Identity: Online Persona

As an introvert working with the public I find people try to envelop me in their perceptions.

Perhaps the most memorable assumption occurred between four and five years ago. My anxiety had wrecked havoc on my digestive system. A couple in their forties or fifties came through my line. I had my hand on my stomach. "Look, she's pregnant," the man said. "Congratulations"

I told him he was mistaken. "I have a stomach ache," I said. I held up my left hand and pointed at my ring finger. "I am not married."

"That doesn't matter anymore." He wanted maintain control of the conversation.

"It does to me." I said it politely enough, but I think he got the point. He had stereotyped me, and I did not appreciate it.

Having an online persona means I can control how I am defined. I tweet as @jmtoole on Twitter. Instead of including a brief bio I use five words to describe myself: believer, writer, crafter, dreamer and entrepreneur. These words reflect my inner perception of myself.

Believer.

I follow Jesus Christ. My faith is the core of my worldview. I see the Creator's hand guiding a broken world toward His glory.

Writer.

I am fascinated by written and spoken stories. I have been writing for over half my life. My goal is to become a published author.

Crafter.

I like to create by hand. I have taught myself macramé, knitting, crochet, watercolor, cooking and gardening; although I have no formal training I believe I have an artist's (and designer's) eye. 

Dreamer.

If you look closely at my banner for With Eyes Lifted you will see the phrase "Look to the heavens; she shimmers as a star." I am a daydreamer. My head is in the clouds; my thoughts are a million miles away. I can be as silly as a child. I would rather be a bare-foot bohemian than a high-heeled corporate slave. 

Entrepreneur.

I am thrifty. I see the value behind the object, and I have a d.i.y. aesthetic.


My challenge for you is to define your online presence in five words. It will force you to examine yourself, and perhaps rid a few misconceptions others have placed on you.