July “BE”: Getting Married: Be Open to Growth

Every month, Founder Susan Vernicek, writes a new “BE” article! This month’s topic may really strike a chord with many, especially men.   Susan recently got married and shares her experience and thought process on whether or not to take her now husband’s last name.

Be open to growth because when has it not made
you a better person? – Susan Vernicek

Am I supposed to just leave my identity all behind because I got married? Am I really expected to drop my last name, pick up his, and go on with my life?

What about this identity I have built for myself? What about my family history? What about the legacy of my last name, especially if there are no more men in the family to keep our last name “alive”?

Am I the only one that fears losing my identity for the love of my life?

Since I got engaged, I was set on the choice of not changing my last name and for a few good reasons, if I may say. For one, I am a business owner and entrepreneur; I’ve been known in business as Susan Vernicek since 2006, when I took the plunge with my career. I do know many colleagues who have kept their maiden names for business and I also see many with hyphened last names. That is definitely not a solution in my case because the two names together would be ridiculously long.

The second reason is that my last name plays a huge role in my identity, and I’m extremely attached to it because of the history behind the name. Being the youngest of seven with many amazing layers in our family, we have faced so many obstacles, and for the most part, came out on top. I am always proud to state my last name because it means so much to me. To me, my family name stands for: strength, character, uniqueness, and survival. How can I let that go?

Many would think this is a simple, traditional change, but I had a late in the game Oprah “Ah-Ha” moment. I’ve realized that this new stage in my life isn’t change; it’s simply growth. It’s growth in my identity and growth for my future family history. I want to fully embrace my husband, his family last name, and our future together.   The fun part is that I can tell you exactly when I knew I wanted to make this change.

Honeymoon – S. Lake Tahoe

While we were on our honeymoon, I hadn’t changed my last name yet because I was still thinking it through (or being stubborn).   About two days into the honeymoon after having receptionists at the hotel check-ins asking if my last name was the same as my husbands, I realized I really disliked saying no and telling them a different last name. I felt disconnected to my husband, and I felt very uncomfortable. It was a really uneasy feeling and that’s when I knew I had my answer. I knew what had to be done as soon as we returned.

When I finally told my husband my decision and why, I felt even better with my choice when I saw his eyes light up. We had different feelings on this matter, but he has respect for my thoughts and gave me the time I needed to process this life-changing decision.

The lesson here is, if we are open to seeing our daily life changes as growth, I believe we will have less fear and stress in the decision-making process. I was really closed-minded for a while and set on not changing my last name. I slowly let my guard down and saw the growth and the bond my future held with my husband.

When in your life have you been closed off to change? I encourage each of you to embrace the change and see it as an opportunity for growth.

Identity Magazine is all about empowering women to get all A’s in the game of life — Accept. Appreciate. Achieve.^TM Every contributor and expert answer the Identity 5 questions in keeping with our theme. As a team, we hope to inspire and motivate ourselves and inspire you to get all A’s.

What have you accepted in your life that took time, physically or mentally?

From this situation I have learned to accept the challenge presented and know that I can take however long I need to make a decision.  

What do you appreciate about yourself and within your life?

What I appreciated most in this situation is that I have a man by my side who respects me and my beliefs. I appreciate that so much, he never attacks me, he never gets angry, he simple knows how to communicate and for that, he makes me an even better person.

What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life? What goals do you still have?

Right now, my most rewarding achievements is that I learned how to love and honor. I achieved by giving my full self, my identity to this man. I let my entire guard down. The goals that I still want to achieve, well a little bigger family….maybe a baby next! 🙂

What is your not-so-perfect way? What imperfections and quirks create your Identity?

Oh gosh, so many imperfections and that’s why I am me.   I think here I would say my not-so-perfect way is that I can be stubborn when it comes to my identity.   I can get defensive if I am challenge to have to shift a thought, action, or my last name, but I eventually figure out my thoughts and emotions.

How would you complete the phrase “I Love My…?”

I love my sense of pride, I love my strength to not just follow traditions because it’s a tradition. I love my ability to voice my thoughts and ask for the time I need.

Susan Vernicek – Founder & CEO

Helping Women Get All A’s in the Game of Life – Accept. Appreciate. Achieve.^TM