While I’m not the first person to go through traumatic experiences in life, I share my story the way I do because I know I won’t be the last. What I’ve written thus far has touched others and that means the world to me! I’m honored to know I’ve brought tears to people’s eyes, whether it’s because they resonated or sympathized. Art is meant to evoke emotion after all. This journey back to self has been rough yet fulfilling and though the past has taught me lessons worth sharing — it does not dictate my future.

The evolution of my writing, as a result of transmuting life’s struggles and pains, has given me confidence to speak more loosely. I have so much to say, so much to question, and a plethora of genuine interests I would love to begin delving deeper into.

In the spirit of lightheartedness, let’s discuss one of my favorite topics.

I wear it daily on a ring and a necklace, it’s in every social media handle I’ve ever had plus this website domain, it’s safe to say: I love my name!

Ashanti.

According to my mother, she found the name in a history book. Depending on where you are in the world, my name takes on a different meaning. For instance in Ghana, not only does it mean “gratitude” but it is also a region in the country and the name of a empire that lasted for about 200 years. My favorite fifth grade teacher told me my name meant royalty. I believe I am only now learning what it means to truly embody that royal, goddess, empress energy — the importance of sitting back on my throne and receiving what it is that I deserve instead of being on the chase. On the other hand, in North America it means: “I’m not always there when you call, but I’m always on time.” I will never be able to escape her music catalog, lyrics, or Ja Rule for as long as I live. While this can be admittedly frustrating, at least I’m not “Billie Jean,” “Eileen,” or '“Stacy’s Mom”.

Your name is your identity. Well, it’s more that they are so intertwined that there is little room for separation. What makes it so special is, whether we like it or not, your physical appearance speaks for you when you walk in a room, but your name is spoken in rooms you probably have yet to step into. This awareness helps us further understand that the name that we are called or we call ourselves, can either empower or disempower us. In saying that, growing up I never quite cared to but who I am today will now always correct someone when my name is mispronounced and I’m not accepting any nicknames instead either. It’s certainly not that hard to pronounce.

From Yves Saint Laurent to Sharkeisha, I’m of the mind that if you have a special, unique, or different name then it is your duty to leave a lasting impression in this world. Now maybe I have put too pressure and expectations on those of us with uncommon names but I put it on myself first so don’t feel too bad. I’m blessed to have a name that sticks with you. You aren’t gonna forget me, good or bad, and I like it that way.

I would be remiss to not mention memories because the two are connected. You can meet someone with the same name as someone you know or once knew and it’s as if their energy is attached to the name forever. In the same way a song can trigger a memory, so can a name, and sometimes that can affect how we perceive someone or how we decide to treat them. Probably unfair to them and could possibly in the long run be unfair to us if we don’t give them a fair shake.

There is another perspective of this discussion that I’m wholly interested in. I’m curious about life for those with more common names, those lucky enough to find their name on a souvenir license plate or a keychain. At what age did you stop looking around when your name as called? Growing up did you feel you had to prove or set yourself apart in anyway? Or is there less pressure to live up to because so many other people have the same name? Is it easier to just fit in instead of stand out? Cause not only do they have your first name but your nickname too!

On Tiktok recently, I made this video about the intersectionality between spirituality and God when it comes to names. If we choose our names, I’m curious if those who have biblical names, specifically the archangels, if they are put here to do their will around the world. How else would they reach so many people? This lead into talk about free will vs fate and that is a tangent I could write and talk about at length. I’m always curious if these people feel like there is some unseen mission they need to complete or if the story told in the bible is unfolding in their lives or if they carry similar traits. A niche fascination I suppose! I’ve given this a lot of thought and thankfully one of my coworkers engaged me in this discussion. He told me he was experiencing the importance of trusting God’s timing in his own life, which was the moral of his namesake’s story. Ugh, sometimes I do forget these are the topics I want to talk about at length with someone else and not just turn over in my brain. Cheers to mental stimulation!