You know that exercise they have you do in writing classes where you pick, say 5 words, to define yourself? You’re not supposed to think about it, but just go with your gut. My gut always gets confused.
I can think of a list of obvious descriptions, such as these:
1. Woman
2. Latter-day Saint
3. Mother
4. Book enthusiast
5. Friend
But then I fret that these are too bland. I mean, you’re supposed to go with your instincts, but I am so much more than this. Plus, ordering them is incredibly challenging. Does the order matter? So, I try for something that feels more impressive:
1. Writer
2. Lover
3. Idealist
4. Collector of words
5. Google Search oficianado
In truth, I think I’ve always resisted labels because they feel limiting and are so susceptible to bias. Beyond how others might label me or labels I put on myself, I’m also constantly changing, adapting, stretching, growing, trying out new things, fluctuating between definitions. I think I’ve always resisted labels because I want room to move, change my mind, figure things out, redefine myself, set my own boundaries. In reality,
* Some days I’m as subtle as a mack truck. Other days, I master the art of dialogue.
* When the opportunity arises, I think I should dread public speaking, but actually find it thrilling and rewarding.
* If I could, I’d always be enrolled in some course, learning something new, sitting near the front of the class, raising my hand and participating like crazy.
* I despise hypocrisy, but sometimes I’m a hypocrite.
* While I am pleased with my choice to be a SAHM, I’ve recently realized that I take a different pleasure in telling people I am also a part-time writer.
* I used to get riled by something daily on facebook, pulling out the boxing gloves, proclaiming from my soapbox. Then I realized it was fruitless, frustrating, and getting me nowhere.
* If you want to piss me off, the quickest way is to be dismissive about my beliefs or imply that I’m silly or stupid.
* I love passionately, fervently, wholeheartedly – my family, friends, interests, causes.
* I know what it’s like to lose someone you thought it would be impossible to live without.
* I have a tendency toward seriousness and can be overly formal without meaning to. Conversely, I have a big, boisterous laugh.
* I am impatient and grow quickly frustrated by indecision.
* I can be an obnoxious game player, overrun by my enthusiasm and a competitiveness you don’t see in other aspects of my life.
* My commitment to my faith is heavily influenced by my belief in agency and being accountable for our choices. Religion does not make me do anything, coerce me, or force me. I choose. If this wasn’t the case, I would have nothing to do with it.
* My husband is my favorite person and I think he’s my ideal mate.
* I wish I was better informed because I want to be involved in my community, political life, and important causes. I try, but feel overwhelmed sometimes.
* I’m not shy and love meeting new people.
* It took me a long time to realize that other people’s successes don’t overshadow mine or limit me.
* I’ve learned that you can love someone deeply and decide to put distance between you and their choices without this changing the depth of your love for them.
* There are some things I love about myself and own with confidence, other things I’m actively working on, and still others I’m not ready to tackle yet.
I think we all struggle when we see that dreaded “About Me” box, asking us to define ourselves in a few sentences. It’s feels a bit like “Choose 5 words” all over again. But I know I’m more than that limited space has to offer and I rarely glance at it when I visit new blogs these days. I’d rather move beyond those labels and get to know a blogger through his or her posts.
What is something unique about you that a reader might not discover from reading your “About Me” box?
I hate the about me sections!
Something you couldn’t know about me in my about me? I’m a good kind of crazy!
I have rewritten and tweaked my About Me section a million times and it never sounds right. Describing yourself and who you are is one of the hardest things I think someone can be asked to do.
I take a small perverse pleasure in the About Me box; I look at it as an opportunity to ‘enhance’ and ‘creatively interpret’ descriptions of myself. 🙂 Actually, I don’t think I have an About Me box anymore. I figured since you and Elizabeth are the only people who ever make comments on my blog, it’s probably not worth it.
On another note, I think my mother sometimes wishes I was more like you. The other day she called to talk to me when I was a little distracted and after putting up with 10-15 minutes of my poor interpersonal skills she finally said, “well, it’s obvious you aren’t in the mood to talk, so I’ll let you go.” I said that I didn’t really have anything new to say because I just talked to her the other day. She said she knew people who talked to their mother everyday. I told her there’s no one in my life that I need to talk to everyday. I know you call your mom daily, so I’m sure she’d be willing to swap daughters.
🙂
I think people are surprised when they meet me at how shy I am. I also don’t look friendly, but I am. I’m super friendly!
I both love and hate labels. Sometimes they are just too sticky, you know?
I can be painfully shy. I hate stepping outside my comfort zone, yet am always glad when I do. I avoid labels, too. Like you, I like to keep myself open to change, develop, evolve.
-Ally