What’s in a Name?

MK’s Name tag

When I was little, I was always Mary Kay. Then, in middle school, I competed in gymnastics and was in the newspaper enough that people started calling me Mary Lou, like the infamous Mary Lou Retton who was earning 10’s in gymnastics at that time. 

What should have been a compliment felt like teasing (ah youth). 

In high school and college, it was just Mary. No childish name for me. 

Then, I got married and thought Mary Kay sounded better. That was really the only reason I added Kay back. 

Now, I’m 51 and it’s either Mary Kay or MK. And they seem to define me in different ways. Mary Kay sounds more formal, more serious. MK definitely matches my feisty personality. 

My business cards, name tag and the way I sign all of my emails is MK. So, why is it so hard for me to simply introduce myself as MK? 

Am I clinging to what’s safe? What’s secure? Who I have been for so much of my life? 

I love MK. I really do. It personifies me. And yet, I always say, “Hi, I’m Mary Kay, like the cosmetics.” (You know everyone is thinking that anyway, why not get it out of the way?) 

I have a networking event tonight and tomorrow night. I think I’ll commit to introducing myself as MK and see how it feels. Maybe my outside will match my inside. Maybe I will step into my own in a small and simple way. 

I love this quote by Naeem Callaway. It feels right today, 

“Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tiptoe if you must, but take the step!” 

What do you need to tiptoe into today? I’m here to help. Send me a message! 

Your Moxie Queen, 

MK