They Don't Know Me At All.....

You know, it's funny, but after 2 1/2 - 3 years of knowing someone, you'd think that they'd have some insight into who you are. I have a group of friends, online mostly, and it becomes more evident everyday that most of them don't have the slightest inkling into who I really am. It's sort of sad really.
Just yesterday, I heard that I shared my feelings in writing because another friend "put me up to it." I have to tell you, that is the funniest thing that I had heard in a really long time. Anyone who knows me at all knows that I do things because I think I should, because it is something that it important to me. No one makes me do anything that I don't want to.
A long time ago, when I was in Catholic school, one of the nuns there told me that my mouth was going to get me into trouble. She was right. I have always been opinionated - at least about the things that matter to me. As far as I know, I have never been afraid to speak out about those things that I felt needed to be addressed - even if my own views weren't "popular". To sit quietly has never been my way. I would never want it to be my way.
I have a brain and God gave me the ability to think for myself, reason through all the information, form an opinion, and above all - articulate it. That's what I do. Talking and in some cases writing is critical to who I am. I try to use my voice to help others. Sometimes I use it for myself, but I can say that I have NEVER used it because someone else told me to. The very idea of that is laughable.
For those that don't know me, and those that think they do - this is who I am.
I am:
a mother
a friend
loyal
opinionated
at least quasi- intelligent
creative
an advocate
a rebel
a proud American

Some people love me. Some people don't. But love me or not, this is who I am.