Feelin’ myself: In Community #22

Ever look in the mirror and just step back to say “Damn, I look good”? 

And with that, feel good too.

Last week, I wrote about how curiosity opened up my world – and it helped me find the best team members and coworkers throughout my career. As I look back, I realize that confidence goes hand in hand with curiosity.

I’m not talking about arrogance. What I’m talking about is deeply ingrained confidence that feels almost impenetrable. Being curious fuels exploration and experimentation – it helps us live our lives with a growth mindset. It allows us to build confidence in ourselves and our own capabilities, even in the face of adversity.

And I know I’m not alone in having faced adversity at seemingly every turn, from the complex US immigration system I encountered as a teenage immigrant to navigating barriers to recruitment and professional growth at company after company.

Although it took half a lifetime to get there, I view failures as learning, falls as opportunities to get right back up, and setbacks as steps closer to my goals. And trust me, I’ve failed a lot (more on that in a future piece).

💡 Here’s what I know: Whatever comes my way, I’ll find my way through. 

It’s not what I believe. It’s what I know.

And I’ll do it in the way that fits my own style – who I am and how I can be the best version of myself for me and those around me.

My willingness to take risks is higher than ever, because I have a deep understanding that I’ll learn quickly and adapt to get closer and closer to the goals ahead of me. Even when it means breaking down barriers along the way.

👉🏽 Reminder: Every step is a step forward, even when it feels like there’s been hardly any movement at all. You did that. You took that step. You owned who you are and how you move forward unapologetically. 

And that brings me to this week’s Need to Know, with some inspiration for how we can all work toward breaking down systems built up against us and find our own ways to defy the odds.

Need To Know

💥 It’s not us, it’s them. Why we should stop telling women they have imposter syndrome. 

💥 Julio Torres’ fantastic Problemista is finally released. Finding your people helps navigate the maze of life – and US immigration.

💥 Nadya Okamoto partners with CHNG for period care. A collab with real social impact.

🙌🏽 Enjoying In Community? Become a paid supporter. As a fully independent team, we’re not part of a large conglomerate, and we’re focused directly on social impact first. Show your support for our work to uplift those across our community, including the voices who deserve to be heard.