Choose happiness: how practicing positivity can change your reactions in times of trouble

For years I have had the feeling that I was not living my best life, but I never seemed to be able to break out of my regular routine and actually make any lasting changes. I tried forcing myself to wake up early, exercise, eat right and get things done. I confused productivity with happiness.

Then, about a year ago, I had a major breakthrough. I realized that happiness was not the result of having or doing or procuring or achieving, but was rather a decision that can be made and worked towards. I started reading every book I could on mindfulness and the psychology of happiness.

Imposter Syndrome: Why intelligent, hard-working people don’t believe they are worthy of the success they have achieved

Over the past few months I have been struggling with a feeling of not being good enough for the work I do, or for the work I would like to do in the future. I received my TESOL (Teaching English as a Second Language) certificate six years ago. I have taught dozens of private and group courses, worked with both children and adults, obtained extensive experience as an English editor and continue to receive praise from my students. Nevertheless, I feel uncomfortable referring to myself as an English teacher, I hesitate to offer my services as an editor as I fear that I don’t actually know what I’m doing, and I certainly feel vulnerable every time I post a blog entry.