Identity
Yesterday (and this morning), Evelyn asked me, "Mommy, what's your name?" to which I responded quickly, "Mommy!"
Her question got me to thinking about how we all identify ourselves to one another in a given context. Ways in which I identify myself in no particular order:
I know that some moms have a need to have a separate identity that is solely themselves and not "Mommy" in the slightest. I understand the need, some days I feel it more than others, but I have come to terms that no matter what activity I am participating in or where I go, "Mommy" will never leave my identity. This doesn't upset, anger, or frustrate me. This is what's called being a mom. No matter where I am, Evelyn is a part of my heart now, and that is why she is part of my first identity.
I am not just Sarah McCoy. I am Mommy.
Her question got me to thinking about how we all identify ourselves to one another in a given context. Ways in which I identify myself in no particular order:
- Evelyn's mommy
- Sarah Lewis
- Sarah McCoy
- Jake's wife
- Shift supervisor/Panera employee
- Jessie and Rachel's sister
- Doug and Julie's daughter
- Francine's granddaughter
- God's child
- Social work student
- Former AmeriCorps member
I know that some moms have a need to have a separate identity that is solely themselves and not "Mommy" in the slightest. I understand the need, some days I feel it more than others, but I have come to terms that no matter what activity I am participating in or where I go, "Mommy" will never leave my identity. This doesn't upset, anger, or frustrate me. This is what's called being a mom. No matter where I am, Evelyn is a part of my heart now, and that is why she is part of my first identity.
I am not just Sarah McCoy. I am Mommy.
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