[Melmira’s logo appears on screen. Supported by Convo and DPAN.TV. Melissa appears on screen wearing a beige long-sleeve top and furry gray earrings. On-screen text reads “Imposter syndrome, anyone?!” and “Melissa Elmira Yingst”.]

Hola! I want to thank you for all of your affirmation words of support when I asked you truthfully what you thought of my content and what you want to see from me in my IG stories last week.

In the spirit of stepping out of my comfort zone while keeping it real - Imposter Syndrome, anyone?!

Yes, ME! Imposter Syndrome gets the best of me sometimes. I don’t really see this talked about enough in our community. It’s interesting - while I see it all the time within hearing communities, especially among women. I wonder if it’s more of a phenomenon among women due to systemic expectations and societal views? I’m not sure. I’m still processing. Anyway.

What is Imposter Syndrome? The sign for it may be this, I’m not sure.

Anyway, Imposter Syndrome is defined as a psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their skills, talents or accomplishments and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a "fraud".

So, yeah…. There are many times when I do question my own abilities, and question myself. Do you really have interest in what I have to say and my thoughts? I think it’s especially tough because I strive to be authentic as much as possible, so that has me questioning myself even more during low self-esteem times sometimes, I have to admit.

Especially when we live in a world where social media is emerging more than ever, and everyone’s trying to find their own place with social media.

I get my inspiration EVERYWHERE and I hope I ALWAYS give credit when I find that inspiration. I think that’s one thing we don’t do enough in our community. Recognize each other. It’s not about gold star on forehead type of praise, but more of being authentic on where you get your inspiration. You can make anything YOUR OWN, really. For example, clothes - I have no shame asking where someone got a shirt, but I’ll style it my own way. If it were A to Z same, that’d be a bit weird!

Ideas, inspiration, and so on - they are ALL OVER social media nowadays. Use them. I think we need to celebrate each other more. Recognize each other more. Work together more.

Do YOU struggle with Imposter Syndrome? I think we all do in some ways. I want to open this dialogue. How do you deal with it?

[Melmira’s logo appears on screen with floating red roses. Supported by Convo and DPAN.TV. Host/Anchor: Melissa Elmira Yingst, Edited by Alexandra Hickox, and Captioned by Brianna Keogh.]