Who Are You?

I've asked this before in other places, but obviously not here. I am who I am. I'm pretty sure you are too.... The person I am is the result of a combination of my life experiences and from observing other people's accomplishments and mistakes, plus some random stuff. Simple, right? Well, not really... People, especially in the United States, like to define others by what they "do" and what they "have".

Upon meeting someone for the very first time and having general chit-chat, they will turn to me and say: "So, what do you do?" That question presents a problem for me. You see, I "do" lots of things. I cook for a house full of 6 adults, I tend to the needs of my family, I chauffeur my mother to her doctor's appointments, I'm a secretary in one of the volunteer organizations I belong to, and I also act as an Advisor to about 9 women in Southern California in the same organization. I write, mostly for pleasure and myself, but maybe one day I'll get published. I deal with my unique type of insanity on a daily basis. I "do" all sorts of things, but that doesn't really tell you who I am, so why do you ask that? Does my employment status really tell you who I am?  Does it really matter whether or not I have a vehicle or not? I don't think so....

I have a suggestion: How about next time you meet someone, you ask them what types of interests they have, or have them tell you something unusual about themselves, but you start first. Avoid the "What do you do?" trap. Because that's what it is. It's a trap. You use it to judge that person. Let's just be kind to each other. Goodnight!