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MAIP VEP's Rewrite Your Bio with Jezz Chung was an eye opening session for countless reasons, but a particular subject very subtly emerged that I never thought too much about: My name! Correcting people about your name is important in this post, we'll talk about why.
Why Your Name Matters?
"There are two things you really own in life: Your name and your word." Your name is single handedly the greatest connection to your own individuality and identity. The artist has it crafted into their artwork, the professional has it in all of their business cards, and the athlete has it written on their jersey. Your name has meaning beyond just a simple word. It lives a lifetime in the mouths of everyone you meet, beyond that in the scriptures it is written it. Many seek to have their name outlive them. The combination of different letters in the alphabet working together produce the unique and incredibly amazing person that you are. Your means the rich and brilliant life you've lived. It's yours. Own it. Let nobody take that from you.
Stand Up For Your Name!
During my time in MAIP's Virtual Engagement Program, the one thing that I heard get repeated multiple times was: correct someone who gets your name wrong. As we previously stated, your name is the greatest connection to your identity and it matters. If someone mistakes your name, it's important to stand up for who you are. I don't necessarily mean to throw hands if someone gets it wrong, but stand firm and politely let the person know that your name is important. If you prefer to go by a nickname, this would be the perfect time to let the person know. Correcting someone can be awkward, so be sure to practice is a safe space and have the language ready for whenever a situation arises.
The Golden Rule!!
"Treat others the way you want to be treated." While your name is both beautiful and important, so is the 7 billion other people on this planet's. Get to learn the names of the people around you. If it's your first time chatting with someone, repeat their names back to them. Not only is this reassuring to them, it also helps build your respect and relationship with that person. Don't be afraid to be called out. Prepare for it because it will most likely happen to you once and realize that it's okay. Allow for people to correct you if you get it wrong, it builds a greater connection and makes you seem more sincere and kind. Learn to love how amazing names truly are, whether it's your first name, middle name, last name, or nickname. Respect them and own them.
"Names are the sweetest and most important sound in any language" - Dale Carnegie