What's in a name?

We've all chosen an identity here in blogland

A bit over 3 years ago (wow -- has it been that long?)
I chose mine

Striving for Peace
soon shortened to sfp

It was important to me to express what I wanted to be
not who I was

because I was a lost little subbie back then
confused
and alone

and anything but peaceful.

and peace is one of the things I love the most

I will scrap here and there -- but have no desire for drama and discord in day to day life.

and when my life changed
I kept the name
because it's who I am

when I blog -- it's my identity -- like any nickname.
it's uniquely mine
perhaps more in some ways because I chose it

so yes --
I am anonymous
because you wouldn't know me on the street

but I am true to my name
and my persona
because it represents me in the community

when I comment
I comment as me
when I've changed blogs
my name goes with me

sometimes one of us changes our name
and yes -- it's certainly possible to do so secretly
but that's rare
our group usually says goodbye when we leave
and changes name officially
with a bit of ceremony

it's a big decision.

Of course

sfp isn't all of who I am
she's a tiny piece
and she's carefully crafted

she's the piece of me I choose to let this community see.

we are all many people in our lives

I am a mother, a friend, a mentor, a boss, a sister, a daughter, a coworker, a parishioner

each of them a clearly defined persona

this is how life works.

Here in blogland
her name is sfp

My commenter asked what difference does it make?
since you don't really know me anyway
that I could be anyone
I could be a 13 yr old boy
or a creepy old dude

but it does make a difference
my name is my brand

when I comment
to those who know me
they know what to expect
they know my "voice"
if they read me -- they may get my sense of humor
they may know we have some shared experiences

but they know me -- my brand -- my persona
as a friend

when we post as anonymous
we could be anyone

and anyone -- could pretend to be us

names are important
and our names here
define who we are
who we wish to be

there's a lot in a name.