The past few weeks have been challenging. Balancing medical school, Behind The Smiles, running, social commitments, and the demands of everyday life has left me feeling like I was constantly chasing my tail. Eventually, my body and mind decided enough was enough.
During this time, I found myself grappling with feelings of inadequacy and imposter syndrome - a struggle I know many can relate to. Whether it’s questioning if I’m clever enough to be in medical school, 'neurodivergent enough' to share my experiences, or capable enough to pursue my goals in sport, the self-doubt has felt overwhelming.
Compounding this has been the familiar challenge of ADHD inertia - the frustrating state of wanting to take action or get back to feeling like myself but not quite knowing how to begin. It’s a cycle that can feel paralysing, leaving you stuck in place despite your best intentions.
Today, however, I received a simple yet powerful message from a friend: “Forever proud of you.” That message stopped me in my tracks. It reminded me to pause and reflect - not on what I haven’t done, but on what I have achieved. Despite the challenges, I’ve continued to make progress, and that is worth celebrating.
As we begin a new month, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your own journey. Acknowledge how far you’ve come, however small the steps may feel, and remember that your worth isn’t defined by comparison to others. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments and if you can relate to any part of this journey.
#BehindTheSmiles #Resilience #ImposterSyndrome #ADHDInertia #Neurodiversity #MedicalStudentJourney #ReflectionAndGrowth