She Remembers Who She Is: Removing Limiting Beliefs By Chidinma Victory Oforji

Published on 15 November 2025 at 21:18

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The Moment of Remembering

Somewhere along the way, many of us forgot who we were.

We learned to shrink.
To apologise for taking up space.
To smile politely when dismissed.
To question our brilliance before it even had a chance to shine.

We began calling our fear humility...
and our exhaustion gratitude for the opportunity.

But today, we remember.

The Poem: “She Remembers Who She Is”

She stands at the edge of her becoming,
A whisper wrapped in doubt.
But a voice inside begins humming
A truth she once lived out.

I am not my fears,
I am not their story.
I rise from years
They tried to erase my glory.

When the world says “not enough,”
She answers: watch me grow.
For a woman who remembers her power
Is a woman impossible to overthrow.

The Lie Called Imposter Syndrome

We all know that voice that whispers:

“Who do you think you are?”
“Everyone else knows more than you.”
“You just got lucky.”

That voice is called imposter syndrome and it is one of the most persistent thieves of women’s confidence.

But here’s the truth: imposter syndrome doesn’t come from you.
It grows in environments that weren’t built for you.

It thrives in systems that tell women, especially women of colour, who already have to the burden of race to be grateful for being in the room, instead of recognising that we belong there.

If you’ve ever doubted yourself, it doesn’t mean you’re not good enough.
It means you’re human and probably brilliant.

Talking Back to the Voice

There were moments when I, too, heard that voice whisper:

“You? You’re not ready.”

I had to stop and ask:

“Whose voice is that?”

Because imposter syndrome often echoes the past — an old teacher, a dismissive manager, or a culture that didn’t expect us to rise.

And that’s when I learned:
You can feel like an imposter and still show up powerfully.

Confidence isn’t the absence of doubt — it’s the decision to act anyway.

So when that voice says, “Who do you think you are?”
Answer back:

“I am becoming everything they said I couldn’t be.”

The Liberation Toolkit: Rewriting Your Story (Oforji, 2025)

Empowerment isn’t a one-time moment — it’s a lifelong practice.
Here’s a realistic, compassionate toolkit for dismantling limiting beliefs.

Awareness: Name the Lie

When self-doubt appears, don’t internalise it, name it.

“This is the story that says I’m not enough.”
Naming it breaks its power.

Reframe the Narrative

Ask: “Would I say this to my best friend?” would i say this to my daughter?

If not, change the story.

Instead of “I’m not ready,” say “I’m learning as I go.”
Instead of “I don’t belong,” say “I am exactly where my work is needed.”

The 10% Bravery Rule

You don’t need full confidence to act, just 10% more courage than fear.
That 10% is enough to apply, to speak, to lead, to rise.

Visibility as Practice

Visibility isn’t vanity, it’s testimony.
Every time you show up authentically, you create space for another woman to do the same. if you do not blow your trumpet, no one will, do not be deceived, burying yourself is not humility.

Self-Compassion as Strategy

You can’t heal in the same tone that hurt you.
Speak to yourself with the same love you offer others.

You are responsible for your growth not your perfection (Perfection is a Prison and a Myth).

Reflect and Reclaim

Today I release...
Today I choose...

Take a moment.
Think of one limiting belief you’re ready to release.
Then replace it with a new truth:

“I am capable.”
“I am enough.”
“I am becoming.”

The Reminder: You Are Not Behind

For too long, women have been told to wait.
Wait until it’s perfect.
Wait until you’re ready.
Wait until they see you.

But perfection is a prison.
Readiness is a myth.
You become ready by showing up.

Remember Who You Are

You are not behind.
You are not underqualified.
You are not an imposter in your own success story.

You are your grandmother’s prayer.
Your mother’s dream.
Your daughter’s proof.

So when the world asks:

“Who do you think you are?”

You say

“I am the woman who remembers.”
“I am the dream they tried to silence.”
“I am just getting started.”

(Oforji, 2025)

Poetic Reprise