Chapter 19 – Jade-isms

My friend Ali is actually the one who gave me the idea for a res-YOU-me.

I had been describing how I wanted to create an alternative resume for myself because my siblings always laugh at me for my distinct “Jade-isms.”

I got to thinking:

What if we all had this type of resume – it could be a list, a poem, a mock of an actual resume, something – that fully described who we are, witty shower-thought one-liners and all?

Ali, a sucker for a good pun, laughed and immediately suggested I call it a “res-YOU-me.”

I haven’t called it anything else since.

---

I have a pretty good idea of what I would put on my res-YOU-me.

But let me ask, what about you? What if you had a res-YOU-me? What are the headings of your life? The traits, idiosyncrasies, song lyrics, quotes, habits, phrases, adventures, landscapes, things, that encompass you? Who are you really, and why are you proud to be you? Who is the you hidden away?

---

If I had a res-YOU-me,

I would tell you about wandering, that is, the idea of going about idly, maybe following a winding course, and even a practice of leading yourself astray. Yes, I like

to wander.

You can probably find me:

Roadtripping across the county.

Climbing a mountain.

Or, in Alabama, probably at the beach.

---

I would probably also tell you about living, the art of being alive and building a life rich in experience, or exhibiting vigor, gusto, and enthusiasm. Yes, I like

to live.

I believe in:

Dancing down the streets, in the farm fields, and around my house with wild abandon.

The healing power of a sunset-chasing, music-blaring, wind-whipping-hair kind of night.

The magic of a new adventure, a good slice of pizza, and the childlike delight of a massive ice cream cone.

---

I would tell you I finally think it’s important to find and understand yourself through massive ventures in growth, the odd process of developing, increasing, and expanding in maturity and wisdom. Yes, I like

to grow.

I value:

The simplicity of giving and receiving kindness.

Gratitude’s ability to change yours and other’s lives.

Seeking joy in the toughest of times.

---

I would tell you I think I’ve found my voice, have found that I can express, rely, and act upon my internal values and beliefs. Yes, I like to have

a voice.

You can find me:

Attached to my headphones, likely thinking, singing, listening, or talking to a friend.

Being wildly expressive and animated, likely acting out every conversation of my day.

Daring to be uniquely me, likely sporting massive sunglasses and clackety heels.

---

Most of all, though, in aspiring to be the Jade I strive to be, I think I would share with you that

I am fiercely passionate about the power of words, loving others, and embodying the sun.