Yesterday, I made a bold proclamation, as I sometimes do. I told myself, and soon thereafter twitter and Instagram that “I want to have a public conversation with Brené Brown about shame specifically as a tool of White Supremacy; relooking at the paradox of vulnerability as an act of liberation and sovereignty but also the high risk of vulnerability in Black skin. I’m ready Brene.” As soon as I wrote it, my whole body got hot. I was terrified, what had I done?
Immediately, admittedly, I wanted to delete the post. Forget the proclamation. I quickly realized that what I was feeling was shame, specifically imposter syndrome of the “Who does she think she is” variety. The feelings came quickly and flooded my body with panic but before I could delete the sentiment, I made myself put my phone down and just wait. I made myself breathe through all the reasons why I actually was uniquely qualified to have this conversation.
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