Imposter Syndrome

 

Lately, I’ve been in a bit of a funk – feeling grumpy, fed-up, and low on energy. Not to mention, my waistline isn’t exactly thanking me for my recent chocolate and candy binges, but hey, life happens, right? However, beyond the sugar-induced blues, something more insidious was at play – the notorious Impostor Syndrome.

In the midst of my ‘blah’ state, my internal monologue, the “itty-bitty-shitty-committee” as I fondly call it, decided to turn up the volume. The self-doubt and second-guessing were on full display, pushing me further into my slump. It’s like my logical inner voice was having a fistfight with this negative narrative, and unfortunately, the latter was winning.

Taking a step back, I realized I needed to address the elephant in the room – or rather, the uncomfortable emotions I was inadvertently avoiding. It all traced back to a heart-wrenching decision: saying goodbye to my beloved furry friend, Oxford, and the recent departure of my kids and their furry entourage from my home after an unexpectedly extended stay. Add in a lingering illness, unexpected surgery, and the anticipation of reclaiming my house – my emotional roller coaster was on a wild ride.

Drawing from years of self-work, I decided to face the discomfort head-on. I dove into the tools and techniques I share with my clients, navigating through the layers of emotions, and ultimately finding a deep sense of alignment and peace within myself. It was a journey through grief and sadness, and in that moment, my ego took a hit, but my soul emerged victorious.

Moving forward required a conscious choice to embrace acceptance and alignment. This is where the magic happened – using life experiences to awaken further and deepen my understanding of myself. It’s a process that benefits not only me but everyone I encounter from that point onwards.

But let’s talk about the pesky Imposter Syndrome that reared its head during my funk. What is it exactly? It’s that nagging feeling of not being good enough, self-doubt, and a lack of confidence, despite qualifications and experience. We’ve all been there – feeling like a fraud, waiting for the moment we’ll be exposed.

In the depths of my ‘blah’ state, my inner voice was on a mission, telling me that my success was a result of luck, not skill. That I was merely ‘flying by the seat of my pants’ and would be ‘found out.’ Seriously, Michelle? Recognizing the neuroscience behind these thoughts, I consciously chose to challenge and change them.

To combat this mindset, I revisited testimonials from past clients – a necessary ego boost. Sometimes, we need to remind ourselves of our capabilities, especially when the negative chatter becomes overwhelming. Through writing, journaling, self-talk, and spending time with my horse, Izzy, I gradually lifted myself out of the funk.

There’s a powerful quote I can’t attribute, but it resonates: “It is what you think it is. So what have you been thinking lately?” It’s a poignant reminder that our thoughts shape our reality. If you find yourself battling with a loud inner critic, it’s crucial to take control and consciously choose a more positive narrative.

Navigating Imposter Syndrome requires acknowledging your feelings, expressing raw emotions, accepting the discomfort, and practicing self-compassion and forgiveness. Embodying your truth and aligning with what’s authentic for you is the key to overcoming self-doubt.

If my journey through the funk and triumph over Imposter Syndrome strikes a chord with you, perhaps it’s time for your own transformative journey. Reach out, and let’s chat. Together, we can navigate the path to self-discovery and resilience. Remember, you’ve got this!

Unravelling the Mysteries of Anxiety: A Neuroscientific Journey to Understanding and Overcoming

 

Introduction: The Anxious Beginnings

 

Anxiety – the very word might make your heart race, and ironically, I confess, writing about anxiety induced a bit of it in me too, haha. As a Registered Clinical Counsellor, parent, personal development coach, consultant, educator, and mentor, my journey through the realms of anxiety has been a rollercoaster of experiences. Attempting to encapsulate this vast topic in a blog felt akin to writing a dissertation, with multiple paradigms pulling me in different directions. The struggle was real – a constant cycle of starting, deleting, and venturing down rabbit holes.

 

After ample pondering (and procrastination), I settled on a unique perspective to tackle anxiety – a journey through the lens of neuroscience. In this exploration, we will delve into the core aspects of anxiety: what it is, where it originates in the brain, the physiological responses it triggers, and, most importantly, how to self-manage anxiety and rewire your brain when it strikes. As a bonus, we’ll wrap up with some practical tips and tricks to regain control during bouts of anxiety.

 

So, let’s dive into the intricate web of anxiety with the hope of shedding light on this complex emotion and finding effective strategies to navigate its challenges.

 

Understanding Anxiety: A Deep Dive into Emotion

 

At its core, anxiety is a potent cocktail of worry, fear, and stress. The unsettling emotion surfaces when we anticipate something unpleasant, be it a daunting driving test or a  nerve-wracking visit to the dentist. We’ve all experienced it in various forms – misplacing our wallet, keys, or facing unexpected car troubles. The triggering experiences themselves aren’t the root cause; our anticipation and perception lead to the cognitive processes in our minds, setting off a chain reaction of physical responses.

 

The symptoms of anxiety manifest both mentally and physically – nervousness, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, chest tightness, increased heart rate, shallow breathing, and that infamous pit in the stomach. In severe cases, the brain can feel thick and numb, inducing a state of shock. According to neuroscientist Dr Joseph LeDoux, anxiety disorders affect over 40 million adults and children worldwide, making it one of the leading mental illnesses.

 

For some, anxiety goes beyond the occasional jitters; it becomes a diagnosable mental health disorder encompassing generalised anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, post-traumatic stress (PTS), and social anxiety. Rooted in negative experiences, adverse childhood events, accidents, bullying, or toxic relationships, these conditions can paralyse individuals, dictating how they navigate daily life.

 

A Glimpse into the World of Anxiety: A Personal Exploration

 

Having encountered numerous clients grappling with anxiety during my private practice, I sought deeper insights into the intricacies of this emotion. Attending workshops, one by Dr. John B. Arden, author of “The Brain Bible” and “Brain Based Therapy for Anxiety,” proved enlightening. Dr. Arden delved into the brain’s functioning, the release of chemicals, and the physiological responses accompanying anxiety.

 

This experience ignited a profound interest in neuroscience – understanding the inner workings of our brains, their connection to our developmental journeys, parenting, and making sense of ourselves from the inside out. More importantly, it became a catalyst for learning how to reclaim control by rewiring the brain.

 

If you embark on a journey with me – be it coaching, workshops, or equine-facilitated learning – understanding your brain’s responses and learning to manage them becomes a crucial aspect. This journey involves unravelling complex information about your brain and its physiological responses, coupled with practical tips presented in simple, accessible language.

 

Decoding the Brain: Where Anxiety Takes Root

 

The human brain, a marvel with around 100 billion neurons and numerous support cells, holds the power to create or reduce anxiety based on our actions and thoughts. At its core lies the cerebrum, the most significant part of the brain, symmetrically divided into left and right hemispheres. Each hemisphere has distinct cognitive functions connected by the corpus callosum. Interestingly, they control opposite sides of the body, influencing how we perceive and interact with the world.

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