Who am I?

Tell me I'm clever.  Tell me I'm kind.  Tell me I'm  talented.  

Tell me I'm cute. Tell me I'm sensitive, graceful and wise.

Tell me I'm perfect

Nick, I met a friend of yours the other day, Lee Rouson.  You met him years ago at the basketball court at Louis Nelson Park.  He talked to you about being true to yourself and having confidence in your abilities.  He told you to question yourself, "Who do I want to be?" Our conversation got me to ask myself, "Who am I?"

When I was a  young woman in college (undergraduate school), I did not know who I was but I DID KNOW that I did not fit into the college environment.  I didn't know the reason I felt so socially uncomfortable but something was very wrong.  I studied A LOT but that wasn't the problem: nearly everyone studied hard at the college I attended with a high percentage of students desiring to obtain doctoral degrees or become attorneys. I hit the Dean's list almost every semester but was stuck asking myself, "who am I?" I couldn't find anyone who stopped long enough to ask themselves the question or, it seemed, even cared.  I really didn't have friends.

Eventually, as life progressed, I became caught up defining myself by social role:  daughter, student, poor graduate student, intern, wife, mother, psychologist.  I stopped asking, "Who am I?" Still, something didn't seem right.  Looking back I now realize,  I wasn't answering the question correctly.  No wonder I felt uncomfortable.

So, Who am I? My truth:  I am one with nature. I am committed to my life's work. I am someone who solves problems to help others live better. I am motivated towards excellence. I am a survivor. I am a person who stands tall for truth, no matter how large the adversity or challenge.  I ask enough questions to ensure success.  I am a wonderer.  I am adventurous and an explorer.

But, when you push away all the details, I am...                                                

ONE TOUGH MOTHER