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 Shame

When Shame Becomes Joy and Guilt Becomes Gratitude

Anxiety Has Served and Failed Me

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