As I get older I find that most people I know define themselves through their work or their children. We become known as someone’s mom or dad. When asked what we do, we answer with our job titles. I wasn’t blessed with kids, and, for the moment, I don’t have a job; so when asked what I do the common answers just won’t suffice. It leaves me wondering who I am and how to define my identity.
I’m a wife, a daughter, a sister and an aunt; but while I cherish all of those roles I don’t think I care to define myself by them. Surely I must be more than a relation to another. But then I think of friendships, and I am more comfortable defining myself as a Friend. Being a friend means so much more than being an acquaintance. It involves giving something of ones self.
I’m very proud of the work (though I hesitate to call it work since it’s a labor of love) that I do for Marine Corps Kids. It brings me great joy to see how so many people, strangers, will give of themselves for others – and to being involved in that effort is continually inspiring and delightful. Still, I can’t define myself through my involvement with Marine Corps Kids or any other activity.
So, who am I (besides someone who is desperately fighting the urge to sing out, “I’m Jean Val Jean!”)?
I recently learned about the business concept of “elevator introduction”. You have 30 seconds in an elevator to sell yourself to the big wig you’re trying to impress, and the idea is to professionally shove all your accomplishments into a 30 second spiel which will make Mr. Big Wig think you’re the best thing since sliced bread and hire you on the spot. So, how would we do a personal elevator introduction? It’s not about what we’ve done at work, or our relationship with family – it’s about what we value, how we live, how we treat others. In 30 seconds or less – who are you?
I’m not sure I can answer that eloquently. I like to think that I’m kind – though sometimes I’m filled with snarkasm. I believe that I’m sympathetic and empathetic, but sometimes I want people to just get over themselves. I think I have a good sense of humor. I like to believe that I have a sense of humility. I prefer order to chaos. I am understanding and tend to give people the benefit of the doubt, but I have no patience for stupidity. I think I have a tendency to be lazy, but I also love the feeling of accomplishment.
I’m working on putting all this into my 30 second elevator introduction. Not sure if I can do it. Can you?
Feel free to leave your 30 second spiels in the comments section!
I’m a wife, a daughter, a sister and an aunt; but while I cherish all of those roles I don’t think I care to define myself by them. Surely I must be more than a relation to another. But then I think of friendships, and I am more comfortable defining myself as a Friend. Being a friend means so much more than being an acquaintance. It involves giving something of ones self.
I’m very proud of the work (though I hesitate to call it work since it’s a labor of love) that I do for Marine Corps Kids. It brings me great joy to see how so many people, strangers, will give of themselves for others – and to being involved in that effort is continually inspiring and delightful. Still, I can’t define myself through my involvement with Marine Corps Kids or any other activity.
So, who am I (besides someone who is desperately fighting the urge to sing out, “I’m Jean Val Jean!”)?
I recently learned about the business concept of “elevator introduction”. You have 30 seconds in an elevator to sell yourself to the big wig you’re trying to impress, and the idea is to professionally shove all your accomplishments into a 30 second spiel which will make Mr. Big Wig think you’re the best thing since sliced bread and hire you on the spot. So, how would we do a personal elevator introduction? It’s not about what we’ve done at work, or our relationship with family – it’s about what we value, how we live, how we treat others. In 30 seconds or less – who are you?
I’m not sure I can answer that eloquently. I like to think that I’m kind – though sometimes I’m filled with snarkasm. I believe that I’m sympathetic and empathetic, but sometimes I want people to just get over themselves. I think I have a good sense of humor. I like to believe that I have a sense of humility. I prefer order to chaos. I am understanding and tend to give people the benefit of the doubt, but I have no patience for stupidity. I think I have a tendency to be lazy, but I also love the feeling of accomplishment.
I’m working on putting all this into my 30 second elevator introduction. Not sure if I can do it. Can you?
Feel free to leave your 30 second spiels in the comments section!
1 Comments:
I am a person w ho loves to give to other people. I am not a person person though. I prefer to spend my time alone with Jehovah and my thoughts and crafts and hobbies. I love to do what I want to do when I want to do it not when you tell me I have to do it. So I am a giver but I am selfish with my time. I am worthy of your 30 seconds.
Post a Comment
<< Home