I’ve recently become a big believer in the power of names. We specifically chose our youngest son’s name because of its meaning. Almost like we were speaking it over him, willing it to carry over throughout his life.

I’ve never been a big believer in the meaning of my own name, though. Kelly, depending on where you look, means something like bold, brave, warrior. I am not these things. I have always been shy… never one to step out of my comfort zone, do something risky, take a chance. Until recently.

Writing my heart and soul is terrifying. Writing in general is terrifying. It’s such a subjective thing. And writing about such a specific, personal, dare I say almost controversial? issue just seems to kick it up a notch.

But I’ve made a deal with myself. Not necessarily because it’s a new year, but because it’s a new phase in my life. I have new things to deal with, new parts of myself to explore. A (relatively) new role, a new reality to come to terms with and settle into.

I’m going to press into my name and live up to it. I’m going to be brave. It will take baby step after baby step, but I’m determined to make it happen.

So here I am, declaring it to the world. I guess in a way this is some accountability for myself. If it’s written out, for other people to see, I have to keep going. I can’t give up on this. Because it’s not just for me. The things I’m facing don’t just affect me, they affect everyone around me. And I’m not the only one facing them. So I’ll be brave, for you, for my family, for myself. For all of us.

Tags: accountability brave community identity