Photography By: Michelle Morgan – http://www.michellemorgan.co.ke/
Location: Kitengela Glass, Kenya – http://www.kitengela.com/
Makeup By: Kayte Macharia – karekayte1@yahoo.com
Clothes Provided By: Kache By Angie, Junction Mall, Nairobi.
‘Please cover up this part, I always seem to look tired, so pile on the concealer’, I said to the make-up artist, pointing under my eyes, emphasizing on the dark circles that were impressed on my face, giving me a permanently exhausted look. It had been an insecurity of mine, among the many, for years. The make-up artist, a stout Afrikaner lady, smiled and began applying concealer a bit too generously, then powdered my face shortly afterwards so that it ended up having a cakey effect. Where there were dark circles, now there were bronze wrinkles. I sighed, looked at the clock above us and saw that I had ten minutes before I went on air for the first time, on the South African news network that had head-hunted me and relocated me a month earlier.
The year was 2009, September. I’d arrived in Johannesburg three months later than I was supposed to because of complications trying to acquire my work permit. (Oh by the way, did I mention that this is where I ran into ‘him’ after so many years. He actually helped me carry my bags… but that’s a story for another day!) It had been such a grueling three months, packed with tension, blame games and bureaucracy that had left me drained and almost defeated. I say almost because after what seems to be the longest wait of my life, I finally got the permit and headed out for my new venture in a new country. The excitement, however, was all but gone by the time I boarded the flight from Nairobi. The wait, as I began to term it, had taken me back to a place inside me that I’d battled for so long…self doubt. Maybe I wasn’t good enough for this job? Could this be a sign?
That took me back yet again to my days in primary school; the scrawny, peculiar girl with a weird voice and bullish personality. I was often picked on; it was difficult for me to fit in. From very early on I became a recluse and acted boisterous to disguise my insecurities. The plus side was having a supportive family and a group of family friends that embraced me for the most part. That got me through, but often made me socially awkward. A group of girls in primary school called me ‘frog voice’ because of my unusual tenor. All this built up and by the time I was sixteen, the advances I’d get from boys threw me off and it took me a while to begin to embrace my femininity.
But the hardest part was always somehow feeling that I was going to fail. In my adult life, as I interviewed for jobs and got them, instead of being elated, my first feeling was fear; have they picked the wrong person? Did I really fool them into thinking I can do this? Though I’m haunted less by these voices, it doesn’t mean I still don’t, once in a while, suffer from a case of ‘impostor syndrome’.
Wikipedia defines it as ‘a psychological phenomenon in which people are unable to internalize their accomplishments. Despite external evidence of their competence, those with the syndrome remain convinced that they are frauds and do not deserve the success they have achieved.’ They go on to say ‘notably, impostor syndrome is particularly common among high-achieving women.’
Sound familiar? Yup! There I was in 2009, about to go on air in front of the continent and all the while, there was still a part of me that was pinching myself; how did a scrawny girl like me, awkward voice an all, land here? What was I DOING here? Because after years of being too much or too little of something; too thin, too awkward, too serious, too young, too old, too short…I was convinced that to get to the next level in life I had to don the ‘impostor’ cap and work my way through it until someone ‘busted me’ and figured out that I was a fluke.
It’s taken me some time to work past the impostor syndrome and embrace my abilities; truth is, we all have something that makes us good…no, great! We sometimes can’t see past the cloud of doubt or the misty fog that hangs around us, hindering the path we’re walking. Here’s how I beat impostor syndrome now; I shut out the noise and focus ahead. I take stock of the things I’ve achieved and allow myself to set goals within my reach. I walk with friends and family who genuinely believe in me. I pray, I search, I learn, I seek, not because I’m this ‘holier than thou’ person, (believe me I’ a work in progress in that department!), but because I gain a certain perspective by taking time out to be with God.
I read my first bulletin on South African television and managed to get through it with lots of nerves but a feeling of great accomplishment all the same. I still do, whenever I’ve read a bulletin. Whenever I find myself doubting my abilities, I’m now quick to remind myself of all my accomplishments…that after all that’s said and done, I’m not doing too badly!
If you feel like you’re struggling with a self-esteem issue that’s really holding you back from moving forward and want to talk to a professional about it, please visit www.kpsya.or.ke. They have a database of psychologists who could help you.
90 comments
judy
August 6, 2015 at 10:47 am
nice on Janet…still following and really getting very inspired..keep going gal
Janet Mbugua
August 6, 2015 at 4:49 pm
Asante Judy! Please keep following and sharing your thoughts with me! Shukran
Pat
August 6, 2015 at 12:07 pm
Even in these times you think things ai'nt as good as u would have wished,I can assure you all is well.Romans 8;28.You sharpening yo writing skills really and one day, you will pen down a book.
May God bless.
Janet Mbugua
August 6, 2015 at 4:46 pm
Amen to that! Penning a book would be great so I have to keep on sharpening my writing skills! Thank you for the encouraging scripture and for reading my blog post! God bless
Emmanuela Mbithi
August 6, 2015 at 12:36 pm
sometimes we have to struggle past our insecurities….that is what have learnt from this post so inspirational….
Janet Mbugua
August 6, 2015 at 4:44 pm
Yes Emmanuela sometimes we had to push past those insecurities and believe in ourselves, even when no one else does!
olive ngoe
August 6, 2015 at 12:49 pm
Beautiful piece and true story, I can relate to that. Thank you!
Janet Mbugua
August 6, 2015 at 4:37 pm
Thanks for reading Olive! Glad you found it relatable!
bancy wanjugu
August 6, 2015 at 1:00 pm
thanks tu sana janet yu are a blessing to many including me coz I have a very low esteem but I know this blog will help me more
Janet Mbugua
August 6, 2015 at 4:35 pm
Be proud of who you are dear; everyone has something unique about them that, find that thing and celebrate it! ?
bancy wanjugu
August 10, 2015 at 10:46 pm
thank you janet GOD BLESS
vanice machogu
August 6, 2015 at 2:05 pm
congrats girl this is a good read
Janet Mbugua
August 6, 2015 at 4:30 pm
Thanks for reading Vanice ☺️
Mueni
August 6, 2015 at 4:12 pm
Thats me now! in USA not too sure if I made the right move, God has brought me this far, with ur advice I must do it!
Janet Mbugua
August 6, 2015 at 4:27 pm
Hi Mueni! Don’t doubt yourself – although it must be nerve wracking for you, think about the access to great opportunities you have there! Like Obama said, Africa is on the move. Right now people are looking at Africa as the next big thing. Position yourself there, you never know! All the best, thank you for reading my post ?
winnie mutile
August 6, 2015 at 4:40 pm
You have helped me learn to believe in myself…
Janet Mbugua
August 6, 2015 at 5:02 pm
I'm happy to hear that Winnie! As you continue to find yourself and learn yourself, be encouraged; we're many who are also seeking to become better versions of ourselves. Thanks for reading my posts!
chella
August 6, 2015 at 5:12 pm
going through kinda same situation..inspired ,thanks janet..
Wanjiru
August 6, 2015 at 5:27 pm
Im always eager to find out what your next post will speak to me..good job Janet…I am reminded that I have sth in me that’s great..asante sana
jude riziki
August 6, 2015 at 5:30 pm
That is such an amazing article. I did not know there was someone else who had fears like mine. If I would put it that I am inspired, it would be an understatement. as an upcoming journalist( still studying) I would so much love your advice. I put my email above. I do blog too and yours got my attention. You made it. God be with you always.
janine
August 6, 2015 at 5:58 pm
I too find myself questioning my abilities every so often. However, taking stock of the achievements I have so far keeps me going. Thank you for doing this. You have no idea how many people’s lives you impact by opening up about your experiences.
Norma Asimba
August 6, 2015 at 6:13 pm
I am touched Janet…sometimes one can see you on the screen looking all okay and I always ask myself do you all go through difficult moments or is it all rosy….am glad am reading your diaries…am more than encouraged….am about to set my journey….I hope I will shut out all the forces as well. Keep moving dear….
Everlyn Muya
August 6, 2015 at 7:57 pm
Nice article Janet!I can highly relate to this,After clearing my high school in 2011 I never knew what next would happen to my life.Most of my friends got their results and joined colleges unfortunately I din’t get any chance even to do a Computer course because of some unavoidable circumstances….
My soo close friends started distancing themselves from me simply because we our lives couldn’t match anymore but I never loosed hope… A time came that I couln’t hold it anymore,a dark cloud started covering my smile,I felt hopeless,a voice kept telling me you can’t make it!I strived though haven’t really achieved what I really wanted through the grace of God I will….Iam whom iam today because of his grace hoping to continue with my college soon….Janet!Be blessed,you are a flower that I always look at,you inspire me soo much!God bless you!
Janet Mbugua
August 7, 2015 at 7:57 am
Thank you my dear! I pray that the dark clouds that hover above us from time to time do not engulf us! Keep praying dear and keep believing in yourself! Be blessed!
mirriam chelimo
August 7, 2015 at 5:36 pm
Don’t worry Everlyn I was in the same situation. I stayed for 5 years at home but God was always with me. Look at me now am doing my final exams at kemu. Keep on trusting and you will achieve what you want. Amen!
Ree
August 6, 2015 at 8:15 pm
I have never thought or heard of Impostor syndrome. So many people believe in my abilities but me? I am my biggest non-believer. I attribute it to anything n everything from luck to fluke. Thanks a lot Janet. From now on, YES I CAN!!!!
Janet Mbugua
August 18, 2015 at 5:44 pm
Yes you can Ree! Impostor Syndrome should never hold us back for long. All the best!
Ree
August 21, 2015 at 6:51 pm
The Subscribe button is here finally. Awesome. Godspeed Janet….
ann mugure
August 6, 2015 at 10:36 pm
impostor syndrome so me! din’t even know there was a word for it!…sometimes i think things i personally did were done by other people..i think it might be caused by fears…fears that yes you know yu’ve achieved but others will doubt it for so its easier to doubt it too so you feel less pressured
Janet Mbugua
August 7, 2015 at 7:56 am
Hi Ann! Well said! The way you've described it as putting yourself down first before others do is what so many people go through! But I hope you've now begun to take credit for your achievements? Please don't forget to do so. Thanks for reading my post! God bless
wendy miley
August 7, 2015 at 12:40 am
I love the post Janet…I finally got an answer, what did you call it again?oh “imposter sydrome”..en thanks to you I naw know how to fight it.thank you again, I should say girl,you are a hot bed of good advices en a hell of a writter too..lots of love.
Esperanza
August 7, 2015 at 2:02 am
Its 2 in the morning n am reading your blog and
I go like shez a superwoman. i enjoy your posts n you are so brave to share all this with us. cant wait for whats to come. all the best n God bless.
wambui
August 7, 2015 at 9:37 am
really inspired.
Victalyne
August 7, 2015 at 9:54 am
So inspiring dear…I always have that feeling of self doubt but been working on it…continue to inspire young women…we need more of this to make it in this tough world.
soraya
August 7, 2015 at 10:17 am
Thanx for sharing its so relatable. I have achievements that sometimes I don’t think are mine. Exactly as the impostor syndrome, the external evidence is there that you have achieved,but deep inside you doubt yourself.
soraya
August 11, 2015 at 11:16 am
Thanx for sharing its so relatable. I have achievements that sometimes I don’t think are mine. Exactly as the impostor syndrome, the external evidence is there that you have achieved,but deep inside i doubt myself.
molly
August 7, 2015 at 2:36 pm
I have tried to fight my low self-esteem i think this will help me… thanks vry much Janet gud work
Shemwah
August 7, 2015 at 4:41 pm
I relate.
I love you♥
Janet Mbugua
August 7, 2015 at 7:53 pm
Thanks dear. Much love right back atcha ?
Nicholas mwaniki
August 7, 2015 at 9:31 pm
I always have these ‘lots of nerves’ Janet.Thanks for making it known that we can always get through them.
jane
August 7, 2015 at 10:02 pm
and the way i love your voice,my 2year old niece has such a voice n i keep telling her,”utakuwa anchor kama janet mbugua..keep walking
Janet Mbugua
August 10, 2015 at 9:57 am
Haha! Tell her to be proud of it. When she's of age, be sure to get her enrolled in debate club. That was my stepping stone!
jane
August 7, 2015 at 10:36 pm
i looooove your voice,,,
jane
August 7, 2015 at 11:20 pm
i loooove your voice..keep walking
Janet Mbugua
August 10, 2015 at 9:56 am
Thank you dear ?
Nancy chelangat
August 8, 2015 at 10:52 pm
Janet you are such an inspiration to so many young women, you are an amazing woman with a wonderful voice. infact my nine year old daughter loves you so much n she wants to be like you when she grows up .can you imagine she has written so many articles about you, and she wants me to bring her to citizen TV to meet her.this makes me happy to know that my baby is looking upto a woman of substance like you n its making her work so hard coz she doesn’t want to let you down. keep on inspiring young women n the world would not remain the same.Hope that my girl will meet you one day
Janet Mbugua
August 18, 2015 at 5:36 pm
Oh that's nice to hear Nancy! I hope I can read her articles some day! Give her the biggest hug from me and God bless you both!
Caroline
August 9, 2015 at 1:35 pm
After reading your post i can now see how your journey has led you to the point where ordinary people can now celebrate you the way we did at the prize giving event at Loreto Convent Mombasa where you were the guest of honour …..looks like you may never run out of posts ….even there your story came out strong and encouraging "short and sweet " as you had planned….Dont stop!!
Much blessings
Janet Mbugua
August 18, 2015 at 5:34 pm
Thanks Caroline! I'm glad you were there to celebrate that moment with me ? be blessed!
Kinya
August 9, 2015 at 2:11 pm
hey Janet, I would love to subscribe to your blog, But I don’t seem to find the link.
Janet Mbugua
August 18, 2015 at 5:33 pm
Hi dear you can now find the subscribe link on my blog.
Catherine Mutonyi
August 9, 2015 at 2:14 pm
Janet – This is such an empowering read. Thank you.
You have captured and reminded me of my own life mantras: Self love, belief and courage to push through any fear (be it of action and/failure).
Just like you, I've learned along my own journey the importance of understanding my strengths celebrating them but to also understanding and owning my weaknesses. It has taken me years to understand that my weaknesses are not failures, they are just things I am not particularly good at. Now that I have understood that it empowers me to get the necessary support.
I read a saying once that said something to this effect (I cannot remember it verbatim): “If you understand your weaknesses and embrace them no one (including yourself) would ever be able to use it against you.”
In the past have been my greatest champion and worst critic at different times. I’m now consciously and deliberately making the active decision to be the former MOST of the time.
It’s a training will never end but is made easier with reading blogs like yours.
Sending you positive vibes this Sunday.
Janet Mbugua
August 18, 2015 at 5:33 pm
Hi there Catherine! First of all you write beautifully ? perhaps an account of your own journey is in the works? Secondly, I can see we have something in common, being our own best champions and worst critics. It takes time to be proud of who we are but let's never stop getting there. God bless you!
Samoina (@Samoina)
August 10, 2015 at 12:16 pm
I love this blog for so many reasons (while at it, am I the only one who refreshes tabs daily to see whether kuna a new post? 🙂 *waits for subscribe tab* )
but at the core of it, is the fact that this is a raw, authentic and poignant look into Janet's life. no, not Janet the sassy and courageous woman on screen, nop. the Janet who we can all relate to amid her silent struggles, her dark doubts and overall, the essence of the strong woman she is!
always refreshing to read a post, and this one is such a surreal one. I battle with this so many times, imposter syndrome. still working through it, and empowering the voice that tells me I can nail it (whatever challenge is is). Write on Janet.
Janet Mbugua
August 18, 2015 at 5:29 pm
Wow thank you Samoina! That just makes me want to keep encouraging you and many others. Yes I felt like it was time to be vulnerable and it has truly made me feel liberated. Keep reading and I hope now you've subscribed!
Natasha
August 10, 2015 at 7:05 pm
You are my greatest inspiration Janet…all the time…i’ve learnt a lot from your post on self-esteem
Janet Mbugua
August 18, 2015 at 5:27 pm
Thank you Natasha! I hope you feel encouraged to feel better about yourself. Keep shining!
Maureen murithi
August 11, 2015 at 9:10 am
U are my source of inspiration Janet.I follow all your posts closely. I became a mom while in my 3rd year at the university. ..through pushing on n determination I completed 8.4.4 yesterday.
keep touching people through your posts.God bless u
Janet Mbugua
August 18, 2015 at 5:26 pm
Well done for you Maureen. I'm glad to hear that no matter what challenges you went through, you pursued your studies and continued to set goals. I hope your little angel is giving you more hope everyday!
Tina
August 11, 2015 at 2:22 pm
That's how sometime back I used to feel, all my pals have made it in life, either they have good jobs or are married & have this life that every woman my age would want.Sometime I used to feel like there is something I did, that's y am single, not having a nice job & the lavish life. But I thank God cause reading the Bible & appreciating my life the way it is & waiting for God'd timing make me have hope for tommorow. Your words are so encouraging nothing is impossible & every dog has its day, mine is coming soon."Sovregine Lord, I put my hope in you, I have trusted in you since I was young."Psalms 71:5 this is one of my fav verse
Thank you for starting this blog & for reminding me that God is real through the story shared. Be blessed you & your family. One of your biggest fan
Janet Mbugua
August 18, 2015 at 5:25 pm
Bless you, Tina. All the things you want to achieve, go out and achieve them. Keep praying, I can see it has given you strength so I encourage you to keep doing so. Thanks for reading my posts and finding inspiration in them!
zippy mbugua
August 11, 2015 at 4:55 pm
Hi Janet..you are a blessing to me,in my primary school i had low self-esteem i knew nobody would believe in me,sometimes the same feeling come esp if i fail in anything bt what am happy abt is finally am sharing my story with close friends nd through this God wil help me overcome my fear…u inspire me a lot
Janet Mbugua
August 18, 2015 at 5:23 pm
You will definitely overcome Zippy. Remember that we all have something that sets us apart from others. Find your unique characteristic and embrace it. Take care and God bless
Njeri
August 13, 2015 at 12:08 pm
Continue with the sprit, i love everything you write, we all have that weakness. cant wait for the next one.
Janet Mbugua
August 18, 2015 at 5:22 pm
Thank you so much for your comments Njeri, God bless.
Roselyne Okwiri
August 13, 2015 at 2:24 pm
Thank you so much Janet. Your posts inspire me a lot. I am going through a difficult moment right now, but reading your posts has given me a renewed zeal and confidence to face tommorrow without any fears or anxiety that i will fail, because i know im good at what i do,and i need to remind myself that every single day. Thank you and i can't wait for the next post.
Janet Mbugua
August 18, 2015 at 5:21 pm
It makes me so happy to hear that Roselyne. We all go through those difficult moments but what Ive learnt is that we can all weather those storms. All the best and thanks for reading my posts!
carolyne tende
August 13, 2015 at 3:46 pm
i lov u so much janet u are my inspiration every single day.put ur head high gal
Janet Mbugua
August 18, 2015 at 5:20 pm
Thank you dear ?
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Nellius wanjohi
August 14, 2015 at 10:54 am
Hi janet,lemmi say im jus moved by your encouragin words…..im this kind of a lady who yearn to achieve in life
touch hearts n change lifes of those around me…… your great jouney has got it all n i believe i will.would like to connect with u to share more…im jus more than grateful….Nelly
Janet Mbugua
August 15, 2015 at 9:19 am
Oh thank you Nelly, I appreciate your support. Be blessed!
Elon
August 15, 2015 at 11:28 pm
Janet.. you are a supermodel…keep up the good work..inspire to inspire before you expire!
Wambu
August 18, 2015 at 8:19 am
This all i neede i actualy ened up emotional,i thought am the only one who alwas feel even.if i start i will fail,having tried so many things n failing and having noone who believe in me….i think.i need a counsle that will help me raise my esteem i try to get a thing to celebrate in my life and am.sorronded by failure evry time i get a job i end up loosing becouse of some funny mistake.i always fight with people around me coz i feel the dont love me..i am rude becouse i alwas feel like people see me a faliure and that am not meant to have a good life….i am.not sure what the future holds gor me…am heartbroken n wish i would get out of this cacoon God sometimes i wish my mum lives on maybe she could have helped me gain my self back.am so bitter with life,am so full of pain….but this post has touched me and i hope i will get out of this.i long for a happy life without gradges and being too personal….i need someone to help me through this journey….
anastasia k
August 18, 2015 at 1:25 pm
Hi Janet, you have encouraged me big. sometimes i just sit n wonder whether am i on the right path but this post has given me hope not to doubt my abilities and believe am the best. thank you
FIONA MUINDI
August 19, 2015 at 2:26 pm
What a story Janet.. I am so inspired and learn't that i should never ever give up!
Cant wait for the next post!
Elizabeth Njuguna
August 19, 2015 at 3:32 pm
Hi Janet
Thanks for your encouraging words. im so proud of you.
Be blessed of the Lord.
Elizabeth
Neema
August 21, 2015 at 3:11 pm
Hey Janet!
Even though 19yrs, I am always amazed by your posts. They are diductive, and immensely inspiring! I marvel at your understanding of life. I am thankful for the fact you find it fit to share it with us. You are amazing Janet. I may not meet you to tell you this, but always remember that you are a model lady. Your virtues though silently observed speak volumes. Your character moralizes. You are amazing!
P.s. I always learn new vocab through reading your posts 🙂 . Keep them coming. Love. Neema
Shariffa
August 23, 2015 at 5:02 pm
I love you janet ❤❤❤❤ this is beyond no doubt inspiring … And i love your blog 🙂
Regards,
shariffa
Lena
August 26, 2015 at 1:20 pm
I just discovered your blog today..I wonder where I have been..Am soo happy to know that you are such an inspirational woman..I have soo been encouraged by your posts…I have had a very low esteem for a long time and reading your posts has really lifted me up. Thank you so much…I will wait for more!
Grace Kimani
August 26, 2015 at 5:19 pm
This shows how far we have come from and we are still going far. When i read this it reminds me of my low moments and when am almost giving up and my inner self tells me that i shouldn't give up as i have long way to go…..and another things that comes up to minds is how many people envy who i am and would love to be where i am…..thank you Janet once more.
saadia
August 29, 2015 at 8:59 am
you are really an inspiration janet.why lie this blog is my ultimate daily bread.
Janet Mbugua
August 29, 2015 at 9:50 am
Thank you dear!
Mukamie
August 31, 2015 at 7:43 pm
This one is so applying to me at the moment, feeling so drained and defeated, topping up my insecurities despite the fact I got to get myself reorganized and resume for my final year in campus, I may not understand the path but trusting it will serve right, thanks for the soo relatable article Janet, God bless you
Anonymous
September 4, 2015 at 1:56 am
This blog has become my addiction.Keep up the good job Janet.You are my role model
Anonymous
September 11, 2015 at 10:14 am
God bless you Janet, may God continue to expand your territories.
EMILY KAARI
October 16, 2015 at 3:57 pm
Hi Janet
congratulations gal for conquering to this far, i realy love your articles they are so inspirational, i am getting so encouraged to pursue my passion too. i have been troubled severally by having low self esteem though am trying to get rid of it since it has made me fail and fall on several instances i hope it will be well. Otherwise may God always raise you to graeter heights to be an inspiration to many more generations. I was today in the morning still thinking about you and how God has made you to gain favour with both man and HIM. I love you and we will keep supporting you
Shiru
October 28, 2015 at 3:19 pm
Wow thanks for speaking directly to me,I needed this today at this very moment.
Janet Mbugua
March 22, 2016 at 10:13 am
Thank you and I hope you’re inspired ☺️
Patrick Hassan
December 21, 2015 at 8:57 am
I admire you Janet,,,expearing me alot …..Keep doing wat ur doing Lady.