I Don’t Want to Prove Myself

Years ago, I met a man who had argued some cases before the Supreme Court. He had other accolades on his resume. I was excited to talk with him.

But when we were introduced, he turned to me and asked, “Well, what are your credentials?”

My chest constricted. I didn’t want to try to earn standing in his eyes. I didn’t want my educational background or connections or professional achievements to be the reason he talked with me. I said something vague, like, “I’m a writer, and I spend a lot of time with our three children.” He wasn’t interested in hearing more. 

This interaction happened about a decade ago, but it stuck with me as a warning of what I don’t want to do. 

I don’t want to prove myself.

I do want to be myself. I do want to offer the things I love and the way I think about the world and the subjects that excite me and the ways I can care for people and imagine goodness and pursue love. 

What if we all decided to stop trying to prove ourselves and instead believed that we are already enough?

More with Amy Julia:

“I’m Not Enough” and “I’m Too Much” Are Both Catch Phrases for ShameWhen Shame Becomes Joy and Guilt Becomes GratitudeAnxiety Has Served and Failed Me

Subscribe  to my newsletter to receive regular updates and news. You can also follow me on  Facebook ,  Instagram , Twitter ,  Pinterest , and  YouTube , and you can subscribe to my  Love Is Stronger Than Fear  podcast on your favorite podcast platform. 

The post I Don’t Want to Prove Myself appeared first on Amy Julia Becker.