From an early stage of our lives, we are introduced to the impact of the power of women. We see our moms and abuelitas as superwomen who cook, clean, and still have time to serve and protect the whole family without even considering whether they have a career.
I see my mom make these perfectly shaped flour tortillas, and I am amazed at how she can cook so delicious and make perfectly round tortillas and cookies. Mi mamá makes the most delicious homemade Mexican meals that are one of a kind, and I find it scary to recreate her recipes. I can barely manage to make a decent meal on days when I don’t have over 30 things on my to-do list.
I see my amigas excelling in every role, from motherhood to their professional careers. All these amazing women are succeeding every day. However, our society continues to struggle with giving that actual empowerment to women, especially to Latinas. We are led into living with Imposter Syndrome.
The Path Latina Moms Walk
As women, we are already finding ourselves down that path of questioning our skills. However, as Latinas and mothers, we drag ourselves into the dark hole of this syndrome. We always doubt if we are good mothers, professionals, or even women. Societal pressure and our cultural expectations make it harder than expected.
Our cultural expectations are still in the process of admitting the power that Latinas bring to the table. As women and as Latinas, we inherit imposter syndrome that makes us doubt any big or small win we accomplish.
The meaning behind being a woman is powerful, yet the meaning behind being a Latina goes beyond description.
I am a woman.
I am a mom.
I am a daughter.
I am a friend.
I am a wife.
I am Mexican.
I am Hispanic.
I am Latina.
I am powerful.
I am me.
Strategies to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
As I embrace my journey of self-empowerment, self-love, and self-growth, I am in a constant battle against the imposter syndrome. I’ve been able to work through it through a few strategies that may help you.
Acknowledge your feelings but push negativity out.
Recognize your feelings, remember you are not alone, and that it is okay not to be okay. Refrain from negative self-talk when acknowledging your feelings. Validate all the feelings you have, but focus on them and move into a more positive path to get any negativity and harm out.
Celebrate and embrace your wins.
Embrace your wins. Be proud of your accomplishments, no matter how small. Every single achievement is worth enjoying. Keep a journal, and scrapbook, post on social media; do anything that works for you to highlight and enjoy what you accomplished. Don’t celebrate for the likes and acknowledgements from people, but rather for your pride.
Find support and create your community.
Don’t be afraid to seek support. Connect with mentors or friends who can understand your experience. You will be surprised at how many more women share the same struggles. Finding common ground with people who share the same struggles can lead to beautiful connections and friendships.
Practice Self-Love and Self-Growth
Set some manageable goals and that can help you understand that you don’t have to be perfect; you just have to be you and grow. Take care of yourself, and try to find some time to focus more on practicing self-love. Build up on your resilience and your strength, and most importantly, your happiness.
I am working on taking my mind off the idea that I am not capable of making great tortillas or chile colorado. I am embracing those small wins, like doing my daughter’s hair in different styles every day for school, and the big wins, such as earning multiple certificates at work. I am embracing the network and support I have found ever since I took a leadership class with 9 other powerful women who also noticed how we all were living with imposter syndrome. I am working on getting to know me.
getting to the Ana who is a career woman, a mother, a community member and a Latina woman.
Amiga, somos Latinas somos mujeres y mas que nada somos mamas. Si no nos queremos y validamos nosotras mismas como se lo vamos a enseñar a nuestras hijas, a nuestras futuras lideres. Eres una guerrera, eres una fregona, eres Tu! Acompañame a vencer este sindrome y amarnos mas. [Friend, we are Latinas, we are women, and above all, we are mothers. If we don’t love and validate ourselves, how are we going to teach that to our daughters, our future leaders? You are a warrior, you are amazing, you are YOU! Join me in overcoming this syndrome and loving ourselves more.]
