Imposter Syndrome Doesn't Stand A Chance Because Of My Corgi

Four legs, endless motivation.

You know how they say dogs are (wo)man's best friend? I agree, but I'd also like to add an author's note about how my corgi's very existence helps me go toe-to-toe with imposter syndrome and win...most times.

Jasmine Vaughn-Hall / Via BuzzFeed

I don't think we deserve dogs, but I'm glad we have them. 

Let's start from the beginning. I got Chichi back in 2019. She was only a few months old at the time, and I didn't know anything about the breed.

@chi_chi_who_dis / Via instagram.com

I'd quickly learn that though small, corgis seriously have the biggest personalities (and hilarious attitudes). 

I can't truly pinpoint when I signed up for the imposter syndrome club, but I've been bringing snacks to the meetings when asked. (Joking, but seriously where in the hell did it come from?)

Hulu / Via giphy.com

I work in a creative field, so I partly blame that. I have this little voice in my head that doubts that I produced "good work" or that I'm capable of doing it again. 

It's a relentless back-and-forth that's physically and emotionally exhausting. 

Here's where Chichi comes in. She's around for my highs and lows, but most importantly, she inadvertently gives me all the motivation and tidbits of advice for overcoming imposter syndrome simply by being the charismatic corgi that she is.

@chi_chi_who_dis / Via instagram.com

Seriously, how in the heck did I get so lucky? 

Chichi takes up space without apology.

Jasmine Vaughn-Hall / Via BuzzFeed

There are rooms and discussions that I've let imposter syndrome convince me that I shouldn't take part in. I muffled my voice and made myself small. 

I think about Chichi belly's up in my bed like she's supposed to be there, and I laugh and TAKE UP SPACE. I'm right where I need to be. My corgi said so. 

Boundaries — Chichi has them and enforces them.

Jasmine Vaughn-Hall / Via BuzzFeed

Do not bother Chichi when she is in a deep sleep or get in the way when she is trying to get comfortable. She'll quickly let you know that you are crossing the line. 

I've let way too many people get inside my headspace, telling me what I'm capable of. It fuels imposter syndrome. If my little corgi can set boundaries, why can't I? Noted. 

Chichi is the same pup in every single room that she's in. Take it or leave it.

@chi_chi_who_dis / Via instagram.com

Have you ever felt like you had to incredibly switch things up because you've already labeled yourself "the other"? It's infuriating. 

Chichi and her little corgi butt are the same in each room. She doesn't change for anyone or anything. There's no putting a cap on her personality, and I can certainly apply that to my personal and professional life. 

You can't tell Chichi she's not 10 feet tall.

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I don't know if it's confidence or Napoleon complex, but Chichi walks around like the world isn't bigger than she is. Mind you, she will live out the rest of her days only inches above the ground. But you can't convince her of that. 

If I can stand tall in the face of imposter syndrome, it won't have such a say in my life. We aren't fostering self-doubt way up here, buddy. 

If you made it this far, your attention span is way longer than Chichi's.

Jasmine Vaughn-Hall / Via BuzzFeed

All in all, I appreciate all of Chichi's little quirks, and every day I hope she knows that she's actually the one teaching me a few things — and for that I am eternally grateful.

Do you have a pet in your life that makes you want to be your best self?