The names I call myself....

You know when you meet someone new and they ask you, about you?  What do you say?  I have been thinking a lot lately about how we define ourselves and how its integrated into who we are and what we do in the world. 

This adventure (aka blog post) is about the "names" I call myself. 

I am a woman.  I was born a woman.  I am not always comfortable in the feminine skin.  There are parts of being female that are not fun or reason to get excited but there are times when its very cool and one awesome experience.

I am a daughter.  I was born the oldest daughter of a sibling line of 4.  Who has 4 children?  No one, except my parents and although I am learning its more common than I thought, I am a daughter.

I am a sister.  See the above.  I have two brothers and a sister.  I continue and will always be the oldest sister.  There are pros and cons and I know most of them, but recently have come to have a better and greater understanding of how this continues to impact me.

I am a social worker.  I won't drone on about the number of years I spent in school, the number of courses I have taken to get to where I am professionally, but just know that I have two bachelor degrees and a master's degree.  I am working on certificate program and work in the capacity as a social worker. 

I am a friend.  I don't have many friends.  I don't trust easily.  I have been burned and I don't like that - but I have many people in my life who support me. 

I am a best friend.  I am not sure if Stacy still gives me the same title, but I love her like a sister.  She is an amazing woman and I am proud to know her.  She has known me since I was 9.  She is a mom.  She has beaten cancer.  She continues to have the most positive attitude and the best smile - she and I can talk for hours and get caught up, as if no time had truly passed between us.  Sleepovers, heart break, dog ownership, boy problems and the list continues....she is one awesome chick! 

I am a spouse/partner/wife.  Depending on the "name" you want to use, I have a husband.  His name is Steve and he signed on for this adventure.  He may regret this, I should ask him.  :)

I am a mom.  There was a time in my life when I was told that I might be able to have this "name" and I had given up on it being a reality.  Well, two children later and I should be studied as a medical marvel or examined psychiatrically for my drive, determination and ambition to fulfill this dream.  I have loved and worked with kids since I was able to.  I babysat and have cared for children since I was little and likely even before I remember.  I was the oldest of 4, so there is a chance I cared for my siblings.  I thought I was headed into teaching primary school, because of my affinity to working, educating and caring for the little children.  This is the one title I continue to work on and am determined to put my best forward.  They are the best and completely wrapped in the love of my heart. 

I am a grand daughter.  I loved my grandparents dearly.  They had their quirks - but who doesn't?  I was blessed to have known them, cared for them, loved by them and for them, and learned from them.  I have been told that I am an old soul and I do feel a connection to a time which has passed - my grandparents were a piece of that puzzle.  I loved seeing the bank book, when others would roll their eyes, I could see excitement and thrill in his eyes. 

I am a cousin.  I love getting together with family.  I make an effort to visit, write and stay connected.  I don't do a very good job, but I do put forward my best. 

There are many other "names" I would give myself and some of these are: researcher, music enthusiast, runner, book hoarder, driver, coach, soccer player, neighbor, colleague,  and I could go on and on. 

So those are some of the "names" that I call myself.....its a long list.  I should print this so my psycho-analyst can read it and provide insight.  :)  HAHA.  I know my children have provided me with the ability seek a centre and look for the core of being present.  I love that my life is multi-dimensional and faceted with the breadth and depth of greatness.  Life is beautiful - no matter what its called!  And sometimes, it doesn't matter. 

Good night!