Why Did You Choose That Username And/Or That Avatar (Or No Avatar At All)?

[pebbels]

Hi Pebs here, I chose Pebbels as my username because i like it and not long before joining this forum my beloved cat pebbels had passed away, I use this name on most sites soooooooo am constantly asked "where is Bam Bam"
as a child i loved watching The Flintstones lol so i thought for the avatar here i would go with a pic of Pebbels from that show, she is sooooo cute and was an adorable character, i loveeeeeeee babies and pebs my cat was
my baby so it all ties in i think. :)

Pebbels

 

[anthony]

Because I have nothing to hide... and want to demonstrate to others that they should strive for such a self esteem to deal with PTSD and life. Lead by example is what I was always taught.

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

well, you lead very well. You are being a lot more helpful then any foundation or hotline or any of that crap.

 

[Jubilation4Me]

I finally chose Jubilation4Me as my username after trying to come up with something to describe myself that wasn't all depressing and sad.....being as that was how I truly felt at the time. One day Steve Martin came on a television program I was watching and he sang the funniest little silly song called "Jubilation." At that time, I'd not been able to smile or laugh for a few weeks due to CPTSD problems, and I actually died out laughing, because the song was so silly and stupid! I decided right then and there that I'd adopt that name for myself, because I'd been fortunate enough to find the forum and gain insight and understanding for myself in such a great time of need. I wanted the name because it felt and sounded positive and hopeful for me! Everytime I log in to the forum, I smile a little bit when I think about silly Steve Martin playing his banjo singing that goofy "Jubilation" song!

As for my avatar....or lack of one......I am too "computer-challanged" to figure out how to install one! There used to be some neat ones to choose from on the forum, but they've evidentally been lost. Eventually, I'll have one of my kids to help me with an avatar, but for now, being without one is okay.

 

[AthenaErdmann]

I've heard the comments from ex girlfriends or just friends in general that I have sad and empty eyes when they look into them. Kind of played off of that comment.

This may feel pushy - ignore this comment if you feel that is wisest.

Others have said that your eyes look empty - what do you see when you look into a mirror?

Athena

 

[AthenaErdmann]

The reason for my username is quite simple really.
When I registered my cat was the only constant in my life... When I'm having a bad day she is constantly at my side.

Thanks, Cat, this made me smile. I so wish we could have a cat - my hubby and our girls would love to have one or two. But I am too allergic to have any furry pets :-(

Athena

 

[Nicolette]

But I am too allergic to have any furry pets :-(

You can buy all those pretty ones at the toy store and I have it on good authority they are no maintenance and don't cause allergic reactions :rofl::rofl:

 

[AthenaErdmann]

Mine is a short form for a name meaning Middle Path - something to strive for.

This gave me a WOW feeling. Yours is a strong username, like a lighthouse or beacon - it inspires respect.

My real name - my parents used to call out a short form of it like I was a dog - so I tried in vain for years to get people to call me by the full first name, but whenever friends would call, my mother/father would Correct them. Neither one of them ever addressed me how I preferred, just to show they still had control.

I am really sorry to hear this - it sounds a lot like my parents, even though the details of course vary.

Also got a First Nations name, which a friend picked out by accident and it's great.

I am curious, but do not feel pushed to share, if you would rather keep your First Nations name private.

Athena

 

[midi]

Isn't that something, how abusive parents start out controlling you by your name? It's like a curse right from the get go, even though you're beautiful and so is your name!

It's Red Feather - for blood and for the red-tailed hawk (chicken hawk).

When we come here and choose a user name, it's like we are finally taking back our own power!

 

[AthenaErdmann]

It's Red Feather - for blood and for the red-tailed hawk (chicken hawk).

When we come here and choose a user name, it's like we are finally taking back our own power!

Red Feather is such a beautiful and strong name. I love watching hawks in flight. Our yard is part of the territory of a chicken hawk, and my husband and our neighbor saw it take a dove just this last autumn, right outside our front windows. Magnificent bird!

I totally agree about the "taking back our own power" part.

Athena

 

[AthenaErdmann]

Isn't that something, how abusive parents start out controlling you by your name? It's like a curse right from the get go, even though you're beautiful and so is your name!

This made me shiver - you are so right. I don't want to sound like I am making excuses for abuse or neglect with what I am about to write, but I do also feel really, really sorry for my mother (and sorrier still that she will likely never be able to accept such a feeling from me, or any other family member).

My mom was not the first daughter born to her parents (they also had sons). Her next-older sister died while my gandmother was pregnant with my mom. My mother inherited the dead child's full name, with one name added between the first and the middle name.

Now how cruel, mean and stingy is that? Not even "affording" a child a name of her own! To state so blatantly "You should be somebody else" or "You should be dead". To add injury to insult, my grandmother always treated my mother like she could do nothing right, and her next-younger sister like she could do nothing wrong. It was horrible to watch / hear, and I suspect my aunt emigrated partly because she was so embarrassed by her mother's blatant partiality. When my mom and dad fought, my mother's mother always sided with my dad, against my mom.

I could go on, but I am sure you get the picture already.

Yes, names are important, and the way others address us shapes us, right from the start.

Athena

 

[anni]

Funny, I've always wondered about why everyone has chosen their 'stuff'. It's been lovely reading all the blurbs and seeing the faces behind all these names.

My name really is Annie, but I chose it because it was also my grgrandmother's name. She was just a woman of massive dignity and strength, and if I can somehow manage to live like I feel she might have expected me to, perhaps I'll end up leaving something or other worthwhile in the end.

The avatar is from an absolutely perfect moment one gets when a whole bunch of stuff comes together. It's hard to explain and lengthy, plus probably really boring if you're not into dressage so I won't try.

The ID photo is a partial photo of one of my mosaics of some sunflowers. It's one I couldn't bring myself to sell because I got attached for some reason. It's a contained and happy work, and a better reminder of who I should be than that unreliable piece of glass over the sink in the bathroom.