Unlearning & Being Enough

Picture this:

You’re in a super-cool-trendy location, surrounded by 25 other women (and a few men), with coffee in hand, when you’re asked to forget everything you know.

And then you’re taken to church. You learn how a girl’s confidence peaks at the age of nine (9!) whereas boy’s confidence grows from ages 9-16. You hear powerful testimonials about how—through unlearning engrained behaviors, thoughts and stories—the women speaking have learned to let go and trust themselves.

Because women are often rewarded for perfection, not growth, and carry so many burdens. And, as we learned that day—”that shit is heavy.”

Dina Scippa, founder and CEO of Enough Labs, helped those of us in attendance that day begin our journey of unlearning and realizing that we are enough—just as we showed up that day.

Over the course of two hours, Dina led us in a discussion about how to begin reframing our accomplishments, recognize the beauty and strength in us, and channel our energy toward growing our confidence and surpassing our goals.

“You must participate,” Dina implored. She bravely and boldly told us her story, then encouraged us to share ours with each other and the room. Ironically, my hand raised and I spoke about being fearful to venture out on my own. Dina listened so intensely, thanked me for sharing, and—through some live-action coaching—helped me realize I don’t need to wait for validation or approval to get started.

Two weeks after the workshop I received a letter in the mail—with my handwriting. I had forgotten that Dina asked us to write a letter to our future self during the workshop. When I read it I was transported back to that super-cool-trendy location and straight into my feelings from that day.

While I won’t reveal what I wrote (after all, it was for my eyes only) I will say it gave me the boost I needed.

PS. Want to experience Unlearning for yourself? Dina is hosting The Unlearning Lab LIVE in Washington, DC on Saturday, November 5.