Introspection (8th in a series)

One gains various titles or words that get attached to them through out one’s life. These can be gained by doing something, learning something, or not doing something.

We all walk around with these invisible word clouds surrounding us.

Some words go away because we have changed or people don’t perceive that about us any more.

I haven’t been thought of as a toddler in decades.

There are words we call ourselves and those have a lot to do with how we perceive ourselves.

There is an exercise that I first did in an acting class where you sit in front of someone who says “You are” and you say the first thing that comes into your head. You do this about ten times. Then you do the same for the other person.

It is interesting how the words change over time.

Stage Manager use to be the word that came up first because that is how I saw myself.

Puppeteer was usually second and usually still is.

Mom went to the first spot when Caroline was born. It got moved to the second spot last year when I added Caregiver to the list of things I have done in my life. Honestly I think they were neck and neck for most of last year.

Stage Manager still floats in there somewhere. It is still such a part of me.

Artist didn’t kick in until I was almost in my mid 20s. I just didn’t see building puppets as art.

Editor was acquired when I worked at Del Rey.

Writer is one that I have enjoyed acquiring.

Smart is one that has always been on the list.

Giving is another that has been on the list for a while. That came from someone else telling me that I was a very giving person in the good sense of the word.

Grateful has been on the list for a long time because there is so much I am grateful for.

That would be the current 10 for today but they can change with the day and the task as needed.

I am grateful for things that help me cope with that which I cannot change but desperately want to.