My name is Angel and I am the Clinical Director and one of the Licensed Professional Counselors here at Natural Balance Counseling. As a Black and Hispanic woman, I’ve spent most of my life in predominantly white spaces: growing up, in college, and now in my career. Even after earning my master’s degree, professional counseling license, and building a life I’m proud of, I still catch myself wondering “Do I really belong here?”.
Imposter syndrome is real, especially for women of color. It tries to convince us that our success is a fluke or accident, that we have to work twice as hard to prove ourselves, that at any moment, someone will realize we aren’t “good enough”. But the truth is we DO belong.
This Black History Month, I have taken time to reflect and I am reminded of the trailblazers who paved the way before us. The firsts in their industries, the only ones in their classrooms, boardrooms, and offices. Their presence wasn’t just about breaking down barriers, it was about proving that we DESERVE to take up space.
If you have ever doubted yourself, here are a few ways to remind yourself that you belong:
- Build Your Community – Surround yourself with people who truly see you: mentors, colleagues, and friends who validate your experiences and remind you that you belong. Authenticity thrives in spaces where we feel safe.
- Reframe Negative Thoughts – When self-doubt creeps in, ask yourself: Would I talk to a friend this way? Challenge imposter syndrome by replacing those thoughts with self-affirming truths: I earned this. I deserve to be here. My voice matters.
- Acknowledge Your Wins – Keep a “receipts” folder (a physical journal or a running list in your notes app) where you acknowledge your achievements, positive feedback, and moments you felt proud of yourself. Looking back at your own success helps silence that inner critic.
- Take Up Space Both Physically & Mentally – Whether it is in a meeting, social setting, or a networking event, resist the urge to shrink within yourself. Speak up, make eye contact, and claim your spot with confidence. You are not an outsider…you are a valuable part of the room.
- Honor Those Who Came Before You – When self-doubt shows up, remind yourself that you ARE someone’s dream realized. The sacrifices, struggles, and achievements of those before us weren’t just for them – they were for us to walk through doors that they couldn’t.
This Black History Month, let’s honor those who came before us…not just by remembering them, but by wholeheartedly believing in ourselves. Because every time we take up space, we make it easier for those who come after us to do the same.