I am the expert of my own experience
This is a saying I often return to and today I shared it with a client.
Together we are building a digital space to hold a project that explores childhood, eldership, legacy, and the forest. Needless to say, the project excites me – however, what I witnessed today I have seen many times, especially in my own life. It was the tendency to forget the fullness of our experience.
It is easy to find ourselves in new jobs, new projects, and new relationships with the idea that we need to become something else. Be the expert of such-and-such. Some may call it imposter syndrome, others may call it growth.
I actually don’t think we need to expand, adapt, embody, or shape-shift into a new way of being. I think we need to integrate, the entirety of our experience and be fully present in the culmination of our past, present, and future.
What keeps me grounded is the remembrance that all of who I am, what I have done, and where I have been – are enough. Because that is the expertise I bring to this new identity.
I just need to be me
The expert of my own experience
And in that, I belong.
I have credibility
I am the expert.
P.S. Happy belated Valentine’s Day, may this love note to your inner expert hug you proudly 💗🔥
Article FAQs
1. Can you provide examples or practical steps for integrating the entirety of our experiences into our present identity, as suggested in the article?
Integrating the entirety of our experiences into our present identity involves a process of reflection and self-awareness. One practical step is to regularly take inventory of past accomplishments, challenges, and lessons learned, and consciously connect them to current goals and aspirations. This might involve journaling, engaging in mindfulness practices, or seeking support from mentors or therapists to gain clarity on how past experiences shape present identity.
2. How can individuals maintain a balance between recognizing the expertise they bring from past experiences and embracing opportunities for growth and learning in new endeavors?
Maintaining a balance between recognizing past expertise and embracing opportunities for growth requires a nuanced approach. While it's important to honor and draw upon past experiences as sources of knowledge and credibility, it's equally essential to remain open to new perspectives and experiences. This might involve actively seeking out learning opportunities, challenging oneself to step outside of comfort zones, and being willing to adapt and evolve in response to changing circumstances.
3. Are there any potential challenges or obstacles one might encounter when striving to fully embrace their own expertise and presence in various aspects of life, and how can they be addressed?
Embracing one's own expertise and presence in various aspects of life can indeed pose challenges, such as self-doubt, fear of failure, or societal pressures to conform to certain expectations. Addressing these challenges may involve cultivating self-compassion and self-confidence, setting realistic expectations for oneself, and surrounding oneself with supportive individuals who recognize and value one's expertise. Additionally, practicing resilience and perseverance in the face of setbacks can help individuals stay grounded in their sense of self-worth and credibility.