You “Aught” To Know Me: A play on words
Once upon a time, I was driving in the car with my 12-year-old daughter in the back. We were both singing along to the radio. Then my daughter sang along to a new song, hitting the lyrics just right - if-you-seek-amy - and I heard something very, very different than that. She sang the chorus again and I realized she didn’t hear what she was really singing.
“Do you know what you’re saying?” I asked, barely controlling my maternal hysteria. No one wants their 12-year-old first-child angel girl, still bathed in innocence, taking part in Britney Spears’ play on words.
But I do fully enjoy a witty play on words.
Lately, a series of words has had me thinking that you “aught” to know me. Now say that over and over and see if you get it. And the best way for you to get to know me, or for anyone to get to know you, is through the “aut” words.
These words represent the courage to separate yourself from the masses, to stand out, and to be confident in your unique self.
First up is autonomy, one of my favorites. I do not want to be pushed into a generalized group. I avoided groups as a kid - cheerleaders, smart kids, theatre kids - because I wanted to be on the outside looking in. It wasn’t until I had completely investigated a situation that I would decide yes or no. I may not have known who I wanted to be, but I knew who I wasn’t interested in being.
If you own your autonomy, you live by your values and are in a state of free will and self-determination. I will easily and clearly know more about you, and so will your potential clients.
In other words, when you own your autonomy you’re living as your authentic self, our next “aut”. Now, if you know me at all, you know this is not one of my favorite words due to its overuse and misuse. But it does have its place, and can’t be replaced. Authentic is a word without any capable synonyms. When you choose to stand in your authenticity, there’s no longer a reason to compete.
When you own your authenticity, you can show up with confidence as an authority, our third “aut” word. Or an expert, thought leader, specialist, etcetera (I’ve never written that word out and really wanted to, thank you).
You know me as a copywriter and a messaging consultant, and it’s time you know that I’m an author, too, our fourth and final “aut” word. But I’ve been shy about it. The truth is, I’ve been writing for years - fiction, poetry, commentary. And yes, I am writing a book that I’ve been working on for several years.
But sometimes it’s easier to write other people’s stuff than my own, so I wanted to give my readers an opportunity to experience my other writing.
Here are some ways to do that:
My Medium account: https://medium.com/@bethknaus
This is a bunch of hopefully thought-provoking writing. Please feel free to let me know by liking, clapping, commenting, and especially following.
The SheBreathes Soul Stories
A wonderful collection of raw, true stories of women who dealt with trauma and have triumphed. I’m both the editor and a contributor.
Available on Amazon: amzn.to/46PM1mR
I also have had a story published in each of the following anthologies:
Moveable Feasts: An anthology, Just Desserts by Beth (Chariton) Knaus
Losing the Map: Stories, Family Travels by Beth Knaus
So how do you feel about the “auts”? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let’s set up a call.