What’s in a Name? Reflecting on Childhood Nicknames

(Photo courtesy Zentralbild Biscan, Wikimedia Commons)

Have you ever been called something that stuck with you for years? Maybe even longer than your favorite childhood toy? Childhood nicknames have a unique way of wrapping themselves around our stories, sometimes as a warm embrace, sometimes as an awkward itch that never quite goes away. As we look back, what do those names really mean to us?

Why Do Childhood Nicknames Matter?

Let’s be honest: nicknames can be so much more than just words. They can be badges of honor, inside jokes, or even gentle (or not-so-gentle) nudges from family and friends. They can shape how we see ourselves. Or how we wish others would see us. Here’s why they’re worth reflecting on:

*Warmth and Humor: Some nicknames make us smile every time we hear them. They remind us of cozy afternoons, laughter-filled kitchens, or summer adventures with siblings or cousins.

*Identity: A nickname can feel like a secret handshake, a sign that you belong.

*A Little Bit of Pain: Not every nickname comes with fond memories. Sometimes, they remind us of awkward phases or times we felt misunderstood.

Journaling Prompt: Your Nickname Story

Did you have a childhood nickname? I invite you to take a few moments to journal about it. Here are some questions to guide you:

* Who gave you your nickname? Was it a parent, a grandparent, a sibling, a schoolmate, or a friend?

* How did you feel when you first heard it? Did you love it, or did it make you cringe?

*  Has your relationship with that nickname changed over the years?

* If you could choose a nickname for yourself today, would it be the same?

My Own Experience

Let me share a little secret: I was called “Karen the Red Baron” by my first-grade classmates. What? Why this? I think this was just an easy rhyme, and it sure made them laugh. Me…not so much. Lots of tears, go figure. But my parents took the opportunity to help me learn to laugh at myself and let things go. Would I choose to erase this experience? Not a chance, it’s another thread woven into the tapestry of who I am. The nickname didn’t stick, and my sunny disposition belies the current “Karen” memes. In fact, I use it as a humorous quip.

Your Story Matters

Nicknames are more than just playful monikers – they’re snapshots of who we were and how we were seen by those who loved us (or sometimes teased us!). They can be a doorway into treasured memories, and sometimes, a starting point for deeper self-reflection.

Maybe your grandmother called “Sunbeam.” I can imagine that every time she said it, you felt like you were lighting up the whole room. Years later, I bet that name still brings a smile to your face. It reminds you of her gentle encouragement, her belief in your brightness, and the warmth of her kitchen on rainy days.  “Sunbeam” is a part of your story.

Ready to capture your own memories and stories – nicknames and all? I encourage you to journal about your childhood nickname, or better yet, share the story with your family. You never know: what started as a simple name might just become a cherished chapter in your life’s book.

Let’s celebrate the names we’ve been given – and the stories they tell!

Interested in learning more about sharing your story? Contact me for a free consult at kray@rememberingthetime.net. Or register for the free Celebrate Storytelling Journaling Circle to jump right in and begin journaling your personal history.

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School Days: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly for Memoir Writers

School attendance is a high profile current topic and rightly so. We spend so much of our childhood in school, it has a profound effect on our likes, dislikes, character, love of learning, and friendships. These experiences provide a motherlode of material for memoir writers and family historians.

When I’m doing oral history interviews or memoir coaching, I find that school memories are always a rich source of content. We remember the GOOD, cherish, and laugh about it. We shudder at the BAD and often still carry the scars. We might count the UGLY among our most embarrassing memories, our funniest, or any number of other emotional boxes we shove our stories into.  

Working on your family history or memoir? Think about experiences with teachers and schools, both GOOD and BAD.  I had many great teachers, a few indifferent ones, some who were pretty average, and yes, some who were just bad. But, doesn’t this describe most of us at different times in our career and lives? We might never know the back stories of those whose lives intersect our own, including teachers and schoolmates. So, I have compassion, healthy boundaries, and have tried to learn from each of these educational realities.  

You might have been shamed by a teacher frustrated that you didn’t “get” their favorite subject matter. Geometry anyone? How you handled this, or didn’t, and moved forward is an important part of your story.  Maybe you were encouraged by another teacher who saw something positive and excellent in you? Perhaps it was wordsmithing skills in composition class, or your face lighting up (not literally- that might have been on the BAD list) over a chemistry experiment, an art assignment, building something useful in shop class or having a great understanding of history.   Whatever it was, these experiences shaped you.

I’ve been an educator much of my life and love to see those “aha” moments when an idea becomes real and personal for someone. It happens in workshops, on zoom calls, even in feedback on social media posts. The lovely thing is, I’m always learning right along with you! Think back on your school experiences. There was GOOD, there was BAD, there was UGLY! Each of these is full of story, dig in and write about them.  

Want to join others interested in writing their story? I’ve opened up a new private FaceBook group, Family History & Memoir Writers Fellowship, just for you! We’ll encourage each other in our storytelling journeys, have fun, share stories, crowdsource solutions, and prompt each other with inspiration and great ideas. We’re stronger and more creative together. Click the link above to check it out and I’ll see you on the inside!
Karen
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How to be a Family History Clutter Cutter

family history, memoir writing

A friend posted this statement today in a memoir writing discussion thread:  “Tomorrow is too late, live today” Then she asked, “Would you agree?” Wow! I can’t stop thinking about this, it’s such an interesting thought and question.

Carpe Diem! Seize the Day!

So many people become stuck in the mire of perfection. Someday, when “x” happens, if this is settled, then I’ll…. We’ve all talked this way. But then…decades go by and you’ve missed out on precious time and memories.

While of course it’s wise to plan and implement for today, tomorrow, and the future, there are opportunities and decisions that must be acted on in the moment. Over analyzing can keep us stuck. That said, it is never too late to take the next right step! As for me, I thrive on balanced living in all three time zones, past, present, and future (I do work with memoir, after all). This one life is a priceless gift and I don’t want to waste a minute of it. So today is simple, sweet, and designed to get you future authors and family historians un-stuck.

Here’s one big Seize the Day tip, it’s like a NEON YELLOW easy button, that can help you move forward with writing your memoir or family history:

#1:  REPURPOSE things you’ve already created to get a jumpstart on your memoir content. Can you really do this? Sure thing –  letters, recipes, journal entries, newspaper clippings, even descriptions of gifts you’ve made can form the foundation for a new chapter. You can include them as is, expound on the material, or use them as memory prompts. Create a themed collection if you like and make a simple photo book.

Photo book companies send out frequent discounts and can be an easy way to share the story of your keepsakes. Think beyond just photos, you can add story text, recipes, use your imagination. Try Shutterfly, Blurb, Mixbook, Snapfish, Picaboo to name just a few…search for the sales codes.

Now is the ideal time to begin thinking about a simple project to create as a gift for upcoming holidays, birthdays, anniversaries. Books like these gain instant heirloom status and are the secret sauce in memorable gift-giving.

By sharing the story behind family history keepsakes everyone benefits. No one gains if they stay shoved in a box. It is not the item that is of value but the memories behind it. Are you getting the most mileage from these materials you can? Do a little digging and help your family gain a rich understanding of  their background and history. You’ll have fun in the process.

Bonus tip: Bet you thought of at least a couple items in your family history collection that you can do this with. Now, go and IMMEDIATELY APPLY these ideas to your treasures while the thought is fresh. Set a timer for 10 minutes and write out everything that comes to mind. Organize it later!

Need help? Feel free to contact me anytime and we’ll brainstorm some options. I’d love to hear from you!

Karen

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Contact Me

Please contact me for more information or to to schedule a free consultation. I look forward to visiting with you.






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    Karen Ray

    Address: 331 Bristol Avenue, Las Cruces, NM, 88001

    Phone: 575-323-1048


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