I mentioned last night in BeninSC’s wonderful TC diary that I’d been off in Death Valley with friends for five days. My plan had been to photo diary tonight, but the whole “my sleep cycle hasn’t forgiven me for taking a redeye home” element left me with not enough time to sort, edit, and wrangle them into dKos submission. I promise they’ll grace this space shortly, and as an alternative tonight share something I think about often… why am I here? Grab a bit of wine, beer, tea or whatever soothes you this time of evening and join us below the break, after a word from our sponsor!
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I’ve had the feeling many times. When I entered college, then again when I started graduate school every day of graduate school until my thesis committee signed off after my doctoral defense. The first time I stood up in front of a congregation to give a lay sermon. When each of my children came home. When gloriana asked if I’d consider joining Top Comments as a diarist, and I said yes. The feeling of not actually being good enough, or smart enough, or otherwise “supposed” to be wherever you are.
I feel this way every time I go to Netroots Nation and spend three days surrounded by bright, talented people often involved actively in government or organizations dedicated to social justice, democracy, and getting more better Democrats into elected office. More recently, I was at a gathering of people aghast at the current political situation and talking about what we as citizens can do to #Resist. Most were either “professional left”, or otherwise far more engaged and active than I perceive myself to be. I spent the beginning of the gathering convinced I had been included as a courtesy from a friend, not because I “deserved” to be there.
There’s even a name for this- Imposter Syndrome:
A concept describing high-achieving individuals who are marked by an inability to internalize their accomplishments and a persistent fear of being exposed as a "fraud".
What I’ve learned, however, is that many of us feel similarly. That we’re simply faking our way in whatever knowledge or social situation we find ourselves in, and hold tight to our laptop or wine awaiting the moment someone looks at us and says “what are YOU doing here?” as they point to the door. (Not all of course, and if you’re one of those people who KNOWS in the depths of your soul that you absolutely belong wherever it is you are, I’d love a bit of that confidence :-))
Every year at Netroots Nation, I start the conference sure I didn’t “cram” enough before getting on the plane and I’ll be totally lost in conversation. And sometimes, I am- there really ARE a lot of incredibly smart, dedicated people apparently having eidetic memory who attend! BUT… and this is what I want to stress… at least once every conference, it’s ME who has the critical little bit of information, or who makes a link between two things that makes someone else go “ooh, yes!” Or a question couched in my insecure “I’m only a parent/amateur blogger-activist” is answered with “Yours is a perspective we NEED, I’m glad you spoke up!”
These days especially, we ALL have information to share, and information to learn. Every single one of us has a valuable perspective to add to conversations. Don’t ever sell yourself short or discount what you have to say because it’s absolutely as valid as any other person’s. Yes, even you reading this going “OMG I must be the dumbest person on the site.” You’re NOT (unless you troll the site as a Republican operative, spouting right wing talking points. Then, you probably are).
Is this you? Do you ever question “why am I here?” Ponder and share in the comments after what you really come here for, the trio of Top Comments, Mojo and Pictures formatted tonight by BeninSC, who without a doubt is no imposter here or anywhere!!
Brillig's ObDisclaimer: The decision to publish each nomination lies with the evening's Diarist and/or Comment Formatter. My evenings at the helm, I try reeeeallllyy hard to publish everything without regard to content. I really do, even when I disagree personally with any given nomination. "TopCommentness" lies in the eyes of the nominator and of you, the reader - I leave the decision to you. I do not publish self-nominations (ie your own comments) and if I ruled the world, we'd all build community, supporting and uplifting instead of tearing our fellow Kossacks down.
Note: Please remember that comment inclusion in Top Comments does not constitute support or endorsement by diarist, formatter, Top Comments writers or DailyKos. Questions, complaints or comments? Contact brillig.
From Sylvanus Prince:
Marsanges' reply to The Revenge of Shakshuka puts paid to any notion of "let's not speculate here" in regards to Juhel Miah's denial of entry into the US. The Revenge of Shakshuka seems to be saying 'Let's not make any big deal over this, in this day and age it's to be expected, no harm, no foul, there's probably some good reason for it, it's just business-as-usual, and above all don't speculate or suspect that the US government has done something wrong here."
Marsanges correctly points out that this must never be allowed as to be expected or normal. Miah's denial of entry into the U.S., and especially the way it happened, DEMANDS immediate explanation by the U.S.
Highlighted by thomasjeff:
Is this comment by Had Enough Right Wing BS on the worthwhile nature of Kurt Eichenwald’s writing.
From LoudnProudLib:
Is this comment by Karrie1 on the origins of Republican craziness when Obama was elected in 2008.
Top Mojo for yesterday, February 20th, 2017, first comments and tip jars excluded. Thank you mik for the mojo magic! For those of you interested in How Top Mojo Works, please see his diary on FAQing Top Mojo.
TOP PICTURES
Top Pictures for yesterday, February 20th, 2017. Click any picture to be taken to the full comment or picture. Thank you jotter!