“The life you have led doesn’t need to be the only life you have.” ~ Anna Quindlen
We used to operate within limited lives, my husband and I—limited by the ruts of our career paths, by our addictions, by former spouses, by people’s views of us, by the “scripts” we believed we had to follow… We both started over three years ago, via the troublesome technique of first destroying everything with our addictions—we met in rehab (proof that God has a sense of humor!) and if our new life and our marriage have a theme, it would be the phrase, “Because we can.” It’s a joyful ritual of ours, this oft-repeated answer to so many questions.
Why have I covered myself with stories-in-ink? Because I can. Why do we swing-dance fully dressed under the sprinklers in a state park, or put Spam on our pizza, or go fishing in the middle of a weekday, or stop to learn the life-story of a stranger in the produce section? Because we can. So please ask me why I would cut loose from the safety of a scheduled work-week and paycheck to WRITE. Don’t ask because you don’t know the answer; ask because the answer itself is a celebration: Because I can.
Here’s a question for you (not rhetorical—if you’re reading this, I’d actually be interested in your answer). Please introduce yourself by completing the following sentence: “I am a _____.”
And here’s why I’m interested—I’m wondering if most people would automatically fill that blank with a job title. I’ve certainly done it. “I’m a school administrator.” “I’m a restaurant owner.” But although both of those were things I DID, neither of those phrases express the things I AM. Sometimes there’s an overlap –“teacher,” for example, describes both a natural inclination and a one-time profession of mine—and I suspect the most fulfilled folks are those with the most intersections between their “I-Am” and their “I-Do” descriptors.
A month ago I was sitting in the entrance booth of a state park, wearing my cute little ranger-hat and pondering how the incoming drivers would answer if I asked each of them fill in the “I-am” blank… So I grabbed my notebook and began to scribble what grew into a two-page list of words that I might use about myself. “Writer” topped the list. (“List-maker” also made an appearance.) My husband and I pow-wowed that evening and (because we can) concluded that if I wanted a job description that matched my “I-Am” list, if I wanted to write… I should.
A month later, I’m writing for an Idaho travel magazine. I’m picking up freelance jobs. Last week I was writing about Scuba-diving destinations around the globe (I AM a Research Diver). This week I’m writing 400-word blurbs about travel destinations for a car rental agency (I AM a Traveler). They aren’t glamorous gigs, but I just cashed my first-ever paycheck for writing. And because I’m at the keyboard, I’m also resuming my long-neglected practice of writing for myself. I’m relishing a life in which I’m not limited to “safe” choices. Our existence is spicier since we burned the script.
Plus, I love my new commute. ;)
Kana's Chronicles 
I’m a:
thinker
creator
writer
music maker
music collector
little eccentric
oh and an engineer.
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“little eccentric”…. Love it! Clearly that belongs on my list as well. ;)
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I really enjoyed reading this and related to the script part so much! Thank you
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I am:
AN ISLAND GIRL!
a Mainer
a women in constant flux
a person who’s often lost
a little girl in admiration of dragonflies
a pet lover
a chocolate maker
a shower singer
a person in pursuit of happiness
a book lover
a problem solver
a single lady :)
a recent graduate without a job (anything incredible in the field of landscape architecture out there, let me know)
Thanks for the post and being bold enough to not live the by the “script”.
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Cheers to a fellow Island-Girl! :) I’m nowhere near the sea at the moment (though I do live on Eagle Island in Idaho, haha)… but my heart has a permanent residence on a certain acre of the Big Island of Hawai’i, where my (Hawai’ian) husband & I intend to move when our last three kids graduate from school here…
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You post had me thinking into the night…what am I. How do people respond to this question?
I wonder if you post just your question and then post your “script” piece in a day or so what the responses would be? I know the compilation is already posted, but sometimes people forget to look into the history of a blog. I really am curious how many people would list a job title? Part of the reason I have spent so long finding a career is that I want my work life to matter to me, to be a part of who I am (at least that is what I tell myself).
I grew up on a small island off the coast of Maine so there are no volcanoes on “my” island. I am currently in Iceland, however, and am fascinated by these hot forces of nature. I hope hope hope you both end up on Hawai’i!
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I am a lover, a worrier, a dork, a dreamer, a person who wants to make it better, a thinker, a teacher a student.
– Thanks for subscribing! So pleased to find your blog.
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I am also happy to find your blog. Thanks for subscribing to mine. I am an artist, a student pilot, a sign maker, a wife and a goof ball. The last one, goof ball, makes everything I am… a lot more fun!
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I forgot to tell you… I just left Idaho. I spent 3 days with family in Blackfoot then 3 days in Driggs, painting my little heart out. My new love… Driggs, Idaho! :)
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I am a listener, learner, traveler, observer, daydreamer, jokester, worrier (trying to change that one), and a historian.
Thanks for following me on my journey. I will do my best to keep it interesting.
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I am a mother, a home-maker, a dreamer, a teacher, a student, an eLearning enthusiast, a fanatic Wallabies Rugby and Australian Cricket team supporter, a procrastinator, a trier of new things, a community developer, a committee member, an eMentor and thank you for commenting on my emerging blog!
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Without any order, I suppose – but which is more important? I’m a Scot, a Canadian, an islander, a grandfather, a former teacher and current coach, a bit of a linguist or polyglot if you like, lover of folk music, amateur broadcaster, composer, writer, retired curmudgeon and man about town. You write a good blog!!
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I am…loving your blog. :)
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There is an ad on tv now where the new neighbor has a fancy car in his driveway and someone asks him what he does. His entire life flashes before him and the car symbolizes something which can contain all of that. (I watched the first episode of House, probably won’t turn on the tv again for months). Anyway I thought..
I am
A chameleon
A quirky dresser
An Amazon, covered with freckles
Disturbing peacemaker
Supersonic quipster
Improvising maniac
Boston-Irish Alaskan
Crumbling remain of humanity
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Hope you don’t mind if I steal “book dragon” (I have a friend that joins you in that category.)
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I certainly wouldn’t deny another bookdragon the use of the title! ;)
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I am a writer
a caregiver
a dog mom
a coffee freak
a heart attack survivor
and I dance to a different drummer
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I am
A survivor.
Not growing old gracefully.
Known by many as Professor X – my web pseudonym.
Involved with blogs with no “bio” instead, a statement of where I stand.
And only whole coffee beans I grind for my daily brew.
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I am…
a writer
also a book dragon
a dreamer
a daughter
a granddaughter
a sister
a cousin
a niece
an aunt
a friend
a dog mom (yes I stole that from doggonedmysteries)
a confessed weirdo
a fighter
a survivor
a girl and a woman both
and so much else.
Thanks for subscribing to my blog. Excellent post. Looking forward to reading yours! :)
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Thanks for subscribing to my blog, Kana! I hope you enjoy my future posts as much as you enjoyed “November is coming…And NaNoWriMo is fast approaching.”
I love your attitude. Because I can. It’s great to be able to say “I am a survivor” after life kicks us around some. That’s one of my “I am” statements.
The one that I have started using is, “I am an entrepreneur.” This describes my work, the way I approach life itself, everything. I am an entrepreneur!
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I love this post – hopefully you enjoy my sporadic updates as you receive them as well!
I am a..
realistic optimist (optimistic realist?)
windblown dreamer
perpetual student
overly excitable birder
threadbare philanthropist
ridiculously lucky human being
and yet, to keep things in perspective, I am not “much more than a pimple on the ass-end of creation.” (Tom Robbins)
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I am a lover.
I am still learning.
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I’m going to start cribbing from all of your wonderful lists–I see things I missed that also belong on mine! ;)
Perpetual student… Still learning… Survivor… Confessed weirdo… Quirky dresser… Procrastinator… Observer… Problem solver… Dork…
I’m humbled and delighted to have so many new friends playing in my sandbox with me.
:) Kana
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Hey girlie, cheers for being bold!
I am. . .
a lover
a bookworm (not yet at the dragon level ;)
a cheapskate
an adventurer
happy I found your blog :)
Thank you for subscribing to my blog!
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I’m a woman ;-9
I’m a mom and proud of it :-)
I’m a survivor (me too)
I’m a strong
I’m a gutsy
I’m a owner of two RR
I’m a quilter
I’m a bookworm
I’m a music fan (far from all music though)
I’m a blogger
I’m a wife
I’m a DIL
I’m someone to lean on
I’m a Swede
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I had to think very carefully about this, but in the end the best I could come up with was: I am a person.
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Thanks for reaching out, Kana. Love LOVE this post. And I contribute to it. I am:
a person
a woman
a feminist
an animal lover
a singer
an artist of a sort
a writer
a dweeb weenie
a learning person or perpetual student of life
a teacher
a healer
a rabid reader
a nature lover
a keen observer
a believer
a tender-hearted sap
a helper
a chocoholic
a smart ass
and silly to the core
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Long live “silly to the core!” that’s a survival technique I embrace. ;) and I love “dweeb weenie”–even with 7 kids I hadn’t heard that one before.
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Hi Kana. Thanks for finding and subscribing to my blog.
As you saw, I am
the Can Whisperer.
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I am:
a banjo player
an Army vet
an epileptic
a mom
a writer
a herder of kittens
a sister
a daughter
a cancer survivor
a book devourer
a pain in the rear
a storyist
a fisher
a hunter
a lover and a fighter
a geek girl
a gamer
I am.
(And I’m glad you read my blog! Thanks!)
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you’ve got my interest; you certainly seem like a person worth listening to; I have added your blog to my ‘list of favourites’ and thank you for visiting mine
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I am…
a praiser
a singer (hopefully, we don’t have to be good at the things we post)
a writer
a dad
a hubby
a son
a Charlie Brown fan
an activist
a minister
a reader
a nurse
unique
There may be more but I don’t think you have room here. Thanks for this post. Burning the script is a good description of what my life is too.
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I am …
a writer
a list-maker
a compulsive Post-It-Note user
a runner who needs to log off and go running.
And I am jealous of your writing gigs. I think they’re glamorous. Good for you! :)
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Yes, a fellow Post-It-Queen! ;) Back in my office days, my secretary made it a mission to find as many different varieties of Post-It as she could, and my project-management with my team was organized with Post-It’s stuck all over a huge whiteboard… My kids know to steer me away from the Post-It aisle when we’re back-to-school shopping… ;)
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Thanks for subscribing to my Blog, Kana!
I am a woman
wife, mom, part-time island-dweller, traveler, researcher, all-around music lover who is over-involved with characters, plot and dialogue at every point of the day.
Everything is interesting, people. Except professional football.
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Great thoughts! Just what I need to thing about as I start redefining who I am and what I want in this next phase of my life.
I am … a writer, a dog mom, a tree-hugger, a traveler, a student of human behavior, a dreamer, a beach bum, an avid reader, a former work-aholic, and so pleased to have found your page.
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Hi Kana,
I am–proud of you–for your revelations and your recent commitment to enjoy your journey.
I am thankful that you’re following my blog–and honored, too.
I am a writer
I am a wife (newly married so I like to use this word whenever possible. ;))
I am a Christian
I am healthy
I am thankful, happy and hopeful about everything.
All the best to you.
Have a great week!
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Great thoughts…uplifting read! As you know from reading my blog, i believe life is all about going down the path, enjoying what you find and being all you can be!
P.S. I love your tats!
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Teach tomorrow, but wanted to thank you for signing on to my blog. I’d love to check out your writings soon. Night.
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I am a son. (It’s the first thing that came to mind for some reason.)
Congrats on making bacon with writing! What a DREAM!
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Nicely done. I am a writer, a cyclist, a mom, a kitty-mama, a worker, a seeker of truth, a shoulder to cry on, a human being emerging from the noise of things that don’t matter, a little bit lost.
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I am a writer. A mother, a foodie, an artist, organizer, and a snappy dresser. I am a cryer and a shouter. I am a lover of birds, trees, children, and yoga. I am alive.
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Hello Anna
Interesting and thought provoking post. Congratulations on making it through rehab!
I am a photographer
I am a writer
I am a gardener
I am an eternal optimist
I am a creative
And many more things. Freelance, happy and so pleased to find others out here! Unconventional, happy not to ‘fit in’, as that seems to mean doing nothing exctiting or different.
Good luck with your freelance work.
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Hello Kana….mostly I think of myself as a retired dilettante. Like all of us, I’ve worn a lot of different hats in my day, some were a hard row to hoe, others not so much. Mostly I just try to learn something new every day. I guess if I had to define what or who I am with a list, it would resemble yours, in that I could think of a different answer every time I brought it to mind….so, here are a few….
I am….
a chef
a raconteur
a computer geek
a writer
an ex-psych tech
an ex-9 to 5’er
a constant source of self-amusement
a good friend
a worse enemy
a son, a father, a brother, and now a grandfather
an honest man, but an excellent liar as well (sometimes we lie to ourselves, and sometimes it is best to lie by omission, in order to show compassion)
a student of human behavior
a procrastinator, and proud of it…
I’ll stop there, because I just realized this list could take all day to get started, and completing it would probably take the rest of my natural life. Since I have a few things yet to do, I guess I’ll go do something else….
I’m glad you liked my blog(s). I’ve been writing them every day for over ten years now; it has become an indispensable part of my morning routine, as long as my creative juices can keep flowing. I liked your writing, too; you’ve gotten to a good place in your life, and it shows in what you write. I look forward to reading more of your work, and hope you continue to enjoy mine….Take care….
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I am me……with everything I’ve done, been through, seen, suffered through, cried screamed and fought over, laughed about, am doing and will do – I am me. Take me as I am because I have learned the hard way that trying to change for others or wonder why others may reject me is a waste of time that I will never get back. Life and time are precious commodities.
Congrats on the paying writing job. You have achieved a goal I would love to have – doing what I like and getting paid for it.
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Thanks for subscribing to my blog! You’re my first ;) I can’t wait to read more from yours. Your post definitely has me thinking about what “I am”.
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Hi, Kana – Love your “burning the script!”
I am a sixty-five-year-old writer living with my husband and our menagerie off the grid in the borerlands of Arizona. Also a recovering adult child of alcoholics and compulsive overeater, and a birdwatcher. Thanks for your courage.
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I am . . .
a dreamer
a writer
a farmer
a dog lover
a horse lover
a quiet spirit
a dancer
a planner
a risk-taker
a contemplative
a beloved one
Erica
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I am an unbroken shoelace looking for a horse.
oh! I’m a horseshoelace! … I forgot to mention that part.
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I’m giggling and wishing for a visual… I HAVE seen horsesnowshoes, but only laceless varieties ;)
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Hello Kana – awesome name, what does it mean? I’ve come your way, because for reasons known only to you, you came my way (i.e. popped along me blog) and chose to subscribe! So here I be checking you out, and this intriguing little entry and thus …
I am …
A follower of Jesus
A son
A brother
A husband
A friend
A thinker
A reader
An observer
A commentator
A teacher/tutor/facilitator
A critic (constructive … hopefully)
A writer
A blogger
A pain in the neck
A laid back kinda guy
A Christopher not a Chris
A word lover
A football lover
A Dr. Who lover
A pro-wrestling lover
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“Not a Chris”–that’s our son as well! He refuses to acknowledge “Chris” as an acceptable version of his name, only answers to “Christian.” (Well, he’ll also answer to “Hobbit,” but only for Mom. ;)
Kana is actually short for “Makana,” the Hawai’ian word meaning “gift.” It’s what my (Hawai’ian) husband has called me since we met, and I added it legally when we married. :)
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Thanks for subscribing to my blog! I am …
a veteran
a mother
a wife
a writer
a soap maker
an entrepreneur
an adventurer
a survivor
a science geek
a photographer
I remember reading about this years ago in a social psychology class. Researchers found that when they asked men to fill in the blank, “I am ____,” they were more likely to use adjectives that described themselves (e.g. handsome, strong, funny, etc.), whereas women were more likely to fill in the blank with job descriptions and their respective functions like mother, wife, etc. They hypothesized that for women, our perceived identities are intrinsically tied to our roles. So here’s to burning the script!
I had a similar experience to yours, but sort of in reverse. I started out as a journalist and a reporter, but writing on assignment totally took the joy out of writing for me. I realized after a few years working in the news industry that I had stopped writing for myself. The last thing I wanted to do when I came home at the end of the day was sit down and write. (Not that I’m suggesting at all that will be your experience–I wasn’t freelancing–I was working on staff for newspapers and radio, so I had a lot less freedom with my assignments). I was also living with “an artist” at the time, and I found that we were both constantly being viewed by our family and friends through the lens of “artist” and “writer,” as if those titles defined us and we couldn’t be anything but. So I burned the script!
After one long adventure, about 10 years later, now I’m trying to rekindle my relationship with writing. I would have to say though, that being a soldier and a veteran is probably the only thing I ever DID (besides becoming a mother) that is now inextricably linked to who I AM. Marines say “Once a Marine, always a Marine,” but I think most soldiers feel the same way. I don’t know if that’s a good thing or not, but I have definitely felt many times since I left the Army that being a veteran has come to define me, has become a permanent piece of my puzzle if you will. It has taken the place of the lens through which all other experiences are now viewed, but this time by me, not necessarily those who surround me.
Anyway, I enjoyed reading your blog. I think many people can relate to your reflections on the subject. Good luck to you on this next chapter of your journey!
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I’m thinking you have a whole book there! Are you considering NaNoWriMo? :)
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Great blog!
I’m an explorer.
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I am… undefinable by society, rebel with many causes, lynchpin of my community, tech-geek-expert-addict, artist, writer, seeker of truth, defender of defenseless, troublemaker, recycler, sister, daughter, mother, about to be grandmother, human, supporter, and much more. In Star Trek, Captain Picard once talked about a civilization that believed that each person has many “persons” inside them and they all work together to equal one whole. Essentially, we are all walking communities of various points of view. This is what makes us interesting to each other. Thanks for subscribing and take a look at techsnoop.wordpress.com if you get a chance to see one of my other selves!
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I am: a mother
a mother of a lovely daughter
a mother of a great dog and 2 cats
a recovering physician
a writer
a lecturer
a compassionate listener
a wanderer
a sister of all
an orphan
a seeker
ETC
Thank you for your interest in my blog and I will keep following yours!
Keep writing new scripts!
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Hi Kana,
Thanks for liking my blog piece and for the subscription. I’ve no hesitation in reciprocating.
I am: I’ve really no idea. I’d say a writer, but in RL that’s the one thing I’m least known for, yet it’s the one thing that means the most to me, the scriptless me, that is. Perhaps I’m better described as a mystery to myself? Eccentric also rings a few bells.
I’ve enjoyed browsing your blog, and look forward to reading more from you. I think you have a great attitude, dragon lady!
Regards
Michael
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I’m thinking that sometimes our biggest “I AM”-item can be our least-known to other people… Unless we burn a script. ;) Four weeks ago, I think maybe three people thought of me as a writer. Maybe a couple more think so, now that I’m WRITING. ;)
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I am a Mother, a Woman, a Lover, a Healer, a Forgiver, a Daughter, a Sister, a Friend.
Love your writing. Love your blog – and thanks for the follow over on my blog.
I am also a Writer… I do have a question for you: do you have any advice for someone like me, who is just rediscovering her passion for writing, on how to get freelance jobs and get paid to write about the things I’m passionate about?
Looking forward to getting to know you a little better.
Thanks,
Pamela
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I’ve been picking up a few paid jobs on Freelancer.com–not glamorous gigs, but hey, I get to keep writing! ;) And on days when the paid project isn’t stimulating, I still get to write (and read, and chat with other writers) HERE! Oh, and I’ve had one “bite” from the “Need a Writer?” tab above, which I just added last week. Sometimes just having your writing “out there” getting read can lead to surprising opportunities… ;) whatever else, I hope you ENJOY your writing-time as much as I have been.
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I am a … follower of the Way, I am a husband, a father, a son, I am a brother, a wannabe guitarist, a thinker, a reader, a writer, a blogger, a manager, a servant, a friend, I am many things to many people. However, the question really is what am I to me … and that’s not a list of roles, categories and collection of phrases that rolls off the tongue. In that light I am a journeyman, forever seeking the answer to my purpose and hoping that one day I hear the phrase “thou art my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased”
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Journeyman–I admire the thinking. :)
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I am a…wife, mom, teacher, friend, lover, listener, fighter, sister, and daughter. I am royalty, a priest, a leader and a follower. I am a caretaker, assistant, and a sounding board. I am an artist, a chef, a taskmaster.
There are so many things that I could list! I think all of us should do this exercise every now and again to make us see what God has given us!
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I am:
An artist
A philosopher
A reader!!
A tinkerer
A daughter/sister/friend/partner
A thinker
A questioner
A seeker
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I am…. not sure yet. What I thought I was or want to be changes all the time. :) Today I am a Mom, a Children’s picture book author (www.lifes-creations.com), I am a supporter of friends and their gifts, I am constantly seeking to grow.
I am just beginning to learn who I am.
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I am…
…now,beyond the chains.
…embellishing my dream sequence with sequins.
…fully,completely.
…living in this moment.
…following the next moment.
…spreading peace to wherever it may be attracted.
…healing.
…enjoying whatever comes along.
…writing. Because I sooooooooo like to!!
…thanking you for this wonderful blog…thank you!!
Shine2day@wordpress.com
~b
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I am a beleiver in God
A mother
A wife
A daughter
A sister and all related relatives
An artist
A writer
A new Blogger
An Accounting Admin.
And many others. I really enjoyed reading your post. And thanks for taking the time to read and like my blog ;)
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I am . . .
a dreamer
a child
wife
writer
a questioner
How did you start freelance work? I was thinking about getting into it but I just don’t know where to start! Did you write a porfolio or use your blog as an example? I never knew anyone personally to actually make an income off of writing. I’m happy your doing it :)
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Freelancer.com is a site where I’ve been picking up some jobs… (I don’t know if these qualify yet as “making a living,” but for the first time I AM getting paid to write!) and yes, for potential clients who’d like to see my writing before they hire me, I direct them to this blog. I’ve also gotten a couple nibbles on the “Need a Writer?” tab I added a week or so ago. :)
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I am: a person. This is something I respond with a lot, given the fact that I’m often asked the cringe-worthy question; “Are you a hippie.”
Loved what you had to say in this post, it resonates with me. That’s for sure.
And thanks for subscribing!
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Love this post!
I am a person seeking internal peace and happiness
I am a writer/author
I am a traveler
I am a mom
I am a wife
I am a grandmother
I am a daughter and sister
I am a pet lover
I am a believer
I am a Christian
I am a dreamer
I am out of work
I am a voracious reader
I am a romantic
I am a source of inspiration to some
I am me – individualistic, beautiful and special in my own right.
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oh, and thanks for subscribing to by blog!
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I’m on old broad who’s still blessed with a zest for life. Thanks for liking my blog.
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I am a: lost soul at the moment but generally fun-loving, happy go lucky.
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Your life sounds busy and fulfilling Kana. I admire the sentiments and wish I were this brave.
I am…a person who can get lost in reading other people’s blogs. Oops- where did the day go!
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Sometimes it’s nice to be reminded that, “I can…”
Thank you for this wonderful post.
I am a writer
a dreamer
a believer
in
“burning the script.”
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I am a…learnin’ and a growin’ and a makin’ the best of my life! Great words, Kana! How cool for you!
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Thanks for checking out my blog!
I am…
a follower of Jesus,
a mother of 4,
a lover to my husband,
a writer,
a poet,
almost a Grandma,
almost an author,
a world traveler,
a blogger,
a friend,
a reader,
a listener,
a cook,
a barefoot grass walker….
— Delana
http://delanasworld.wordpress.com
http://theeducationcafe.wordpress.com
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Thank you for subscribing to my newest of obsessions -even though I am beginning to crawl before I walk. Thank you for stopping to look at my words, as they led me to your incredible post. Thank you for the honesty in what you wrote, -I will remind myself to do the same.
I am “G-D’s Creation -with every flaw perfectly in place”
“Glad to have found you, for nothing is by chance”
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Hi Kana,
Thanks for reading my blog. I enjoyed your posts and thought I would answer your question by quoting what I wrote on my other blogsite http://www.prisnasonshartle.blogspot.com/ “I am who I am -the woman who writes these words and lives the life she intended to live with joy, peace, and love.”
Labor Day a year ago, my 40 year old son and I were visiting my daughter and her family. Leaving Target my daughter asked us what we wanted to do. He said get a tatoo. I said fine with me and together we both got our first (and only) tatoo. My daughter was pregnant so passed but put it out on Facebook that her mother just got inked. When people asked me why, I said, “Because I can.”
Good luck in your writing,
Pris
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Pris, I love what you said. People are constantly asking me the same thing. WHY? To tell them my whole story of why would take too long but the more simple reply should be, “because I can!” I didn’t, and don’t, need society or my bible study group, or anyone else to give me permission. I do because I can!
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I am becoming.
Thanks for subscribing to my blog–I’m thrilled to find yours.
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Oh my gosh, I was over whelmed with emotion as I read your entry, and then the multiple responses….
I am…ME.
Thank you for visiting my blog, if you hadn’t I never would have been able to read all of these thoughtful comments or YOU.
Jess
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I am a caring, compassionate, and committed father and husband, a lover of life and a dreamer of dreams.
“Tell me who you are without telling me what you do.”
– from a play by Stephen Bush (Canadian writer) called “Life on the Line”
Thanks for subscribing to my blog “the clever way”, Kana. i look forward to your future posts!
clev
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I AM……unfinished.
I love this post — you’re right. There is more to how we can and should define ourselves than by our job. Its easy to forget “who we are” in the maelstrom of busy days…..
Congratuations on your new writing gig! Awesome!
I am happy to have found your blog, Kana. Thank you for subscribing to “one tiny violet.” I’m looking forward to reading more from you and hope you’ll visit me often as well.
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I am a(n) writer, poet, musician, free spirit, writer, aspiring novelist, artist, 1st-time NaNoWriMo participant (yikes!), writer, daughter, mother, grandmother, writer, photographer, cat-lover, cancer Journeyer, writer, nature-lover, blogger, lover-of-your-blog-that-I-discovered-cuz-you-were-on-mine …. oh, and retired social servant ;) Keep this kind of great post coming !
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Thanks for the follow on my blog…. I did something similar with asking people to find the word “art” in words. But, for you – I am a………
creative
photographer
artist
mom
grandma
lover
best friend
chef
teacher
coach
spiritual being
stresser
shoe-aholic
networker
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I am
a writer
a dreamer
a father
a lover
a friend
a volunteer
a pain in the ass
a Fool
Me
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Great post Kana. You got me thinking with the “I am a _________”
I am a writer.
I am the most blessed daughter of God.
I am a communicator.
I am a publisher.
I am a friend.
I am a teacher. (There is a lot more to being a teacher than you would think. For me being a teacher is part of my calling. It’s not just a job. I love working with and helping kids.)
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I am a tenacious writer, mother, wife, friend, teacher, editor, Episcopalian, cat and dog lover, reader, dreamer, antique lover, and historic preservationist.
I am also very pleased to see that you joined my blog! Thanks so much.
I really enjoyed this piece. Thanks for prodding a little. Len
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Good one! Hmmm – I am: an artist, thinker, sap, worrier, doer, lover of ideas and just about all good things.
Interesting responses to your entry. Congrats on the writing job – perfect.
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I am a different someone to lots of someones. I am happy. I am me. I am not a large, statement bloom. I am a bouquet. Thanks for subscribing to The Creative Ghostwriter. I’ll be following your journey, too. I think that, as a writer, you’ll find that each I AM will branch off and bloom into innumerable I AMs. And I don’t mean dog food…
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Amazing post. I envy your courage and ability to do what you love. I hope I can have that mentality much sooner than later.
I am a mother, a writer, a thinker, a chaotic mind, a lively spirit, a dreamer.
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I am…ever so grateful that there are people like you to inspire the rest of us still living a “script.” As for those “fabolous gigs”, I say anything you are happy doing is fabolous, because happiness is fabolous!
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I am a nut.
I swear, that is the first thing that popped into my head. I could make a whole list of other words now, but that was my first reaction. It really says a lot about me, too.
Karen
http://klsyed.com
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I’m a brunette. With some hard earned salt to pepper the curls and swirls!
thanks for liking a post of mine on Deep Within …you’re the first “stranger” to do – congrats on the writing – keep up the good work.
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If you’re going to have a script, you might as well write it yourself. Congratulations on striking out into the unknown. Also, thanks for subscribing to my blog. I hope you enjoy my posts. I look forward to following your adventure.
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Thanks for liking my post again, Kana. As I said before it means a lot to me. Have a couple of more for the “I am”
I am a loving sister
I am a loving aunt
I am a hopeful goofball
I am a dancer.
I am joyful (Most of the time–there are times that I try to be joyful but life gets in the way)
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Kana,
I am a writer
a dreamer
a mom
a sister
a friend
a believer
and you are awesome! Thanks for stopping by my blog and congratulations on turning your life around.
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I am a student
And that’s about it. I think that one word can sum up everything about me. I feel that I am and have always been in a perpetual state of learning. Learning about life, the world, myself, love, every activity I engage in. “Student”, I feel also implies a certain level of ignorance, of which I’m open to rectifying. That being a student means I’m still a kid (at least at heart) and not a worker in the big stupid world of grown ups. Even once I graduate, as a designer I’ll always need to learn about how people interact with the thing I’m trying to design.
Great topic, great blog! Thanks for the “like” and I’m looking forward to reading more of your posts!
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I am a …
lover of words: reader, writer, puzzler, thinker.
I am enjoying getting to know you.
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I’ll join in…
I’m a…
redhead :)
lifelong learner (albeit a slow one…probably good that it’s for life!)
a career counselor (no, it’s not just a job for me)
and a dreamer.
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I loved this post. Having lost my wife earlier this year, my life (and script…as I knew it) came to an abrupt halt…forcing me to reconsider who I am…and what’s in store for the future. But…the possibilities are endless…because…I too…can…
I am a…pilgrim…a seeker…a believer…a musician…a geographer…a witness…an early-riser…a nature lover…a servant…a coffee drinker…a pomeranian herder…a reader…now, a writer…a winner…a loser…THANKFUL…a lover of ‘the gloaming’…a dreamer…
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Thanks for “liking” my post :) – the encouragement was appreciated!
Cheers to you & your brave adventure into free-lance writing!
I am…blessed & thankful…a mother…a reader…a list-maker…a gardener…a wife…a night owl…an old soul…
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I am
a delighted mother
a hopeful second-book writer
a champagne guzzler
a torpid reptile in cold weather
a discoverer of the blog world
And I am
reminded of a powerful spiritual exercise where one repeatedly completes and says to a partner “I am the one who…
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Ah, so many facets…
Perhaps I am a seeker who spends her time in writing, thinking, loving and sometimes avoiding.
And I am blessed.
BTW, also blessed to find your writing.
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I am a woman, a mother, a wife, a gramma to two puppies, a gardener, a writer, an editor, a host mom to international students, a procrastinator (doing that right now), a self-employed communications consultant, a person who cares and is sometimes angry about the world around her, a heavily addicted hot-chocolate drinker, and about a zillion other things, in different orders on different days.
Thanks for liking and subscribing to my blog.
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I am totally dysFUNctional and loving every minute of it! I am so many things — funny (most of the time -or at least I think so!), loving, caring – but most I am ME! Unique in every way! Glad to see that you have found that part of yourself also!
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I’m a lot different than you are, and you know what? My wife and I decided a while ago that we are going to live our lives for ourselves and anyone who doesn’t like it well, they can go screw as far as we’re concerned. We don’t have kids so there are two opinions we listen to on things, mine and hers.
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I am:
A Christian
a father
a grandfather
a writer of words
a man that often fails
a person that knows there is good in all people, sometimes its buried though
thankful for all of my blessings
looking forward to what tomorow brings
glad that we connected
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I am happy for you! Your post made me think of a quote that once came my way just when I needed it . . . “Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” (Maria Robinson, Early Childhood Specialist)
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Really enjoyed your post!
Nice to learn more about your background.
I am…a freelance writer, a poet when the mood takes me and the most important thing I hope I am, is a good friend.
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I am:
a writer
a creator
a thinker
a student
a lover of life
a listener
a coffee-enthusiast
a social media geek
thankful you stopped by my blog and I got the chance to discover yours!
Great work! Love the “who am i?” question. Everyone should ask themselves, no matter who they are or where they are.
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I’ve enjoyed reading your post. I’m moving house because I can, changing my lifestyle because I can and I AM a lot of things, but firstly I’m a human being.Good luck. xx
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Very inspiring. Thank you. :-)
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I am a wife,a Mom, a friend, a scuba diver, an Island girl, a lover of beaches and oceans, a giver of thanks, an encourager, a lover of life, a coffee lover, a blog reader, an appreciator of creation, a book dragon (I love that!), a sister chick, a traveler (both mental and physical), a hiker, a water baby, a mountain gazer, and a Christian. (Not in that order.)
I loved your blog…because I can!
I am free as a bird!
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I am living the life of my dreams, Just like you!
Thanks for the follow and for visiting my blog because it made me find you.
Great post. Love the comments and friends you’ve made.
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Thanks for subscribing to my blog. I checked you out also and feel right at HOME!
I hadn’t really considered who I am. I am a writer, a student, a blogger, a bilbliophile (a wanna be bookdragon–I love the term!), a dreamer, an editor, a dancer, a music lover, a retired granny, mother, sister as well as an ex-wife. Whatever I might have been before, I am finally NOW finding the path I believe I was meant to follow.
I shall be subscribing to your blog too. Thanks for doing the same to mine. LOVE your blog.
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I am a mom, who loves it.
I am an adventurer who is afraid of heights, going downhill or doing anything fast.
I am a tomboy who never climbed trees or scraped my knees.
I am 40-something in a 20-something woman, until about 8:30 p.m.
I am a carb-oholic.
I am a lover of wine who can’t taste that “hint of asparagus”.
I am a political speech writer in my own brain.
I am a college basketball fan.
I am a wannabe published writer.
I am a traveler who hasn’t travelled in a while.
I am a person who loves to laugh and eat and be with friends.
I am a dork who can play it cool.
I am a rock star in the shower and the car.
I am a late bloomer, I hope.
I am truly happy with who I am.
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Thank you Kana for this great blog. It’s an important topic – to know who you are. So many people in our society today are defined by what they do, and if that is suddenly taken away from them they are lost as they loose their sense of identity! May many more people see your blog and redefine their thinking in terms of who they think they are!
For the record I am …
– a woman who wears many hats
– married to a beautiful man, with a beautiful daughter
– short (and about to be overtaken by my daughter!)
– creative
– a lover of nature and of beautiful things
– one that enjoys the smell of a beautiful flower, a sunrise and sunset
– an animal lover
– a prayer warrior
– amongst friends
– a student – forever learning
– thankful that we have the freedom of expression and of abundance
– thankful for people like you who express themselves so beautifully and make me think. Thank you Kana.
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Shouldn’t you lok at life as a collection of experiences? Why do anything to cut that collection down? I have found (unplanned), that I earn money one way for four or fiuve years, then earn it another way. You are only hear for a heartbeat – make it count.
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Absolutely! That’s why I’m making a list, checkin’ it twice… No, no, that wasn’t it. Making a list, letting it GROW, that’s what I meant to say. It’s already pretty eclectic, that list of mine, and I expect it will only get stranger now that I’ve freed myself from the narrower “expectations” I used to have about my life. Experiences? Bring ’em on! :)
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I am an adventuress. And I am… impressed with your writing. And since I happen to be a book editor in New York, let me know when you’re ready to publish and you want an expert’s advice.
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Ok, I’ve cleared the teenagery words-of-excitement out of my system so I can sit down and respond calmly (ahem) that I would LOVE to have the resource of your expertise on that topic. ;)
I’ve undertaken NaNoWriMo this year just for the experience, to see what I’d learn about myself and my own writing–and the lesson so far (though there’s still half of November left to experience) may be that my heart isn’t in FICTION writing. And with such an interesting world around us, I don’t think I’d ever be in danger of running out of material in the NONfiction realm that does get me fired up… If you have any words of advice for someone settling into nonfiction as a venue of choice, I would absolutely love to pick your brain. :) Thank you also for the encouragement of your compliment and your notice. :)
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Congratulations on being able to do the job you want in life “because you can”. That is a great saying by the way, too. Also, congratulations on getting paid for something you like to do – even better! For my list:
I am a . . .
human.
Take care. Sincerely, Connie Webb
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I am sane (my “Get Up Outta My Face” story explains why I shouldn’t be but am)
I am loved
I have been set free
Thanks Kana for stopping by my blog. It’s always such an honor to know you’ve read my work, didn’t throw up, and decided to return for more. :)
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I am a successful mess.
What recently occured to me was the difference between blogging and writing. This is a valuable example of a good blog. It begs to be answered (commented) by challenging other bloggers to respond. Writing is a whole other animal. Prose stands alone as an act of absorption on the reader’s part–much less outwardly engaging but usually more indelible and/or resonant.
You are successful in both disciplines—and that is awesome.
Les
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Thank you. :)
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I am an addict. Even after 21 years that has to come first – for while it hardly begins to define me, if I lose track of that I risk losing all the other things that I am now entirely free to become! The good news – that constant vigilance I wear as easily as a well worn sweatshirt.
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I know I’m late to the party. Thanks for linking me up with this. It makes me feel courageous.
I am a woman with kids, debt, dreams, talents, the crazies, and not nearly enough tattoos,
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On my 35th birthday, I didn’t have ANY tattoos… ;) Just a thought.
Enjoy your courage!! (And kids, dreams, talents, and crazies….)
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