At times I receive a flash of insight on the most insignificant and smallest of gestures.

This past Friday, at the drumming circle led by the coolest guy ever, Ed Runeigh asks everyone to go around the room and introduce themselves.  When it comes to my turn I always proudly say my full name:  JONE VICTORIA.   Not Jone, always Jone Victoria.

I cannot imagine half of my name just hanging out there in the ether; “Hi, I’m Jone.”  It just sounds incomplete to me.  My name is a mantle of what my legacy will be.

I’ve waged war on demons and fought for the underdog.  I’ve raised two incredible children almost single-handedly, survived cancer and poverty.  Had an incredible career, without benefit of a college education and broke the glass ceiling.  Traveled overseas and met teachers on varying dimensions of existence.  I enjoy excellent health and have the finest of friends.  I have been blessed with intelligence and the ability to see deep within the soul of my fellow man.

All of you have a life, filled with experiences, natural born gifts of artistry and legacies that could take their rightful place on the  New York Times bestseller list.  You are a composite of all your experiences, and thoughts.  You’re a force to be reckoned with – a survivor of life’s firestorms.

Your name is a crown of glory; wear and say it proudly.

Tags: be proud of your name, drumfish, drumming circle, Ed Runeigh, name as a crown, smallest of gestures