One of the greatest things about growing older (maybe the only thing) is the ability to know yourself. It seems my whole life until recently, I strived to find that "thing" that defined me. Usually, who I was depended on what I did.
During my adolescents and teenage years, I would introduce myself to people this way:
Hi, my name is Heather. I am a professional dancer. (not the adult entertainment kind)
During my early to mid-20's, it sounded more like this:
Hi, I am Joshua's mother....
Hi, I am Jakob's mother...
Hi, I am Rachel's mother....
Hi, I am Chris' wife....
Now that I am in my 30's, I have found peace in just being me. I actually (dare I say) kinda like me most of the time. Not very convincing, huh?
Hi, I am Heather.
Feels good.