Actually, we are imposters
Plus, the Power of Non-Violent Communication in your Marketing Strategy
And we’ve somehow broken in
Into the system.
Into the institutions that weren’t built with people like us in mind.
Systems that for centuries had and still have power over us.
Sometimes we feel it as the syndrome of imposter.
Perhaps it creeps into your precious mind space saying shit like:
° What am I even doing?
° Is anyone else listening?
° Are my nails too long?
° I’m not even that smart
° Why am I even trying to ________? I’m not a _______.
° Geeze look at my _______.
° I should stick with one-lane and not take on that project or training
° Are my friends mad at me?
As my favorite poet-author, Ocean Vuong said,
"Systems and institutions were built without anyone like me in mind. The truth is I do not have imposter syndrome, I have broken in somehow. So many of the spaces that we triumph in never imagined us.”
— Ocean Vuong
Identity & Intersectionality
Intersectionality is an understanding of how a person's various lived experiences — upbringing, social identities, race, sexual identity, politics, and so forth — “intersect” and overlap with one another to create different advantages and disadvantages in life. Coined over 30 years ago by Professor Kimberlé Crenshaw.
Here are some of the mine that come to mind:
woman, a person of color, Latin but not born in a Latin country, self-employed, businesswoman, yogi, poet without an MFA, first-gen Ivy League grad, marketer, entrepreneur, moves cities a lot, writer, teacher, student, 5 feet tall, brown hair — the list can go on.
What are yours? Make a list and share!
Even as I walk into some yoga spaces — a space where I feel in my truest command center, owning up to the strengths of my practice and where I feel like I have an “advantage” at times — I see photos of gurus that are men.
Never have I seen a photo of a women guru hanging somewhere in a studio. I wonder, are there any women gurus?
Is this yet another space that we triumph in but never imagined us here?
And well, in knowing that in some ways I actually am an imposter, and those pesky thoughts that creep in doubting my actions or my identity — are a signal I’m moving in the right direction.
We are designed to be more than one thing and express ourselves differently based on a myriad of things. And so rather than try to figure out “how to overcome imposter syndrome,” something I see so often out there, it’s more important to lean into what feels like the most authentic expression of Self at that moment. Even while the imposter feeling is lingering in the air.
Here are 4 affirmations that can support you in this. Use them while you journal this month:
Reframing tool: This is good enough for now (because we don’t need the most epic, height of it all, dopamine-rich life all the times)
Even though I have these negative feelings, I’m still loveable, worthy, and a precious human being
Ask yourself sweetly: What do you need, my sweetheart?
Every behavior, thought, or action, up to this day, has been done to protect my inner self 💗
In this month’s Contentment Corner you’ll find:
△ Resources on exploring others identity
△ Class Passes for Glo.com
△ The Power of Non-Violent Communication in your Marketing Strategy
Happy Soulful Sunday,
For your Soul
🪞 “The imagiNation is the only Nation that I have absolute allegiance to.”
🇸🇻 Is it Latinx or Latine or Hispanic? It is Hispanic and Latin Heritage Month. Something I don’t necessarily celebrate or feel connected to at all. But Latin is part of my intersectionality and I do have a sense of reverence for my lineage. This is a great start in understanding why we have all these terms for those of us with Latin American roots.
For Your Heart
The first two are Passes for Glo. No affiliation. These passes expire in 7 Days so take advantage of them! These are really great classes.
🪷 Prosperity practice: Anchor energy at your heart
🪷 Clear out the old and tap into a new level of clarity
🪷 So Hum: Infinite Breath And Mantra Meditation
For Mindful Marketing
In the world of marketing, where attention is a precious commodity and communication often carries underlying tones, the concept of Non-Violent Communication (NVC) emerges as a beacon of authenticity and understanding.
NVC’s principles align seamlessly with the core of mindful marketing, fostering empathetic connections and nurturing customer loyalty.
At its core, NVC is more than just a communication technique; it’s a philosophy that aims to reshape the way we interact and relate with each other. Developed by Marshall Rosenberg, NVC is grounded in the belief that compassionate communication can bridge separation, exclusion, and create a shared understanding for harmony.
NVC encourages us to observe our choice of words and actions that often involve blame, judgment, or manipulation.
With empathy, honest expression, and mutual understanding as its core principles — it invites an element of oneself and teams to slow down your marketing.
Learn more about The Power of Non-Violent Communication in your Marketing Strategy 😊