🌸 It's up to you- you've got the power to...

📚 story

The show is about to start. 

I’m beyond stressed- sweaty hands, shaking knees, heart pounding.
It’s the first time I’ll be telling a story in front of 150 people. 

That’s when it hits me. 

My name. 

How are they going to call me? 

I need to do something. 

When I was born, I was given my Dad’s last name. But growing up, we disconnected, and I never felt 100% at ease wearing his name. A bit bothered, even. Eventually, I got used to it. That’s how it always has been… 

Until last year, when I had to renew my passport.

I saw that I could hyphenate my last name to add my Mom’s. 
This way I could use one, the other, or both. 

I did it—for me—and felt a quiet pride behind the scenes.

I knew it would be a lot to change my name everywhere. Being present online, having a company… I didn’t want to raise questions or attention. So I decided to let it be. I told my family and friends, and it was okay because I was finally happy with my last name. 

Now, it’s 2 minutes before the show. 

I have carried this new name silently for a year.
It gives me an idea.

Artists have stage names, right? 
I’m an artist, right?

I run to the organizer. 

“Matt, can I change my last name? or is it too late?” 

“Of course you can!”

This is my moment. 
My chance.

This is my first stage as a storyteller. 

I can be who I am. 
I want to feel who I am.
To stand fierce, tall, and proud. 

Because it’s my mom who taught me all of the above. 
This is my way of saying thanks. 

I text my fiancé, “please record my intro on stage.” 

I want to remember this.
The power of a name.

“Let’s welcome on stage Flora Pichon” 

It feels amazing. 

Like taking back my power. 
My voice.
My self. 

📝 lesson

I can’t prove that’s why I nailed my performance (so I’ve been told), but I choose to believe it. 

My name used to feel like a label. It doesn't anymore—it’s a bridge to my roots and the story I choose to tell. 

By stepping onto stage as “Flora Pichon,” I didn't just swap words on a name tag; I wore the values that shaped me. More than ever, I believe a small change can ripple through your entire sense of self. 

Identity isn’t fixed; it’s chosen. We inherit names, roles, labels—but we also have permission to rewrite them. 

Every adjustment is a declaration of who we want to be. 

So… Who do you want to be?

💭 questions

• What one change—big or small—could you make today to show up more authentically?

• What’s holding you back from sharing that out loud?

• Imagine looking back a month from now—how would owning that change feel in your body?

• Who will be in your corner cheering you on, and how can you invite them into your story?

Take a moment to write down your answers, and then pick one to do. 
There is no small action. 

If you need support, just hit reply- and I’ll cheer you on.

With all my love,
Flora 🌸