Who am I?

Who am I?  Seems like a simple question, right?  I'm reading a book that asked that this simple, innocuous question, and being the good little doobie that I am, I paused to answer it.  I'm a woman, a wife and mother, a daughter, friend, consultant - STOP. 

This is not who I am, it's who I've become - the roles I've assumed.

Back to the question, "who am I?"  Pause.  More pause.  Maybe it's not as simple as I first thought, but I know the answer - just give me a minute.  I start to look at myself through someone else's eyes and realize that it won't be accurate, my vision is the one that counts. 

Finally I begin to see the person that I am, the person I've always been.

I'm funny, in a wickedly sarcastic kind of way.

I'm persistent, there is an answer and I will figure it out.

I'm a big picture person, please don't ask me to balance my checkbook.

I'm smart even though I usually can't answer more than one question on Jeopardy!

I'm loving and kind and generous (think labradoodle).

I'm fiercely protective of everything I love; people, things, and ideas (think pit bull).

I can keep up a mental conversation with myself throughout the day but I can't make small talk at a party.

I'm flawed (ouch).

Yes, I'm flawed and rather than pretend that I'm not, I embrace my flaws and I will not apologize.  They make me who I am.  They give me personality, even if it is quirky and irreverent.

Your turn.  Give it a shot, it's freeing.  Who are you?

Comments

[MerylOK]

Good Question. Hmmm...Who Am I?

I'm finally realizing what my mom meant when she told me as a young girl,"There is no comfort in change, but little personal growth without it."

I accept that "Opting-In" or "Opting-Out" of the workplace is just that...an option-not a life sentence.

I have the confidence in knowing that opting out dulled neither my brain, passion, skills or creativity-in fact, when I dig down deep, it gave me rewards I never dreamed of, (Not all of which were focused on my family, but about me...about my dreams).

I know that Opting back in is not only OK, but necessary for me to truly BE who I am.

I believe we have not yet found a clear roadmap for that steep on-ramp or off-ramp.

When I'm dreaming really big, I dream about a world where there is new leadership in the women's movement.

I'm a person who thrives on sharing thoughts and ideas with terrific women like you and collectively, right here on this very site we are spuring our thoughts into action.

I'm a woman who is still learning-always will be. I'm a woman who needs to be reminded sometimes that learning doesn't define what you don't know, but rather what you do know: That you can do and be anything, if you truly believe it.

Getting, there...believing in yourself,is another story. Growing in new directions can be scary, even painful, but the rewards are so worth it!