Not Fitting In
Trying to navigate the multicultural workplace can be a difficult task. One of the hardest parts about it is feeling like you don’t fit in. With so many diverse backgrounds present in the workplace today, you may sometimes feel out of place. You may feel that your culture or background is too different to build common ground upon. You may think that your life experiences won’t be valued.
Trying to find these moments of belonging is a struggle, and with mindfulness being more relevant than ever, it’s important to find ways in which you can ground yourself, reminding yourself that you still belong.
How to Obtain Your Quiet Moments of Belonging
During high school and college, there were a few moments where I felt out of place. And whether it was because I didn’t come from the same place or because my culture was different, the feeling of not belonging would always result in anxiety and overwhelmingness. I needed ways that provided me with the safe space that we all need sometimes. I needed to find small and quiety ways that I could still belong.
- Journaling
Journaling is one way to instill your sense of belonging. One method I found was jotting down things that I had still had in common with people despite our different backgrounds. Small journal entries remind you that you are no different.
- Reading
Reading books can be another form of quiet belonging. With the different perspectives that arise in reading, it can feel hopeful reading about someone that may be going through the same thing as you. They can teach you how to approach belonging or give you a new sense of belonging altogether.
- Meditation
Meditation is another viable solution. Just sitting with your thoughts and practicing your breathing can clear your mind. It can ease the anxiety and stress that you may feel whenever you feel like you don’t belong.
Maintaining Your Sense of Belonging
While these three solutions are effective, it’s important to go at them seriously. Really try to figure out how you can belong so that you can use it whenever you’re not feeling seen, heard, or valued because this problem goes well beyond the workplace. It affects all aspects of life, and we must all be equipped with effective methods that remind us of our importance and our belonging. So be true to yourself, and remember that you matter.
