# Unveiling My Identity: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Growth
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Chapter 1: My Early Life
Crafting a narrative about "Who I Am" has proven to be a formidable task. Despite being my own lifelong companion, articulating my identity remains a challenge.
In an attempt to gather insights, I reached out to friends on social media, asking them to share five things they associate with me. Their responses were heartwarming, reflecting the kindness of those around me, rather than my own self-awareness.
Section 1.1: My Beginnings
I was born in Pennsylvania in 1960, and my childhood was marked by upheaval. Tragically, my mother passed away in 1963, leaving my father to raise two young children alone. I often wonder about her, wishing I had more memories to cherish. My father later remarried, and I became the oldest of five siblings, though we have drifted apart over the years. My father's suicide at the age of 72 added another layer of complexity to my understanding of family and loss.
Subsection 1.1.1: My Parents' Legacy
Section 1.2: The Path to Adulthood
At 19, I married, realizing that my aspirations for college were slipping away, despite my strong academic background. My father's words haunted me: "How could you think that was going to happen?" Soon after, I became a mother to two daughters, who I consider my greatest achievements. They are thriving in loving marriages and raising wonderful sons, breaking the cycle of anxiety and mental strain that plagued my upbringing.
Chapter 2: The Journey Through Work
In this official music video, Ben Fuller explores themes of identity and self-acceptance, paralleling my own journey in understanding who I am.
After a 24-year marriage, I found myself alone at 42, having relocated to Michigan post-divorce. My early jobs, from washing dishes to telemarketing, shaped my professional identity, but it was my long tenure at Waldenbooks/Borders that truly defined my career. I started as a part-time bookseller and eventually transitioned into various managerial roles, only to face the grief of job loss in 2010 when my position was eliminated.
Section 2.1: Reinventing Myself
My resilience led me to embrace new opportunities, including college, which I completed online while working full-time. Over the last decade, I’ve worked for two furniture companies before finding my current role at Binc, a non-profit dedicated to assisting bookstore employees facing financial hardship.
Subsection 2.1.1: Writing as a Lifeline
Books and writing have been constants throughout my life, evolving from childhood diaries to blogs and social media posts. I recently joined Medium, complementing my writing journey on Vocal, where I've connected with a supportive community of creators.
Section 2.2: Community and Collaboration
My involvement in various Facebook groups has fostered collaboration and creativity, leading to projects like the online magazine The Vocal Creators Chronicle, where I contribute as a columnist.
Jessica Andrews' song "Who I Am" resonates with many of the themes discussed in my narrative, reminding us of the importance of self-identity.
Chapter 3: Looking Ahead
As I reflect on my journey, I remain uncertain about the future. I'm committed to continuous learning, whether through courses or personal projects like gardening. My aspirations include traveling more and perhaps writing a book that captures my experiences.
I invite you to explore more of my writing on Vocal and connect with me on Medium. Join my Facebook group, The Vocal Creators Support Group, to engage with a community that inspires growth and creativity.