Coming Home to My Name

This morning the sun was warm, the clouds were playing hide and seek, and the greens outside my window were swaying. Soft music played while I worked. My son snuggled beside me with his book, and just then a bright tiger butterfly flew by as if to say hello and show off its colors. I felt a gush of gratitude. 🦋

For decades I have been on a journey of finding myself. Some pieces came easily; others took time, courage, and a few deep breaths. Every step has brought me closer to who I am at the core.

I have often wondered: if I could rename myself, what would I choose? The thought always made me smile.

When my son was three, he changed his name daily. One day he introduced himself everywhere as “Auto Rickshaw.” People smiled, called others over, and asked him to say it again. 😊

My maiden surname was my first home and my roots. Later I carried my married surname with respect. And yet the inner search continued for a full name that truly felt like home. And now I have found that name.

With joy and gratitude, I step forward as Gowthamii Siddhi Lakshmi (ಗೌತಮೀ ಸಿದ್ಧಿ ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಿ). 🙏

The name Siddhi is drawn from the ninth Navadurga, Siddhidātrī, and it also holds the unconditional affection of two people from my childhood.
Lakshmi anchors me in my lakshya, in right goals and right work, so that abundance arrives with grace, dignity, and goodness in action.

This change is not a rejection of my past. It is a bow and a step forward. 💖

Through Eleva, my work remains the same at heart: helping parents and adolescents build emotional strength, kinder homes, and clearer choices. We do it the old fashioned way: steady effort, honest conversation, and showing up for each other. 🙌

I remain the loudest cheerleader for my students, my family, and my friends. Together we keep spreading self-belief, laughter, gentle discipline, and acceptance of ourselves and one another. And it is easier when we do it together As the tagline of my venture, Eleva, says, “With You.” 💛💝

With love and gratitude,
Gowthamii Siddhi Lakshmi
#NewNameNewChapter

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