Page 14 - Labyrinth--Surfacing Like Salmon-2019-2020

Who Are You? Rachael Stawinski Dear Reader, What happens when you no longer like your name? What happens when you no longer feel connected to the name people have been calling you since the day you were born? What happens when you write down your “name” and stare at it all day long, not quite feeling like you and that name belong together? The simple answer: you change your name. But then you have to figure out what name you’d associate yourself with--which is quite difficult if you ask me. And after going through several names you finally find something that you feel like could suit you--but not quite. Because how do you look into the mirror and imagine yourself with literally any other name that isn’t the one you go by now? You don’t look like a Stacey or a Beckie or, God forbid, a Karen. You look like you: but WHO ARE YOU? Are you a pretty name with L’s that swirl around your autograph? Or are you an old name--quiet and reserved in time? Are you loud and bold with big round letters? Or are you small and delicate with one loop and one swirl; something that catches the eye but no one lingers on? When you finally pick a name that you find suits you, please tell me. And if you find one that no one has a problem with--either saying it or it being right for you--please let me know. Because I’m still looking. Sincerely, Rachael or Kate or Luna or Robin 13