If your hard work got you to a room where usually “privileged” people expect to find only other “privileged” people…
And one of these people says “it’s really good that people like you are here”…
And this comment awakens negative feelings…
Firstly, welcome those negative feelings.
Don’t repress them—let them in.
Irrespective of that person’s intention.
This is always the first step—forgiving yourself for anything you feel.
Secondly, forgive the other person.
For their preconceptions, prejudices, unconscious biases, and worldviews coloured by their own backstories.
Irrespective of that person’s intention.
Thirdly, forgive yourself if you can’t forgive.
The previous two steps can be hard at times—and that’s okay.
Fourthly, enjoy being where you deserve to be.
Loving you, Angelos
PS: Inspired by my friend and barrister Hashi Mohamed, author of the book “People Like Us—What it Takes to Make it in Modern Britain”.