From John to Johnathan: My Journey of Self-Discovery For as long as I can remember, I've always felt like my given name, John, didn't quite fit me. It felt ordinary and unremarkable, like I was just another face in the crowd. So, one day, I decided to add an "athan" to the end of my name and become Johnathan. At first, the change was small, but it ignited a spark inside of me that I never knew existed. Suddenly, I was no longer just John, but a unique individual with an identity that felt more true to me. As Johnathan, I felt more confident and sure of myself. Everything from the way I dressed to the way I spoke felt more in line with who I truly was. But the road to self-discovery was not without its challenges. Some people didn't understand or accept my decision to change my name. They questioned why I felt the need to add a suffix or why I couldn't just be happy with the name I was given. Others assumed that I was trying to distance myself from my family or my cultural heritage. However, these doubts only cemented my decision further. I knew that my name wasn't just a label, but a reflection of who I was as a person. And by embracing my true self, I was able to connect with others who shared my values and interests. Through this journey of self-discovery, I also realized that it wasn't just my name that defined me. I had to be true to myself in every aspect of my life, from my career to my relationships. It wasn't always easy, but the more I embraced my true self, the more fulfilled and happy I became. So, while adding "athan" to the end of my name may seem small, it was actually a powerful step in my journey towards self-discovery and empowerment. It taught me to trust my instincts, follow my heart, and embrace the unique identity that makes me who I am.