For the past 10 plus years I've gone by the name Jessica Pérez. I took my husbands name after we were married with the thought of having one family name. It sounded simple and what every other women in my life did after getting married. So, I did the same.

The thing is that in Spanish culture children get both parents names. My husbands legal name is Alonso Pérez Vasquéz. He is born and raised in Costa Rica. He was given the name Pérez from is Father and Vasquéz from his Mother.

I thought I would make it simple and just take his first last name, Pérez, but that was not an option. Legally in Canada I had to take Pérez Vasquéz because that's what is on his Canadian ID.

Now that we live in Costa Rica and are raising our kids here their last names are Pérez Erickson. When they became residents they automatically took on my maiden name. This is just one reason I've decided to go back to the name I was given at birth, Erickson.

Another reason is that I'm not Latino and don't Identify as Latin American. People are often surprised when I tell them my last name is Pérez Vasquéz because its not the norm to change your name when married here. It's not that I care that people are surprised but the more I think about it the more I feel like an Erickson.

Now, I know what you are thinking. "how does your husband feel about it?" His opinion matters a lot to me and this change doesn't negatively impact our relationship. Actually, when I asked Alonso what he thought of me changing my name back to Erickson he said, "it doesn't bother me at all, do what makes you happy." If anything I feel this answer just reconfirms our commitment to each other.

What makes me happy is learning and growing into an a calmer, clearer, independant version of myself. Part of that learning is moving towards the things in my life that support feelings of being empowered. As a person who Identifies as, women, mother, house holder, immigrant and trauma survivor it is crucial for my health and wellness to do things that uplift me and remind me of who I am and what I'm capable of. This has been a process of learning and unlearning for me. The work is not always easy or linear but from my experience it holds great worth.

I am also really interested in learning more about my name and where it comes from. One day I will walk where my ancestors did in Sweden where the name Erickson originates. I can only imagine how rich and deep that would be. Just as my husband and our children get to experience living and walking on the land of their people.

For now on you will find me here and on other platforms at Jes Erickson Movement.

May you feel home in your body and may your being be a reflection of that home.

From my heart to yours,

Jessica Erickson