My birthday is usually a time for reflection for me. I think about where I've been, what I've done, and who I am. With each passing year, the list grows.
Many years ago, movie-star, Loretta Young had a TV show. She gave a short intro speech before each drama was shown. The set was a room, possibly a library, in a home, and Loretta came whirling through a door in an ultra-feminine dress, perfect make-up and hair-do. The one I remember the most is the night she asked a question of her viewers. Who are you? Name the three most important people you are. Then think about it. I couldn't tell you anything about the story that was shown next, but I have always remembered her question, have even used it in a speech I once gave to a group of hospital auxiliary women.
What three people am I today? The ones that come to mind first are these: I am a mother, a grandmother and a writer. There is little doubt that these are the important parts of my life right now. We'd probably give different answers at various stages of our lives. There was a time when I might have said that I was a student, a daughter and a friend. Another time, I could have listed wife, teacher and mother-to-be.
Try asking yourself this same question. See what three things pop into your mind first. And in what order. Then give some thought to your list.
Here's a little exercise on being a Writer. Use the letters and jot down what comes to mind in your writing life. Here's mine:
W is for the writer I've always wanted to be, ever since childhood
R is for the great ride my writing life has given me
I is for the invigorating feeling I have when I write
T is for the thrill when my work is published
E is for everything my writing life has given to me
R is for finding the right thing to make me happy
I love that question! It's always worthwhile to stop in our tracks and think about who we are.
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