Two things collided among my email subscriptions to the delicious blogs of others this week.
Michele Woodward sent me a post that struck me square between the eyes called “A New Normal.” She truly has her finger on the pulse of these challenging days in which many are suffering, wondering what is just around the corner while clinging very tightly to whatever is still in reach. In her article she talks about changing one tiny thing or taking one small risk to create a shift in focus and start to change situations and habits.
The other was a juicy morsel from Havi Brooks, taunting me to try putting my name in an anagram generator. When the Naming Gods were passing out vowels, I asked for one of each and an extra E for effort. With such a jumble, I had no expectation that my name could turn into anything that made sense, much less something provocative.
Turns out that one anagram for Laurie Foley is “Real Life You.” I loved this.
Why? Because my work these days is completely focused on having a very intentional life and coaching others who are seeking the same, especially where it concerns having work that is meaningful. So why should it surprise me that my name could transform into Real Life You? It was a magical fit that helped me feel more creative at a critical moment. If I were the touchy-feely domain name type, I’d be rushing over to GoDaddy to register it.
I started thinking about how Michele’s “new normal” idea is like an anagram. Put your ideas and your habits in a BoggleTM cup and shake. What comes rolling out? We may have to puzzle and squint to find the unexpected combinations but joy and change are worth the effort when the old normal just isn’t working anymore. You’ve got everything you need. What could happen if you mixed it up a little? Maybe the anagram generator could spark a little magic for you, too.
Want to share your favorite anagram name in the comments? What idea about your life does it give you? What small action does it inspire you to take?
By Laurie Foley
Laurie Foley helps solo professionals discover their natural brand so that they can get clear, get noticed and get clients. Sign up to receive your free copy of The Inner Brandifesto, her popular guidebook full of brand-building exercises.
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
I loved checking out the anagram site. Thanks for posting it for us. When I typed in my first and last name, I got a LOT of them, but when I typed in only my first name, I got “all I need” — not as good as yours, but still pretty awesome!
Positively Present’s last blog post..love, love, love who you are now
@Dani – SERIOUSLY?!? That is way cool. Pretty awesome, indeed.
Laurie Foley’s last blog post..What’s Your Personal Anagram?
Fun! My favorite anagram for my name was Crankiness Hoe. No great revelation for me, but an amusing mid afternoon break. Thanks! Warm regards, Sonia
I sent a message, too, but this is worth posting:
Too many e’s and f’s in my name, so I ended up with less-than-satisfying anagrams, such as:
Licensed We Fluff Oil
Fecund Lowlife Flies
Fleeced Fulfil Winos (I guess spelling doesn’t count)
With just Leslie, it’s even worse. Only one entry: See Ill.
Ouch.
@Sonia – LOL.
@Leslie – I’ve been to your house and I NEVER saw a Fecund Lowlife Fly there, though this totally cracked me up.
This WASP with various clergy in the family anagram’d to: RYE MATSO. Who knew? Oy! Thanks for the great link and as always the great blog.
Oops! Make that RYE MATZO. -the careless WASP
“I mule will hear.” Apparently, my stubbornness is known far and wide.
Thanks for the fun!
Laurie | Express Yourself to Success’s last blog post..Body Language Communicates
Great post, Laurie. I agree with Michelle’s thought about one small step at a time –
and when one steps from the right-brain, intuitive side of our self, then that small step can reap huge rewards! Learning to trust one’s intuitive voice is so huge!
@Amy – too funny.
@Laurie – I am endlessly amused at the combinations that come up and what folks identify with.
@Maura – Michele is so smart and I love what you added to the idea – wish I had thought of it! These days I’m spending time thinking about why trust IS hard to do.
Laurie Foley’s last blog post..What’s Your Personal Anagram?
Haha that was hilarious.
Using my first, middle and last name, I got some interesting ones:
avoiding cud salad
a vaginal disco dud (!)
cold guava disdain
Now who can guess my middle name?
David Cain’s last blog post..How to Get Comfortable Not Knowing
Don’t you love these anagrams, David Douglas Cain? =D
You’re very clever.
But no, it’s Slagodu
David Cain’s last blog post..How to Get Comfortable Not Knowing
D’oh. Slagodu was my second choice.
anagram of my name??