What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?

We asked folks a question that led to many surprising answers – some sad, some thought-provoking and some funny. We’ve highlighted a cross section of those responses below.

Joykenia Hill

As a child, I believed that my voice didn’t matter. Growing up around dysfunction, instability, and experiences no child should have to face, I learned early on to shrink myself, stay quiet, and survive. I thought my feelings were too heavy, my dreams were too big, and that the things I carried would always define me. Today, I no longer believe that. Read more>>

Ke Sinatra

I believed as a child that I had to grow up go to school, then college and work for the rest of my life. I no longer believe in that type of lifestyle. You can be anything you want to be whether you go to college or not. Also, everyone isn’t meant to be 9-5 workers. Some people are born enterprenuers. Read more>>

Tomeeko Piercy

As a child, I believed my success hinged on someone recognizing my value—someone who would see my potential and offer me an opportunity or platform. That recognition never came. I eventually learned that achieving certain things often requires compromise or self-effort—self-mastery. As I grew older, my perspective shifted. Read more>>

GradyDeMarcus (GD) Holland

That no one cared or understood my existence. Read more>>