PATIENCE

A question asked by a 19-year-old made me stop in my tracks and think deeply. It's been over a month since she asked, and in my attempt answer, I wrote this post. The question read:

Good morning, Patty. I am [name withheld], a 19 years old student at [school withheld] I got your contact from [xyz]. Please there is something on my mind that I've been meaning to ask: I have been following you long enough to know that your name is Patience..but it's Patty to most. My question is, how do you introduce yourself to people? Do you say you are Patty or Patience? How do you navigate your identity?

The question highlighted the influence of my actions and inactions, emphasising?how they set standards for others. Whether consciously or not, these actions carve paths for people to follow, even if it's just one individual. I realise that I'm setting examples, and thus, I must consciously strive to establish standards that challenge the norm and alter the narrative instead of fitting into the conditioning of my environment.

Most know me as Patty, those who call me by my original name are usually my old schoolmates from Akosombo International School or friends who want to tease me or emphasise a point.

From a branding and marketing perspective, I opted to hammer only one name to my audience until it gained a certain level of brand recognition and association but truthfully, beyond branding and marketing, I simply didn't like the first name my parents gave me.? It felt it was not cool enough, “of all the names in the world, this is what y’all chose? LOL!” in my shallow opinion. Besides that I felt like my character was not a representation of the name. Previously, I introduced myself as Patty, I only used to disclose my original name when people ask "Is it short for Patricia?" but now I still introduce my self as Patty because that is my brand name and it is going to around for a while. However, when an introduction comes with room or enough to tell the story of who I am and what I do I tell always tell them my name is originally Patience.

Shortening a name isn't inherently wrong; it can even be a gesture of affection, familiarity or friendship. However, if you shorten your name due to dislike, it warrants introspection, who or what conditioned you to think that way? Unless the name carries negative connotations, like in the case of Jabez in the Bible, who changed the narrative, you too can redefine your name's significance.

The name my father gave me is Patience which is one of the fruits of the Spirit.

Our names constitute a significant part of our identity, and mine began to resonate once I understood my purpose. It can also be the other way round, finding your purpose in your name.

When I found mine, it was like a coin had been flipped, and now, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit [whose fruit I am of] , I appreciate the name my father gave me.

I've realised the weight my name carries; it holds immense significance on who I am and the journey I am on. The journey so far has been one of? Patience. It has been one of building capacity to accept or tolerate delay, problems or suffering without becoming annoyed of anxious [still working on the annoyance bit though].

I’ve come to understand that, literally and figuratively:

Patience is a virtue.

Patience is a key element of success.

Patience is power.

Patience is a form of wisdom.

pun very much intended ??

To anyone grappling with their identity due to dissatisfaction with their name, I urge you to embrace the weight your name carries. Strive to break free from societal definitions of coolness and establish your own standard. Strive to break free from the conditioning of your mind that is not serving you fully.

My name is Patience, and it carries weight.