And say it proudly. Those of you who have attended my seminars know I feel that the way we say our names conveys our self-confidence. “When you introduce yourself, state your name as if you were proud of it,” I counsel.
A while back, I was conducting a seminar for the Georgia Leadership Institute at Lake Lanier Islands and one of the participants told me this story:
“I grew up with a father who was both abusive and an alcoholic. As awful as he was at times, he gave me a gift that I have carried through my life. Whenever I would leave the house – to take a test, play in a competitive sport, or act in a play – he would say to me, ‘Erica, remember your name.’ When I remember this, I stand a little taller and walk a little slower.”
Finding forgiveness.