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.

Forgetting Ourselves in Systems That Were Never Built for Us

Many Black and Brown people learn early how to make themselves smaller.

Smaller in meetings.
Smaller in ambition.
Smaller in how loudly they dream.

Especially when navigating systems shaped by patriarchy, racism, and exclusion, we are often taught to be grateful just to be included, rather than recognised for the value we bring.

That forgetting is not accidental.
It is learned.
And it is reversible.

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 We Call Imposter Syndrome

We all know that voice:

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

That voice is often labelled imposter syndrome.

But here’s what’s rarely said:
Imposter syndrome doesn’t come from within you.

It grows in environments that were never designed with you in mind.

It thrives in cultures that reward conformity, silence difference, and ask Black and Brown peopl, particularly women of colour, who already carry the burden of race to be thankful for access instead of confident in belonging.

Doubting yourself doesn’t mean you lack ability.
It often means you have been navigating exclusion with grace.

Talking Back to the Doubt

I have heard that voice too:

“You? You’re not ready.”

And I learned to pause and ask:

Whose voice is this, really?

Because imposter syndrome often echoes old messages—
from a teacher, a manager, a system, or a culture that never expected us to rise.

Here’s the truth that changed everything for me:

You can feel unsure and still show up powerfully.

Confidence is not the absence of doubt.
It is the decision to act anyway.

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

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

A Moment to Reflect and Reclaim

Pause for a moment.

What is one limiting belief you are ready to release?

Now choose a new truth:

I am capable.
I am enough.
I am becoming.

This is not affirmation for affirmation’s sake.
It is reclamation.

You Are Not Behind

We are often told to wait.

Wait until it’s perfect.
Wait until you’re ready.
Wait until someone gives permission.

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 life.

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 answer:

I am the one who remembers.
I am the dream they tried to silence.
I am just getting started.

(Oforji, 2025)

Closing Reflection

When the world says, “not enough,”
She answers: watch me grow.

For a woman who remembers her power
Is a woman impossible to overthrow.

Remember who you are.
Remove the limits.
Rise anyway.

You are not waiting to become,
you are already becoming.

An Invitation

If this resonates, you are not alone.

The Healing Studio is a community and learning space for Black and Brown people who lead from lived experience, people ready to reclaim their narratives, heal from systems that demanded shrinking, and rise with intention.

If you are ready to invest in your leadership, your healing, and your becoming, you are warmly invited to join us.

Shine on.
You deserve it.

In Solidarity

Victory... 

© Oforji, 2025