Hello, my friends and family. It is a odd task to try and fill in a brief biography while knowing that every person who reads this will likely hold a different version of me in their hearts and minds. While I usually tend to focus on and be grateful for the fact that you have me in your hearts, I will try to follow the structure and give a breakdown on who I think I am now.
Despite my limitations, I’m on a new adventure where I can explore as an open-minded student in academia and in the world. Who am I? is best answered: I am a reflection of my values, and whoever I am, I strive to reflect adaptability and integrity. My core values, formed intuitively when I was very young, continue to guide me. I remain a devoted mother espousing stoicism, perpetual studentship and kindness. I continue to take on experiences using perspectives from the warrior, politician, healer, nymph or monk. Nonetheless, I remain open and curious, knowing that I still have many potential perspectives ahead of me that I may embody. I am building my own legend. In fact, I believe that’s all any of us are ever doing.
Perhaps this is best served if I use a poem I wrote a few months ago, based on a template a friend shared with me…
Who Am I?
I am from reading nooks and worn out books ~ From Earl Grey Tea and MacIntosh Toffee ~ I am from the North, both new and old ~ and from the West where dreams dare to be bold ~ I am of the rugged terrain where words and nettles sting ~ My senses alert, prepared for anything ~ I am from culture clash and an ancient rage ~ I am from coastal air and glacial glare, where the rocky skies and rolling waves were woven into my blood ~ I am from Sunday dinner and tense tippy toe days that could turn into weeks ~ I am of, ‘don’t let them know how you think’ and ‘you’ll be loveable if you shrink’ ~ I am from Catholic shame and Atheist blame, moving on from Londontown ~ Celtic warriors, and farmers, politicians and priests ~ From a long line of women, too intelligent for their time and ~ from the stark truth, that only conditionally ‘You’re mine’ ~ I am from vegetable soups and Christmas roasts, from clans unknown and stories untold ~ I am of my own creation, my own traditions to mould.
I am the mother I deserved, a heart humbled yet fierce
With nothing to lean back on, there is little left to lose
Save for the love of my children and my will to choose.
anilā travels 