Imposter syndrome | 3.5 minute read

I’ve been writing professionally for about 14 years. By my estimation, I’ve written a couple thousand articles, a few hundred blog posts, and countless marketing emails. And never — not even once — have I had writer’s block.

Until now.

It’s not that I don’t know what to write; it’s because I don’t want to write. Because I currently feel like an imposter.

I feel this way because this newsletter, by its most simple definition, is about happiness. And, although it’s difficult for me to admit, this year has been tough and I’m not really happy right now.

So far in 2025, I’ve made a difficult move, saying goodbye to my first house that I loved, I’ve had to deal with numerous unplanned expenses, I was laid off from the best job I’ve ever had, and I lost my best friend — my dog Isla. Outside of my own things, I’ve had family members struggle with grief and loss and their own tough situations. As I’m sure many of you have as well.

So, it’s been … not so great.

”This too shall pass,” my Dad recently told me over the phone when I explained how I was feeling. It’s good advice and something I know to be true. So, I hold onto it, carry on, and try to be thankful for the things that are going well for me.

Like the fact that my new house, with its cute front porch, is great for sitting on while drinking (a few too many) late night beers with Andrea while listening to records.

Or that I was able to find another job just a week after losing my last one. I have an amazing network that always seems to look after one another (thanks, Kate!).

Or that I was able to adopt an abused dog and give her an amazing 15 years full of adventure, laziness, walks, treats, Sunday cuddles, and love. And that, in the end, I was able to let her go with dignity when she let me know it was time. (She deserves an entire post dedicated to her, but I’m not quite ready for that yet.)

Now, even just writing this and getting these thoughts out of my brain has made me feel a little better. A little happier. A little less like an imposter.

If you’re struggling with something, heed the words of my wise Dad. Life’s got its ups and downs but, as long as it’s trending upward in the long run, we have a lot to be thankful for.

The pebble

The challenge

Next time you’re struggling with something, feeling less than happy, write out your thoughts. Try to focus on the good. There’s always good out there if you look for it and allow yourself to feel it.