Owning Your Light: Trusting Your Spiritual Gifts in a World That Doubts

I’ll never forget the first mediumship workshop I traveled to in upstate New York—an entire week dedicated to answering the question, “Is this all real?” At that point, my abilities had only recently awakened, and while I had experienced undeniable moments of connection, the doubts still crept in. Was I really meant to do this? Was I just making it all up? The excitement of stepping into something so life-changing was shadowed by an even bigger fear—what if I failed?

As I arrived at the workshop, my nerves were in overdrive. I was surrounded by 80 strangers, all eager to strengthen their connection to the spirit world. The room had floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking lush trees and the occasional deer grazing outside—nature itself seemed to be a reassuring presence. But inside, I was battling full-blown imposter syndrome.

Our first exercise was mini-readings. We paired off with different partners, switching every ten minutes. I managed to receive a series of confirming pieces of evidence—enough to give me hope and keep me from running for the door. But then came the last pairing of the day.

I sat across from a person whose confidence radiated so intensely that it was overwhelming and quite intimidating. They smiled smugly and said, “I’ve already lined up spirits for you. I’m making this easy for you.” My stomach clenched. I took a deep breath, centered myself, and allowed the visions to flow.

Each image I shared was met with an immediate, hard, cold no. No pauses. No curiosity. No “Hmm, let me think.” Just pure, raw, brutal rejection—one after another.

I felt the energy drain from me. My confidence, already fragile, was crumbling. It wasn’t just the dismissive no’s—it was the way they came so forcefully, so abruptly, as if I had no business even trying. It was as if my connection to spirit was being invalidated right in front of me. I wanted to disappear. I wanted to run. I wanted to get on a plane and never look back. Then, something shifted.

One of the mediums running the workshop had overheard the interaction. He stopped everyone for a moment, stood up, and addressed the entire group. He reminded us that growth in mediumship isn’t just about personal development—it’s about creating a space where we lift each other up, not tear each other down. Learning to connect with spirit is a deeply personal journey that requires both courage and vulnerability. Instead of dismissing or shutting down messages, we should approach every interaction with an open heart and a willingness to explore. Support, patience, and kindness are just as vital as technique because when we encourage one another, we all rise.

This was the moment I knew I was in the right place, with the right mentors. His words were a lifeline. I realized then that my fear wasn’t just about getting it wrong—it was about wanting someone else to confirm that I was right. But mediumship isn’t about me. I mean, in some ways it is, but more importantly, I am a vessel—less ego, more spirit. I had been seeking approval instead of trusting myself, trusting spirit, and trusting the very reason I was there—to understand, to learn, and to grow.

Stepping Into Your Truth—Even When Others Don’t See It

If I learned one thing that week, it was that there will always be those who question you—people who don’t see what you see, who challenge you, the skeptics who want to knock you down and shake your confidence. But their doubts do not define your truth.

The tricky part—the paradox, really—is that mediumship, beautiful mediumship, is built on validation. It’s about the evidence, the undeniable details, the essence of a loved one who has crossed over—the shared memories, the small but significant moments that bring comfort and healing. And for any developing medium, it’s incredibly difficult when that evidence is not validated, when we encounter the hard no’s.

That moment at the workshop could have broken me. But instead, it became a defining lesson: My spiritual connection is not for others to approve—it is for me to trust. Your journey is no different.

If you’re struggling with self-doubt, if you’ve ever had someone dismiss your experiences, remember this: Your intuition is yours for a reason. Your gifts were placed within you with purpose. And no one else has the right to tell you they don’t belong to you.

Your Magic Is Meant to Shine

The world doesn’t need more people dimming their light to make others comfortable. It needs more people who are willing to embrace their magic unapologetically.

Yes, the road of self-trust is often uncomfortable. Yes, there will be people who question or dismiss your experiences. But that doesn’t mean you’re on the wrong path. If anything, it means you’re being called to stand even taller in your truth.

Not everyone will understand, and that’s okay. Other people’s skepticism often has more to do with their own fears than with your potential. Instead of internalizing their doubt, let it be a reminder to trust yourself even more.

The path of spiritual alignment—whether you are a practicing psychic, a medium, or simply finding your way—isn’t always easy, but it is always worth it. When you allow yourself to shine—fully and boldly—you give others permission to do the same. You don’t need permission to be extraordinary. Your magic is yours to own.

And by owning it, you’re not just transforming your life—you’re helping to transform the world.

Copyright 2025 Angelique Declercq. All rights reserved.