Your Truth v. The Truth

Have you asked yourself: Am I enough?  

One of my favorite reminders is simple: consider the credentials of the critic.

Not from a degree-holding perspective. But ask yourself—Is this someone I’d trust with good news? Is this someone I’d feel safe being vulnerable around? If the answer is no, then why are we giving so much weight to their opinions?

So many of us are still carrying the echoes of old voices—parents or family members who used “tough love” as a mask for reverse psychology or projected their own insecurities onto us. The teacher who dismissed us based on zip codes or stereotypes. The friend or partner who tried to clip our wings because they hadn’t grown their own.

And for what? Are those the people you’re trying to prove a point to?

We were taught to be “twice as good to get half as much.” And we did it. Over and over. Only to realize that the goalpost keeps shifting. We weren’t prepared for how often mediocrity gets rewarded when it's masked by confidence or power. Nor were we prepared for how often preparation meets projection instead of praise.

Sometimes I think about Langston Hughes: “Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.” Just because someone can’t see the effort doesn’t mean it’s not there. Just because they can’t distinguish your sweat from your tears doesn’t mean you’re not fighting for your future every single day.

And when all else fails, I channel MC Lyte: “You can say I’m egotistical or just worry-free... what you say, I take none of it seriously.”

You are enough. Even if they never say it. Even if they never see it.