As I've been reflecting on who I am and how I present myself, I decided to look at the 'My Brand' badge in the Rebel Badge Club. This made me think a lot about who I am, and how I portray myself and my beliefs in my day-to-day life, both in 'real life' and online.
What are my 'brand values' and does my social media reflect this?
I hope that those who know me in real life would say my values are loyalty, faith, equality/inclusion, friendship, and fun. I think I do represent these in the things I do and share online - I try to be true to myself in the virtual world as well as the real world. The thing I talk about least is my faith - although I do share about this where it feels relevant. I generally try and focus on positive things, but am open about my difficulties too.
I very rarely share other people's content, so my output is reflective of me as I am. Most of all, the fact that I post as little as I do is probably reflective of my own desire for privacy and my respect for that of my family and friends as I won't post anything about them without their knowledge or consent.
What am I known for?
My colleagues know me as a helpful, friendly Oracle! I think they do know me as I want to be known in the office. I'm aware that my senior role means that things I do and say bear a certain weight - so I try to make sure I set a good example (tone and content of social chat, work ethic(!), work/life balance and separation. As an example, I'd be happy to post pictures in the team chat while I'm on holiday - but don't want others to think they're expected to be connected to work things while they have time off, so save it for when I'm back.
I truly hope my friends see me as loyal, trustworthy and supportive - and fun! I have a very small circle of close friends (more of a dot, really!). My best friend is like another sister to me - we've been through a lot together, and although we know where we disagree politically, that doesn't diminish the love we have for one another, and the support we both give and receive. We have both laughed and cried together; I have sat with her by her husband's hospital bed, and she has sat with my husband by mine. We may live too many miles apart nowadays, but I know she is always with me in spirit, as I am with her.
Other close friends are those who I've known for many years now - mostly from my university days. Again, we may not see each other often in person, but I know that there is a network of friends there, caring for each other even when we don't speak or see each other for months or more! When we do manage to meet up, it's always wonderful to be able to spend time together.
My family - goodness knows what they think of me! I know my daughters have forgiven many of the mistakes I made while they were younger, and we have strong, loving relationships now. I know they feel I'm not always as supportive as they wish, especially when there are intra-family disagreements, so I'm aware of the need to try and be clearer in both my support and where I draw the line or disagree. My mum and sister both read my blog, so I'm not even going to speculate on what they might say about me! XD
What drives or motivates me?
That's a really difficult question now! Most of the time I feel as though I don't have much drive - I just plod along, doing what I enjoy along the way! My cancer diagnosis and prognosis have, I think, reduced my motivation in many ways, rather than increasing it, but have certainly made me re-evaluate my life generally. The biggest shift has been in my attitude to work and career; while I would never have thought of myself as a 'career woman' (what a terrible phrase that is!), I've enjoyed my working life, and am glad to still be able to work full-time. However, whereas a few years ago I had hopes and ideas for the next step I might want to take, now I'm rather more content to stay where I am with the support and understanding of colleagues who know me, in a role I know I can fulfil.
My focus now is on being the best ME that I can be - whatever that means in practice. Not shying away from difficulties, but not surrendering to them. Not getting completely overwhelmed and feeling powerless in the face of my disease, but doing the best I can to live a good life. Not putting off indefinitely things which are important to me - but not getting too distracted by unimportant ephemera.
So, I don't have a six-month plan, or a 12-month plan, or a 5-year plan. Instead, I have a checkup to checkup plan - as long as my blood results are good, I'm good! Maybe at some point I'll feel brave enough to make plans 6 months ahead, but right now that seems unlikely!
What badges sum me up, and what would the syllabus include for each?
Kayaker Try different kinds of kayaking; go kayaking regularly for 3 months; take part in an event (fun or race); learn about good technique and try to put this into practice
Procrastinator Make a list of the things you need to do. Think about making a start on some of them. One day...
Badgeaholic Be prepared to go well outside your comfort zone in order to earn a badge. Nominate a safe place to keep badges you've bought while you had the opportunity, but haven't yet earned. When you next find your safe place, retrieve the badges you've earned, refresh your memory about the others which are waiting, and add the stash of new badges you've bought.
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