Have you ever wanted to just start it all over? Give yourself a new name, new job, new city, new friends? What name would you choose? That’s the question of the day! Today is Name Yourself Day.
I find this quirky holiday to be fun, but also packed with a lot of meaning. The holiday is celebrated for only one day, but there are a lot of people who probably wish they could start over and give themselves a new name permanently. And you may be asking, what’s the big deal? What’s in a name?
Choosing a new name isn’t just about what you call yourself, it can be a powerful symbol of new a new beginning; a tabula rasa meant to be filled with a beautiful new story. For example, many people choose to take on the last name of their spouse when getting married. It’s a symbol of their bond and the new beginning of their life as a married couple. A step-child (and their parents) may choose to take on the last name of their new step-parent, another symbol of a new bond formed.
But name changes don’t have to only represent new bonds created between individuals. They can also represent the changes made within an individual. And this is a very powerful use of the name change. It gives control of a name to the person it represents. The power to define who you are.
The children at our schools come in looking to wipe the slate clean of their previous life. They see the school is a tool for positive change. To be sheltered from the elements, provided with food and clothing, and most importantly, an education to build a bright new future. And while not all of them will change their name, the ability to be able to do so is a cool, unique way to symbolize their fresh start and new life.
So, whether it’s just for today or for a lifetime – what name would you give yourself? You can participate by declaring your new name on social media with the hasthag #NameYourselfDay.
With Love,
Cristen
