori, remember that time you laughed so hard your side hurt because of what one of your coworkers said. Tori, remember that time when that parent thanked you for advocating and pushing her child to achieve their goals. Tori, remember that time when the student finally got it and you had tears in your eyes. Remember?

Remember the good; sit with it and let it soak up all of that self-doubt. Sit with the wisdom of knowing that life is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. Sit with the fact that your purpose matters because you belong to Me. Sit with the realization that the only imposter there is, is the one who speaks these lies to you.

You are where I placed you in this moment, and darling I don’t make mistakes.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬
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With love, Tori