Why you feel ashamed to live your life.

AND MY TIPS ON HOW TO SOLVE IT

I’m 23. A 'neither-here-nor-there' age. I mention that it is, 'neither-here-nor-there' because while I could have just started studying at university I could also have my own thriving company.

So, if I’m in this grey area that 23, so kindly, allows me to be in then why is the concept of ‘adulting’ so debilitating?

As I sip my coffee and listen to the incredible vocal range of Hannah Reid (London Grammar's lead singer) I think about ways to write this post and not come across as weird or even worse... alone.

It’s been pegged, “Imposter Syndrome”

Google defines it as, “the persistent inability to believe that one's success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of one's efforts or skills.”

I am an ‘everything-creative’.

So if you need a mood board for your bedroom renovations, someone to plan your grans 80th birthday or even a person to do your sister’s makeup, for your wedding, that way she doesn’t try and overshadow you like she did that one time in high school…

I AM YOUR GIRL!

I’m stimulated by colours, words, performance, music and moments. I then ventured and found myself in an industry that encapsulates all of the aforementioned… The film industry

- Ohh fancy!

And because I work in that industry I am constantly needing to hustle (freelance on other projects) as I do not have the luxury of security (paycheques coming in every month).

"But, Cassidy, surely you have a plan B... in case this doesn't work out? Only like 1% make it in that industry. It's not for the faint hearted y' know?" - Everyone who asks what I do

It is because of that, your known opinion, that you, just like myself, fear every time you have to make a life decision.

It is because of that, your known opinion, that you, just like me, may feel like an imposter/fraud in your own life.

If life was a classroom, It’s the opinions of others that are constantly sounding over the intercom.

So, then how are we supposed to STOP and feel like we have been type-cast in the movie of Our Life?

To you,

The reader,

The person that picked up my diary that I left on the bench that is the internet.

I’m not an expert in the matter nor do I have a degree that can certify any of the suggestions I’m about to list. However, I just know that I have been suffering for years, if not my whole life and, only recently, have I tried to combat these feelings of inadequacy.

1. Practice Mindfulness and positive thinking.

There are loads of books out currently that are making their rounds and are super eye-opening. A personal favourite of mine is, ‘The Power Of Positive Thinking.’ Written by Norman Vincent Peele. I came across a quote of his one day and since then have fallen in love with his mentality.

2. Surround yourself with people who understand and support you.

It's more than just having those people who ‘believe’ in you because you could be more than capable but it’s your mind that would be holding you back. In turn, you need those people to understand and support and even better if they are your HYPE-MEN too.

3. Own It!

The fact that paint-stained hands and colourful canvases fuel your drive instead of the value of x. THAT'S GREAT! That the ISO or F stop might intrigue you more than the ledger. THAT’S AMAZING! You could catch on to, “and a 5 6 7 8…” before 4 8 12 16. YOU GO GLEN COCO!

I could talk about this topic for hours because it’s all I have known for many years and it feels great to get it off my chest!

I want to get this message out there and hopefully help a few that have been crippled just like I have!

Let’s start the change!

• When we see someone doing something different, let’s not express ‘disbelief’ despised as concern or laugh behind the comfort of a screen… Instead, we paint their name on a metaphorical t-shirt and push them to keep going.

• When someone has a new idea let's not see it as silly or unattainable… Instead, as innovative and brilliant, because who knows that very idea could be the one that inspires the next Nikola Tesla!