Privacy is a strange thing for me. I am an open individual in almost every aspect. I never really have anything to hide and I'm always looking for feedback on the decisions and events in my life. It is not like I try to keep anything hidden from the world. I think my name is the closest attempt I make at privacy. According to official documentation and my boss at my day job, my name is Kirsten Michele Murray. A strong, yet still slightly, unique name that does not sound unprofessional and my boss can feel comfortable saying within a meeting. However, according to most everything else I am Kiki. Whether it is Kiki Shelly Ray (my full name shortened) or Kiki Murray, it is the name I prefer. It matches me, my personality, and my lifestyle more than Kirsten. It is unique that no one has ever forgotten it, and it is a name that could actually be my real name (if only). If someone from my work was looking for information on Kirsten Murray, that would be saddened to find one LinkedIn page and possibly a Xanga page (if it still exists).
Other than that, my company is Kiki's Wedding Service, my handle for Odyssey is Kiki Shelly Ray, and my entire friend and family circles call me Kiki. Well, aside from a few extended relatives who have yet to catch up on the change. I don't really care about having my personal and professional identities separate. I am not good at faking so I've never tried to be someone I am not and I make a point to only workplaces that appreciate what every part of my personality has to offer. Whether that is a fresh perspective on a formatting or editing issue, an analysis of pop culture, or a super nerdy unique wedding. I am me through and through, I am an open book, and I care not for creating privacy boundaries which hide who I truly am.
That’s not to say I am a perfect individual. I have made mistakes and I haven’t always been the most eloquent person. I’m not proud of those moments and traits of my past selves, but there is nothing to be ashamed about and there is no need to hide from it. Facebook’s new feature “On This Day” consistently reminds me that I was an annoying, moody, and frankly ridiculously close-minded teenager, but who cares? No one is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes, but you can either spend your time and effort hiding from it, or you can embrace it. Learn to laugh at yourself, and it will help you move forward.
All in all, there is no need to hide who you are. There really is no need to have multiple personalities for every instance that could come into your life. I used to think that “Kirsten” and “Kiki” were two entirely different people, that it was two sides fighting over dominance, but they are both me and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Be the you that you want to be, don't hide from yourself or others.
In the immortal words of Max Bialystok "If you've got it, flaunt it."
