Self-Portrait in a Purse

Although I have more purses than I’ll ever need or use in my lifetime, I tend to stay with the same one for months and months on end. It’s easier that way.

When I was rooting around in my mountain of a purse recently looking for a pen, it got me thinking that what’s in your purse is a self-portrait of sorts. The items tell a story; give others a glimpse into who and what you are. Are you organized? Are you a dumper, like me? Do you have a special place for each thing you carry, or does it all get tossed into the fray where everything fights for space and recognition? What do the contents say about what you value? Has what’s in your purse changed as you’ve moved into midlife? Does it accurately depict who you are today?

Here’s my self-portrait in a purse. When you’ve finished reading it, try creating one of your own. Let yourself tell a story about who you are based on the contents in your handbag. Have fun with it, but notice when, and if, any feelings surface as you write them down. Is what’s in your purse a true reflection of how you see yourself now?

Self-Portrait in a Purse

Sephora’s All You Need is Red lipstick in a tube

Keys to long forgotten locks, dangling from a Pittsburgh Steelers football key chain

Crumpled, unused Kleenex

One lonely piece of Trident gum

Apple iPhone 13 and charger

Three Precise V5 rolling ball pens. Black. Extra Fine.

One *Simpson Optical* blue ink pen with eyeglass logo

*I ❤️ Pizza* #2 pencil with a broken tip

Moleskin notebook filled with snippets of the next great novel

Disposable cloth face mask. Cotton. Sky blue.

Small wallet that holds (too many) credit cards, an ATM card, a Lexington library card

Medical ID card – No Pancreas/No Spleen

and a Kentucky driver’s license with my mother’s face on it

(because, of course, that can’t really be me)

Hairbrush laced with strands of gray and a single strand of auburn

Dog-eared photographs of two once-young children. The reasons behind the gray.

Freedom-Lite glucose meter, test strips, glucose tablets

Spare Omnipod pump and insulin

15 Mike and Ike’s in a small Ziploc bag

Loose change, enough for a cup of chai tea

One Victoria’s Secret coupon good for 20% off all lingerie. One day only. Expired.

Feeling creative? Courageous? Post your self-portrait here in the comments section.