Community Post: Finding My Identity

This post is written by Katie Lemons, a wonderful blogger, and creator you can learn more about at (Hot & Sour). Katie was recognized as a recipient of Amazon’s Top 35 Family Lifestyle blogs. 

I am a woman. I am Chinese-American. I am a wife. I am a mother. I am a scientist. I am a writer. I am all of these things, yet none of these words can accurately portray my individuality or even begin to explain the essence of who I am.

It wasn’t until after my son was born that I truly began to think deeply about my own identity. Before then, I had taken it for granted that I knew who I was, that it wasn’t something that needed to be reflected upon. But after having a child, my identity became inextricably intertwined with the little person who was now a permanent fixture in my life. It was only when I tried to separate myself from the role of motherhood that I realized I didn’t know where to begin.

Little by little, I began to realize that my identity is not defined by my roles, my job, or my hobbies. Rather than looking for labels to describe me, I began to look at the various aspects of my life as the things which bring me overwhelming joy. It wasn’t until I began to appreciate and be thankful for the things I have that I was able to shift my focus and live life to the fullest.

I am grateful for…

1. The feeling of sinking into my bed, after an exhausting day
2. Watching my son eagerly absorbing everything the world has to offer
3. Reading a book that truly resonates with me
4. Finding something in common with someone else that is totally unexpected
5. Witnessing the immense love my son continuously receives from his grandparents
6. A long hug with my husband after work
7. Sleeping in on the weekend when my son visits with his grandparents
8. A big bowl of delicious noodle soup
9. Discovering a TV show that my husband and I both love
10. Amazon Prime Two Day Shipping
11. Coming home to a house cleaned top to bottom by my husband
12. Creative inspiration
13. Making a difference and being recognized at work
14. Connecting with old friends without missing a beat
15. Financial security
16. The feeling of comfort and nostalgia when eating food I grew up with
17. Doing something random and silly that causes my son to laugh from his belly
18. Finding a great deal on something I was going to buy anyway
19. Listening to podcasts
20. People and situations that are placed in my life that facilitate personal growth
21. My health and well-being
22. Knowing that what I do makes a difference in patients’ lives
23. A workplace and supervisors that are incredibly supportive of parenthood
24. Changing into my pajamas and snuggling under a blanket on the couch
25. Being a homeowner with two parks within walking distance of our neighborhood

For more from Katie, check out her blog at Hot & Sour, where she writes about motherhood, marriage, food, culture, and much more.

Check out my first blog 25 Things I’m Grateful For (#1) to know why I started writing about gratitude and why I want you to start writing a list of your own. 

If you’re interested in Guest Blogging for the Gratitude Journal, click (here)!