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Hello Leslie CreativeSelf-care, new beginnings & solo travel Free 7-day journal

Starting Over · Reflection

Why I’m Done Playing Small

Layoffs, family hurt and depression didn't stop me. This is about calling out imposter syndrome, setting a new goal, and inviting you to stop playing small too.

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Why I’m Done Playing Small

I’ve been laid off. I’ve faced major family disappointments. I’ve battled depression.

And yet, I’m still here.

Not just surviving, but rebuilding, piece by piece, step by step.

Somehow, through all the chaos, I picked myself up. I started writing again. I launched my blog. I even started a podcast. I created two wellness journals from scratch. I’ve worked with Fortune 500 companies. I started a business helping entrepreneurs, big and small, find their voice, build their brands, and create impact.

Leslieann at a sunny cafe table with a latte, her hands resting on The Mindful Journey Journal
The Mindful Journey Journal, one of the two I created from scratch.

Get “The Mindful Journey Journal”

So why do I still feel like an imposter?

Why do I hesitate to own my success, to tell my story with pride? Why do I keep waiting for someone else to validate what I already know, that I’ve worked my ass off to get here, and I deserve to take up space?

Minimal white desk with a chair, small plants, and framed art

Imposter Syndrome Is a Liar

The truth is, imposter syndrome doesn’t care how much you’ve achieved. It whispers, “You’re not good enough. You got lucky. Who do you think you are?” It makes you shrink when you should be standing tall.

But here’s the thing: I have receipts.

Everything I’ve accomplished, I did without a roadmap. Without a safety net. Without the kind of support system that makes the journey easier.

And yet, I still built something.

I’ve helped businesses grow. I’ve shared stories that resonate. I’ve created tools that help others heal. I’ve done things that so many people dream of but never take action on.

So why the hell shouldn’t I be shouting from the rooftops?

Woman holding a white rose by a window
Related read45 and Still Writing the Story

A New Mindset, A New Goal

Starting today, I’m done downplaying my success.

I’m done waiting for the “right time” to promote my work. I’m done acting like my wins aren’t big enough to celebrate. I’m done letting doubt hold me back.

Instead, I’m setting a new goal: Radical Visibility.

I will own my expertise.

I will share my story boldly.

I will promote my journals, my blog, my podcast, and my business without hesitation.

And if you’ve ever struggled with feeling like an imposter, even when you have every reason to be proud, then let’s make this a collective shift.

Own your success. Tell your story. Take up space.

Because if we don’t, who will?

Candle, popcorn, glasses, and an open book on a marble table

Let’s Do This Together

If you’re ready to step into your greatness, drop a comment below: What’s one thing you’ve achieved that you know you should be celebrating more?

And if you need a space to reflect, heal, and step into your power, check out my wellness journals. They’re designed to help you reclaim your confidence, set meaningful goals, and move forward with clarity.

Leslieann smiling and holding up her journal Nurturing Your Soul: A Guide to Practicing Self-Care
Radical Visibility, starting now. Me and Nurturing Your Soul.

✨ Grab your copies here:

Get “Nurturing Your Soul”Get “The Mindful Journey Journal”

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