Some days I rely heavily on coffee and my ability to ignore reality.
“Who Are You?”
I never expected my meeting with Pastor Steve Keeler to turn into a deep introspection on my identity, but that’s exactly what happened. As we discussed my struggle to come to terms with Lorick’s death, Pastor Keeler posed a simple question that stopped me in my tracks: “Who are you?”
It was a question that I had never fully considered before. I had always defined myself by my roles and responsibilities – as a daughter, a friend, a mother. But who was I beyond those labels? As I sat with Pastor Keeler, I began to realize that there was much more to me than just the roles I played.
I am a complex amalgamation of my experiences, my beliefs, and my values. I had a desire to learn about the world around me. My experiences have taught me resilience and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.
But beyond these external factors, there is also the matter of my personality. I am introspective and analytical, always seeking to understand the deeper meaning behind things. I am empathetic and caring, often putting the needs of others before my own. And I am fiercely independent, refusing to be defined by societal expectations or cultural norms.
Reflecting on these aspects of myself has given me a newfound sense of clarity and purpose. I am not just the sum of my roles and responsibilities – I am a multifaceted, dynamic person with unique gifts and strengths.
When someone asks me the question “Who Are You?”, my first instinct is to tell them my name and a little bit about my family. I am Deni, the third child out of four belonging to Joseph and Barbara. But there is so much more to me than just my name and my family background.
I am a survivor. From my first few weeks I was born, I faced adversity. As an infant, I struggled to overcome health complications that left me weak and vulnerable. But I persevered, and I grew up to be a strong and resilient young woman.
That resilience was tested when I was the victim of a violent assault by a stranger. It was a traumatic experience that left me shaken and afraid, but I refused to let it define me. I sought out counseling and support, and slowly but surely, I began to heal.
Over the years, I have faced countless other challenges and obstacles. Each time, I emerged stronger and more determined than before.
“Who am I?”, I have no hesitation in saying that I am a determined, headstrong, and disciplined individual. These traits have been with me for as long as I can remember, and they have played a significant role in shaping my identity.
When I set a goal for myself, I don’t stop until I achieve it. I am not afraid of hard work, and I am willing to put in the effort required to succeed. This determination has allowed me to accomplish many things in life, from running marathons to excelling in other personal achievements.
My discipline is another key part of my identity. I am not the type of person to procrastinate or make excuses. When I commit to something, I follow through. This has helped me stay on track with my goals and maintain a sense of balance in my life.
As a servant leader, I am dedicated to helping others achieve their goals. I believe that true leadership is about empowering others and creating a positive impact on the world. I have learned the importance of listening, empathy, and collaboration.
I am also a problem solver. When faced with a challenge, I don’t give up or get discouraged. Instead, I approach the problem with a solution-oriented mindset. I consider different perspectives and brainstorm creative ideas until I find a solution that works. This approach has helped me overcome many obstacles in life, both big and small.
“Who am I?”
I love music. There’s something about the way that a great song can transport you to a different place and time. It’s one of my passions in life, along with photography, art, and being creative.
Another thing that I love is animals, specifically my dogs. I find them endlessly fascinating and have always been drawn to their unique personalities and quirks. But if there’s one thing that truly calls to my soul, it’s water. Whether it’s the ocean or a river, I feel most at peace when I’m near the water.
Of course, I’m not perfect. I can be a mess at times, and I know that I can be complicated to some people. But I’ve learned to accept that about myself and embrace my quirks and flaws. I’m someone who is uncomfortable in a general crowd, but I thrive when I’m around a group of like-minded people.
One of the things that I value most in life is spontaneity. I love the thrill of taking risks and trying new things. But at the same time, I’m someone who believes in the power of love and family. My three sons, Max, Jackson, and Ben, are the center of my world, and I know that I was born to be their mother.
I’m also an independent person who is capable of most things. I believe that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. And as a believer in God and Angels, I have hope for every new day. But at the same time, I’m scared of the unknown and what a new day can bring.
In conclusion, when someone asks me “Who am I?”, the answer is complex and multifaceted. I’m a lover of music, art, and creativity. I’m drawn to animals and feel most at home near water. I embrace my quirks and flaws and thrive around a group of like-minded individuals. I value spontaneity and the power of love and family. And as a believer in God and Angels, I have hope for each new day, even as I face the unknown with trepidation.
The Dish by Deni 