Becoming Journey, Staying Me

Maybe it started with the part of me who wanted to be unique—different from the other eight Jessicas in my class. But if I’m honest, Jessica never really fit me.

Friends have called me by my initials for most of my life – “J” or “JV” or “JLee.” Very young I always imagined what it would be like if I could choose my own name. Even if this idea made my mom sigh, with an audible thought of “I’ve failed you as a mother.” 

When I was 23, working in a nonprofit corporate job, a name tag accidentally landed on my desk: Journey.

Wow. Now, that’s a beautiful name. I loved it.

Since we had no one named Journey at work—I started wearing it. And from then on, I dreamed about changing my name to Journey.

But it wasn’t until 15 years later, on an ordinary walk, that my inner wisdom finally said:

Hey, you can change your name if you want to.

Freedom!!

So I pretty much immediately sent a text to my family and friends saying “Hey, I’m changing my name!” and soft-launched Journey Lee into the world. Lee is my middle name, and I’m keeping it because it’s a special family name. Good job on that name, mom. 

There have certainly been some bumps along the way. Changing [your name as an adult] means asking people to see you differently—and sometimes asking them to let go of who they thought you were. But mostly?

I feel free to be me. Free to be Journey. 

This summer, I officially and legally changed my name. And now I’m launching the name change into the world. 

Hi, I’m Journey. Thank you for being here. 

Sincerely,
Journey