Fun fact: I have a fear of the ocean.

I’m not a very good swimmer, and when I was in St. John USVI, I was given one of those floatation devices (you know the ones that save your life? ) to float on while everyone snorkeled around me.

(Snorkeling was not my jam, but I digress…)

At first I thought, “Oh, this is COOL!” and then the waves started to carry me further and further away from the catamaran.

And let me tell you, mass panic ensued.

“What if it doesn’t work out?”
“What if I mess this up?”
“What if I die out here?”

I worked my arms so hard trying to get back that I exhausted myself. I didn’t trust myself to get back in time before the ocean was going to swallow me whole.

Eventually my arms and legs gave out all the energy they could, and I had to stop to catch my breath. That’s when someone pulled on the floatie, and brought me back closer to the boat.

Immediately I felt ridiculous and internally kicking myself, knowing that the catamaran owners would never let anything happen to one of their guests, and neither would my family.

Instead of saying, “What if it doesn’t work out?”
…“What if it DOES work out?”

What if I’m completely safe and trusted the process initially?

Over and over, I hear a friend repeatedly say, “Trust in the process. Trust your gut, Aya.”

If I trust my gut and trust in my process, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I know I am completely safe.

Many times, we (and yes, myself included) allow imposter syndrome and panic and anxiety to take over when it comes to making decisions. It makes you doubt yourself. Even if it comes creeping up, I recognize it and accept that it’s just my brain trying to put me back into my comfort zone.

And you know what, things work out, even if they don’t work out. Because I trust in my process. I trusted myself and my gut.

“Give yourself permission to live a big life. Step into who you are meant to be. Stop playing small. You’re meant for greater things.”

Go on, be powerful. Trust your gut, and don’t let imposter syndrome get in the way of the magic you were meant to create.