FEELING INADEQUATE

Stomach sinking. Cheeks feel red and flushed. Pressure of tears behind the eyes. Overwhelming feeling to run away.

Feelings of inadequacy come in many different ways for different people. We all internalize the feeling of not measuring up, not being good enough based on how who we are as a person.

Here’s my personal share: this hits very close to home for me right now.

In regards to my counselling practice and my skills as a counsellor, I feel confident. I know that I have SO much to offer the people who reach out to me. As a meditation instructor, I love sharing what I love and believe in with others. It also allows me to flex my creative muscles in a different way.

Now, in regards to marketing and social media, I feel like….well, an idiot. I feel like there is a disconnect in my thought process when thinking about it. However, it is a very important component of running a business. I may know that I have a lot to offer as a counsellor/instructor BUT I need others to know that about me too : )

So what do I do? I am tempted to shut my computer, go lie down on the couch and read the book I just started and dive into someone else’s life and story (one of my favourite escapes!). But – I am a big girl, I need to pull up my big girls pants and deal with these feelings of not being good enough – of being inadequate head on! Because I AM good enough and I am MORE than adequate. Sometimes I just need a reminder.

In this instance, I am starting by writing this post. Reminding myself that I am good and have skills and well, maybe there is some venting involved too. Next I will sit and breathe. Take some moments to be in my body (not my head) and ground myself. So I can sit back at my computer and try again. I can try to find a way to tackle these new areas head on in a way that feels authentic to me. I am NOT a marketing expert. I AM a counsellor. I AM a meditation instructor. My struggle is not a reflection of not being good enough. It is of learning.

When you are not feeling good enough, feel inadequate and all the horrible feelings that come with it. STOP!!! The first step is to stop that inner talk that will probably run with those feelings until you feel like a puddle on the ground. Do something that you feel good, that reminds you that you have strengths and whatever was making you feel that way is not a true reflection on you. Do something that makes you feel better, that makes you happy! And then when you feel stronger and more grounded, come back to what set you off and know that you can deal with it. And even if you continue to struggle (as I will with marketing), it is NOT a reflection of your worth or capabilities.

Too often we internalize that and it is SO bad for our well being.

If you take anything away from this blog – take this – STOP that horrible voice that tells you otherwise – YOU are GOOD enough. YOU are BETTER than adequate.