Rooms I’ve Dreamed of Being Present In—I Am Now Being Invited Into

There was a time when I stood on the outside looking in, envisioning myself in spaces where decisions were made, deals were struck, and legacies were built. I imagined what it would be like to contribute, to sit at those tables, to have my voice heard. But self-doubt whispered, Are you ready? Do you belong?

Now, I find myself not just stepping into those rooms—but being invited in. The very spaces I once dreamed of are now opening their doors to me. And as I take my seat, I realise something important: I must have been doing something right all along.

Overcoming Self-Doubt

The journey to this moment wasn’t without obstacles. The greatest battle was often the one within—silencing the voice that said, You’re not enough. You’re not experienced enough, connected enough, accomplished enough. But I kept showing up. I kept learning. I kept working. And most importantly, I refused to let fear dictate my path.

Self-doubt is a liar. If you let it, it will keep you small, standing outside doors you were meant to walk through. The key is to push forward even when you don’t feel ready. Because growth doesn’t happen in comfort—it happens in the moments when you step into something bigger than yourself and trust that you will rise to the occasion.

Keep Striving—People Are Watching

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that people see you before they speak to you. They watch how you move, how you handle challenges, how you carry yourself in the face of adversity. Even when you think no one notices, they do.

So keep striving. Keep putting in the work. Keep building your name, your craft, and your reputation. Someone, somewhere, is taking note. And when the time comes, your name will be mentioned in rooms you never thought possible.

To those still waiting for their invitation—don’t give up. One day, you’ll look around and realise you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be. And when you do, step forward boldly. You belong there.

Charlene A. Charles

CACHARLES + CO.