I am...

Hello friends! It’s a little unusual for me to have two posts in one month, but who knew this entrepreneurial journey would require so much self-reflection? Thanks to CO.STARTERS this week (again), I was forced to look inward and try to compose a story of who I am with a series of five statements. The catch, however was that I wasn’t allowed to repeat any of the specified phrases at all. All five statements had the same structure:

I am _____, I come from ______

I’ve been to _____, and _______ is my home.

I think/I believe/I see/I know/I am _________

When our cohort was given this assignment I thought it would be a piece of cake, because of course I know who I am. Duh. Except when it was time for me to get started, it took me a tad longer than I expected, and even after I had finished, I realized that in fact the five statements weren’t enough to encapsulate who I am. I was proud of the story I wrote about myself, so I’m going to share it below:

I am strong. I come from adversity. I’ve been to the lowest of lows and the highest of highs. Resilience is my home. I think that the most slept on can rise to great heights.

I am compassionate, I come from parents who did the best that they could. I’ve been to places no kid should have to go, and have been lifted from those same places. Empathy is my home. I believe that true kindness asks for nothing in return. It is it’s own reward.

I am understanding, I come from grace. I’ve been to volunteer at soup kitchens, and with those who may be unhoused. Service is my home. I see that most people are trying to do the best they can, and need more grace than we usually give.

I am grateful, I come from an area where some people become a statistic. I’ve been to a Blue Ribbon High School, and a world class university. Favor is my home. I know that despite my questioning faith, God has been gracious to me.

I am Candace. I come from Washington D.C. I’ve been to South Africa and Indiana. Community is my home. I am a woman making the best house of the cards she has been dealt.

If you’re really looking to figure out who you are and what makes you special, give this a try. Even if you are absolutely sure of yourself, who you are and what you stand for, I’m encouraging you to give this a shot. You may be surprised at the outcome.

Love always,

CDOG