Oh do I ever feel this quote on a deep levelā¦.
āI’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.ā Maya Angelou
I have been a quintessential late bloomer in most areas over the years. In the 18 holes of life, my front nine has been filled with consternation and a long learning curve. Allowing myself permission to be myself, agreeable to others or not, continues to keep me on my toes. In the past, I didnāt know to even consider that there were much better life options available to me, more suited to who I am organically. I am eternally grateful for theater arts. The stage has always been my portal and foundation into finding myself.
When I was young, I was known by various nicknames; not uncommon to many children. However I was NOT the child who could just blow off a triggering comment from an instigating peer in grade school. I admire the students I see now who have this skill. It wasnāt my forte. Grand opera āfeelsā have always been a part of my emotional landscape.
I will never forget the people of all ages who were kind to me and respected my wishes as a single digit child when I was uncomfortable with a nickname. It took an epic amount of effort from this shy and socially introverted human to assert my will over my name. Iāve turned the corner on these fear built characteristics and would no longer be considered shy or introverted. However, it still mystifies me when I still encounter people, of whom I wasnāt close with, who continue to use these former names.
All of this to say that I was happy to find material regarding nicknames and their effect; positive and negative. I always felt bad for not just going along with the status quo. Iām glad that Iām not the only one who has been affected.
akintsucrooner 