Names...

Do you ever think about what you would choose if you could choose your own name? Growing up I thought I should be "Michelle" and be called "Mikey". Why? Who knows! Just one of those things kids think up, I guess.

My name is Joan. I have been going by "Joanie" for a while now...not forever. Why? Because a few people call me that. Then I hung onto it because it was a very fond reminder of my aunts, uncles, and other people who made me feel special and who have always called me "Joanie". It makes me feel good because of those fond memories. And, I had a nickname in school of "Joanie Mac" due to my last name being McLaughlin. So, there you go... the "reasons" behind my nickname. I have embraced it because it makes me feel warm inside, like those familiar things do, things that you grew up with, the love you felt. The funny thing is that there have been even a few people who have made a bit of fun about me using that name. Why? I wonder why they care or why it is necessary to take something I enjoy away? I still will use my nickname, and hope to understand yet again why something so small that makes me feel good has to be made fun of? I'm a grown adult. When do games stop?

Do you have a nickname?