Who Am I ?

During a recent attendance at a self development session, I was asked who I was. This appeared to be a simple enough question to answer. After all, we all know who we are. However, my thoughts went to who I thought I was and I wondered how this compared to other's perception of me. Just how do I show up for other people and who would they say I was?

From the list that I was asked to compile, I chose three qualities that I believe I own.

I am an achiever

As my competitive swimming career began at a young age, it moulded my future habit of not ever giving up until I had given my all.

I see value in other people and places

During an incredible tour of Egypt several years ago, I was given the opportunity to visit the home of a Sudanese family. This small haven by the Nile river had a dirt floor and a fabric roof. Not only was this home impeccably clean, it was also filled with so much love and pride that I could have easily believed that they were living in a grand palace.

I am courageous

a. It took all of the courage I could muster, to put my personal story "out there" for everyone to read, acknowledging that it would then no longer belong to just me.

b. I have travelled through the Arabian desert from Jordan's capital city of Amman to the Rose City of Petra with just a driver whom I had never met prior to landing at the airport. I was certainly rewarded for taking the calculated risk.

c. After many years of being by myself and finally learning to be contented with who I am, I took the massive risk of allowing someone else into my life. We have been together now for fifteen years.

When have you been your most courageous?

Achievement: At sixteen receiving the Senior Girls trophy at the State Schools Swimming Championships

People and Places: Watching a local family in Egypt making their daily bread.

Courage: Celebrating fifteen years with my lovely man.