Affirming our 'I'dentity

My friend Aaron recently went to a book-signing for Julie Andrew's book Home:  A Memoir of my Early Years, had two copies autographed, and was kind enough to gift me the second copy.

Now for those of you that don't know Aaron -- he's 6' 6", and a former college football player, making his fondness for Julie Andrews all the more darling.

Even so, I was far more appreciative than I could express.

This gift wasn't just a book, it was an affirmation of my 'I', my 'I'dentity -- my self, as it were.

Perhaps you recall that when I was three I saw The Sound of Music for the first time.  It was this film that prompted my discovery of music and the piano, and one of my earliest, perhaps most important childhood dreams -- that of becoming a concert pianist.

Did he, could he, have known all of this?

Likely not.

This past week my friend Stacey Petrey gave a similarly thoughtful gift in hosting another More Women Networking luncheon at the Harvard Club here in Boston.

She knows we appreciate her organizing the luncheon.

But I don't think she quite comprehends, nor can she, just how much of a gift this luncheon actually was.

For, just like Aaron, Stacey gave a gift to our 'I's.

So much of our lives are about shoring up our roles as caregivers, nurturers, connectors.  How wonderful it was to have two hours focused on our identities, our selves.

Empowerment of women?  Perhaps.

The well-being of More Women?

Without a doubt.

Has someone given you a gift recently that you were moved by, far more than you had anticipated?  Were they unexpectedly affirming a nascent or forgotten piece of your self?

When was the last time you spent a few hours focused on your 'I'dentity?

Related posts:
Tell your soundtrack story:  Of childhood and Christmas
An artist of encouragement
Mary and Martha
Pew Research Center "Fewer Mothers Prefer Full-Time Work" 
Bounty

Comments

[Emily]

So true! I do always look forward to connecting with inspirational and interesting women...so let me add my thanks, as well.

[Shelli Edgar]

Agreed, agreed, agreed! Meeting and listening to the women at MWN was certainly a gift. As one who craves connections with women who are willing to reinvest in themselves, I left feeling full!

[Stacey P]

Dearest Whitney,
Thank you for those kind and encouraging words about MWN. I think what makes the group special and impactful is what happens between meetings when new connections are made, when friendships are solidified and when personal development is achieved.
Thank you for being a founding member and "I"dea generator which molded the branding and nurturing of MWN.

[Aaron]

Yes, it's true. I'm a 6'6", former defensive end for BYU and I adore all things Julie Andrews. You're welcome W!