"When I was a child, my mother said to me, 'If you become a soldier, you'll be a general. If you become a monk, you'll end up as the pope.' Instead I became a painter and wound up as Picasso." Pablo Picasso

The names of famous people often stand for the talent they brought to the world.

A young child is on her stomach on the floor painting. Her father looks at her art and comments, "She is going to be another Picasso."

An aspiring writer works at perfecting his craft. He dreams, "I am going to be a Hemingway."

A student of the trumpet needs encouragement. Her teacher tells her, "You are sounding like a Basie."

THAT'S ME

For what does your name stand? If someone said, "She is going to be another [your name]," or "I am going to be another [your name]," or "You are sounding like a [your name]," what would that mean?

What are your strongest talents or traits? Of course, they may not be in the area of the arts. Perhaps they include being a friend, peace-making, loving, gardening, supporting a cause, gossiping, networking, being stubborn, selling, problem-solving, arguing, pet-raising, parenting, criticizing, making people smile, building a business, motivating people.

For what does your name stand? You can make a choice as to how that question is answered. Right now.

AND TODAY . . .

Today write for several minutes about that for which your name stands. If someone said, "I am a [your name]," what would that signify?

You may want to ask a few trusted friends this question about your name. See what the trends are in their responses.

Now apply the Picasso technique. Answer this same question again but draw your answer. Pictures and words each access different responses. When you look in both places -- the words and the pictures -- you will find a much more complete answer than if you looked in only one.

After you have discovered the significance of your name, decide if you like it. If so, celebrate it in joy and self-respect.

If not, choose a new significance. Write about it. Draw it. Then go out and live it. You have the right, responsibility and power to determine the meaning of your name, and your life. You and your name can stand for whatever you desire.

Attention, everyone! Meet the newest entry in the _Who's Who_ of the entire galaxy. With a drum roll and trumpet blast, I proudly introduce -- you!

©Copyright 2002 Stephanie West Allen

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