Who Am I?

Who am I? One of the best, most difficult, and awesome questions to answer. Here’s a go at it.

First, the things I have rejected about myself and am learning to lean into.

I am a nerd (I love school supplies, the smell of tape, and all things books). I am sensitive. I am an early bird (I am asleep most nights by 9 p.m. and get up at 4:30 am..ish). I am an introvert. I’m quiet. I’m more comfortable listening than talking. I am foolish (this is my word of the year and a damn good one, I must say).

These are the things I have denied about myself and am learning to accept.

I am beautiful. I am bold. I am honest. I am brilliant. I am fucking talented. I am an author. I am worthy. I am enough. I am a lesbian. I am a tomboy. I am sexy as hell.

Here is who I have been along the way.

Shy, picky, irritated, suicidal, depressed, and lonely. I’ve been a medical office administrator, a life coach, a suicide prevention trainer and advocate, and a United Methodist pastor.

These are the things I absolutely love.

My family, my wife, my kid, my dogs, my tortoise, bookstores, books, tacos, candy, holidays, handwritten letters, giving gifts, movies at the theater, legos, stuffies, stickers, and all things office supplies. I love running, outdoors, and nature, and there is not a dog I don’t immediately fall in love with.

Through all of the reinvention, I’ve learned to use my life for learning, growth, and upliftment. I love deep, raw, vulnerable conversations. I get excited when we venture into the embarrassing, awkward, and uncomfortable. These are the spaces that light me up. I love learning about myself, what makes us do what we do, and how we can all be more connected in the world.

This is a bit about me. Now, who are you?