Who Do You Think You Are?

I'm excited about the work I am doing right now. It aligns with who I am and what I value. I know it is helping people. It feels good - until I think about promoting my work. Then the self-doubt creeps in, and the question, "Who do you think you are?"

I remember an expression I often heard in my childhood: "Don't get too big for your britches." It meant being over-confident or thinking highly of yourself. It wasn't a good thing. Somewhere along the way, I internalized that message. Self-promotion can make me feel icky.

Fortunately, I am at a place where I can push past my discomfort. I'm getting more comfortable with who I am. I am a woman with a lot of experience. I have skills and expertise in course creation, speaking, writing and coaching. I am educated. I am a life-long learner. I have an important message for women that includes knowing who YOU are and aligning your life to reflect your deepest values. I want you to stop people-pleasing and step into the riches of the mature woman's life.

A few weeks ago, one of my favourite shops started a new segment on their Instagram feed called "Playing By Your Own Rules." Every other week they interview someone in their community. I wanted to be featured. So I took a deep breath, sent them a message, and shared what I am doing in my work right now. They responded immediately, and I'm booked for next Wednesday night. If you are on Instagram, you can find their account here.

I was a participant in a workshop recently. We had an activity where a partner asked us the same question over and over for five minutes. The question was, "Who are you?" It was one of the most challenging exercises I have had to do in a long time. After a few minutes of answers like wife, mother, grandmother, and daughter, things got deeper. I started thinking about who I am beyond the roles I play in my life. I was uncomfortable at times expressing who I am. I am still thinking about my answers. It reminded me of a poem by Marianne Williamson I read many years ago. I had it printed out on my desk for a long time.

Our Deepest Fear

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. 

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. 

It is our light, not our darkness

That most frightens us.

We ask ourselves

Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be? 

You are a child of God.

Your playing small 

Does not serve the world. 

There's nothing enlightened about shrinking 

So that other people won't feel insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine, 

As children do. 

We were born to make manifest 

The glory of God that is within us.

It's not just in some of us; 

It's in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine, 

We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. 

As we're liberated from our own fear, 

Our presence automatically liberates others.

I am so many things. I know you are as well. I am busy right now working on my courses and workshops for 2023. I’ll promote them here and hope you’ll consider joining me. Life is too short to hold back. Let’s give each other permission to shine to let our wisdom and light shine. We can do it with each courageous act of stepping into our own lives fully and honestly. I think it’s time for us all to buy some bigger britches.