Being celebrated or recognized as a multi-hyphenate has now become part of our everyday lexicon. This notion that someone can excel in a multitude of disciplines and that people may defy a single defining term or classification is being put forth as the latest evolution in our development. If I were cynical then I might suggest that the popularity of the term is tied to whether or not people are generating financial gains in a variety of genres or fields thus the recognition and bestowing of the multi-hyphenate title. 

In reality, isn’t every single person a multi-hyphenate? Many times when naming all that I do my list will include granddaughter, daughter, mother, friend, advisor, and then depending on where I am in my professional journey, my paid position is attached. I promise not to use multi-hyphenate ever again to describe someone.

When introducing my friend Amanda Edwards at a book launch party where we were celebrating her achievement; I thought describing her as a multi-hyphenate was a cute way to seem current. This woman is an author, a communications executive, a mystic, as well as a mother, daughter, sister. She is all of these things and so much more. We are all whole people with a myriad of experiences, relationships, areas of interest, and more. 

Once again language and how we use words provides insight into what we value as a culture. Multi-hyphenates are to be revered for their ability to be financially successful in more than one way. Multi-hyphenates are therefore fiscally resilient, a good bet for the markets.

Individuals expressing themselves in many different ways and having a variety of interests is a good bet for our mental health, for our relationships, for our communities. Realizing and celebrating the wholeness and complexities that make up ourselves and others is truly something of value.