My full name is Kristin Alicia Frances Laing. Dad thought two middle names was fancy. Little did he or Mom know that Alicia, for my great-grandmother Alice, and Frances, for Mom, would one day make me KristinAF. (Yes, as fuck)

But… what does KristinAF stand for?

In recent years, friends doing brave things began referring to “embracing their inner Kristin.” One day, a stranger pointed out that my middle initials make me “Kristin A.F.” It was only natural to rename the brave “inner Kristin” KristinAF.

KristinAF is my super hero alter ego. She performs brave, adventurous feats of strength. But KristinAF also sees strength in less obvious places — the power of love, the vulnerability of honesty even when it’s uncomfortable, the beauty in compassion, the value of authenticity.

KristinAF raised her hand when the City of Alexandria needed a project manager for COVID-19 communications. At 49 years old, she had enough of big boobs and got a breast reduction. KristinAF reclaimed her birthplace — Long Island, NY — when she confronted her rapist, and when she experienced profound healing closure from hearing him apologize and watching him cry, KristinAF saw how telling her story could help others begin to speak their truth. And suddenly life took on a new mission.

As humbling as it is when someone says they’ve embraced their inner KristinAF, it is now my mission to help others embrace their OWN AF!

Be your own brave person!