Today is National Mutt Day, a day for celebrating the mixed-breed pups who don’t fit neatly into any one category.
My dog, Fezzig? Purebred. Newfoundland.
Me? Not so much.
When I was a sixth grader, I deeply, deeply, DEEPLY wanted to belong to a family with a story I could claim. I wanted to say, “I’m Italian!” or “My dad is German, my mom is Irish!” To have a lineage, a label, something that made me feel like I belonged somewhere specific.
Instead, I was a self-described mutt. What I know of my roots is patchwork at best: my great-grandmother, Minnie, immigrated from Germany. Beyond that, it’s a mashup of this and that.
Looking back, I realize that longing was beyond my heritage. It was about wanting to be someone, to fit in. To have a story that made sense, especially during those awkward high school years when being “popular” seemed like the golden ticket.
But I was a chubby redhead with a very big gap between my two front teeth, fresh off a move from Oregon (which, for the record, never seemed to impress anyone).
As it turns out, I’ve come to see the beauty in being a mashup. I love claiming myself as part of the Island of Misfitts. (Yes. I spell it that way on purpose.) And not fitting neatly into a box, being, well, a mutt.
And that celebration? Of deciding I’m exactly who I am supposed to be?
That is the spirit behind the SWAY Collective.
SWAY isn’t about pedigree or perfection. It’s a community of brilliant humans from all around the financial services industry, united by a shared desire to grow, learn, and lean in. We’re a beautiful blend of backgrounds and perspectives, not fitting neatly into one box.
It occurred to me that I’ve not shared much about the SWAY Collective. So, this December, I’ll be sharing stories from the SWAY Collective, a home for the misfitts, wildcards, and dabblers; the purpose-driven people who cherish this marketplace; the introverts with big ideas; and the loud-mouthed salespeople, and bring them all together with one focus:
To elevate your influence.
The SWAY Collective is where we turn ideas into action, support each other’s wild ambitions, and celebrate the beauty of being “too much.”
If you’ve ever felt out of place, maybe you’re just in the right company.
It’s time you own your unforgettableness!
~ Sheri
P.S. Curious about how the SWAY Collective works? You can learn more here:
https://www.swaycollective.community/swaycollective
P.P.S. I use “mutt” here with a lot of affection for my own story. 💜 I know everyone’s journey with identity is different. For me, it’s about finding pride in not fitting neatly into any one box; about celebrating my own personal brand… everything about who I am, what I believe, who I serve, into all that I do.
FAQ
What is National Mutt Day really about?
National Mutt Day celebrates mixed-breed dogs and the idea that not fitting neatly into one category can be something beautiful, valuable, and worth honoring.
How does this article connect National Mutt Day to personal branding?
The article uses the idea of being a “mutt” as a metaphor for identity, showing that personal brand is often built from a mix of experiences, beliefs, strengths, and stories rather than one clear label.
What is the SWAY Collective?
The SWAY Collective is a community for people in the financial services industry who want to grow, learn, connect, and elevate their influence without having to fit into a rigid mold.
Who is the SWAY Collective for?
It’s for purpose-driven professionals, creatives, introverts with big ideas, bold communicators, and anyone who wants to make a meaningful impact in financial services.
What is the main message of this article?
The core message is that not fitting neatly into a box can be a strength. Authenticity, self-acceptance, and community can help people own what makes them unforgettable.