We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Catherine Berra a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Catherine, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I just turned 60. I’ve worked since I was 13 and have always incorporated writing into my career. Writing poems has been a passion of mine since I was a young girl and a fascination with the written word has always been at the forefront of my writing journey. After almost 20 years in the Washington, DC area, I returned to Colorado to assist my aging parents and during the change in pace, the change in environment and change in circumstances, I finally came to a quiet lull wherein I was able to stop and make the decision to begin writing in a creative space.
One might think that, after writing in the corporate world for so long that I’d be confident in my abilities, delving into creative writing and self-publishing was a bit daunting. However, having now published two books, as well as currently working on a third plus several screenplays, the significance of that forward movement has allowed for the realization that I do have the skills and talent to persist.
The genesis of imposter syndrome surely differs for each individual, however, once I began my journey, hired a self-publishing consultant, started to format my chapters and cover designs, the flow of positivity grew stronger. What helped the most in my situation was that I decided to go the self-publishing route. I had stories to tell and I was not at the point in my life where I wanted to wait for months and years for a literary agent or main stream publisher to give me a thumbs up. Why wait to share stories and to get approval from large conglomerates to proceed with a dream? I was not in this for the money; there are stories to tell. Self-publishing has opened up the publishing world for thousands of individuals. Granted, some are better than others. I paid for an editor, a cover designer and others to assist me in the process and I am fortunate to have been able to do this as part of my publishing journey.
The fact that I have published two books and have more on the way is a clear indication to myself that if someone has the wherewithal to put the effort into their work, then there is nothing standing in their way.
Imposter syndrome is real for many of us, but overcoming the doubts and uncertainties that are common in any challenging endeavor can only move us toward better outcomes. I am proud of my work, have much more to share and at this stage in my life, it is more of a “why not?” than a “never will.” Life is short. Write the book!!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am currently working as a remote consultant for a foundation in Washington, D.C. where I also worked for over 10 years when I lived in that area.
I am also an author and have published two books – a poetry book and a comedy book about online dating for older humans. You can find the links on my website at CatherineBerra.com.
Current works are in progress and I am excited to continue my journey in the creative writing space.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three qualities or skills that were and are most impactful to me in my journey have been optimism, perseverance and levity.
When you finally stop and take stock in the experiences you’ve had, the stories you can share and the relatability of what so many of us go through, you realize that your passions and motivations are your own. We are all so lost in the chaos of life that sometimes we forget to just take a moment to reassess. Maintaining a sense of humor and understanding that levity can help to take the stress out of situations, and the seemingly nonstop pressure of life, is vital to mental and physical health.
For me, the recognition of this truth occurred when I moved back to Colorado after 20 years of moving at a very fast past while living on the east coast. Even though it took me years to decelerate in Colorado, I believe the universe brought me back to the wide open spaces to take a breath and focus on my present moment
I believe anyone can best develop or improve upon their self-awareness skills by taking the time to sit in the present moment with their goals and dreams and create a plan for success.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was to allow me to be the independent spitfire that I was as a young girl. My mother once showed me my baby book and the entry was indicative of what was to come. I had been walking for a very short time. “Cathy was at the bottom of the steps today and when I went to go help her up a little bit, she turned to me and in a very sassy voice, said, “No, no, no.” This was indeed a sign of things to come.
While many of us struggle throughout life about what our parents should have, could have and would have done, I believe that as we move through life and mature to the point of taking a look back at what has transpired, we realize that we are all just doing the best we can with what we have. Educating ourselves is our responsibility and while, as they say, if you have been wronged by your parents or feel that you were neglected in some way, shape or form, that it is certainly not your fault. However, the reaction and forward movement and growth out of those experiences are your responsibility.
My parents raised four children in a very different time of no social media influence and for that, we are all lucky.
The fact that my parents knew I was fiercely independent from the time I entered this world and allowed me, in their own generational parameters, to thrive and seek out my adventures, is truly commendable. It could not have been easy.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.catherineberra.com/
- Instagram: http://www.catherineberra.com/
