Who do I think I am? – Living DNA testing
Who do I think I am? This is so relevant to me partly because I am adopted. Identity is a big issue for me as there are gaps in what I know about my birth parents and my birth father in particular. Obviously having seen DNA tests on the daytime telly box, I have wanted to have one done so I can at least have some non-negotiable facts about just who I am.
DNA Testing
I was delighted to be contacted by a company called Living DNA, a DNA testing company that provides a detailed and accurate view of your ancestry. It presents you with your ancestry journey in the following ways:
- Your family ancestry stretching back 10 generations with an in-depth breakdown of the countries and regions (80 regions worldwide including 21 in the UK)
- Your maternal ancestry (also known as the motherline) and paternal ancestry for males (also known as the fatherline) going back around 200,000 years
- Your ancestors’ migration paths going right back to when the first humans migrated out of Africa
The procedure
I received a kit which was really easy to use with very clear instructions. I had to create an online log in and activate it. I took a DNA sample which I found so exciting. I was keen to get it right but once again, the guidance was clear telling you what to do and not do. A quick mouth swab and off it went in a pre-paid envelope leaving me waiting enthusiastically for the results.
Who did I think I was?
I have held my Irish ancestry dear for many years. I was sure I would be mainly Irish and hoped for something interesting like French and Russian in the mix. France because I am a total Francophile and also because it does appear my birth family were in France many generations ago. Russia because I have always wanted to visit since I was a little girl.
Who do I think I am?
Well I was in for quite a surprise. It turns out I am only a quarter Irish so we will guess that my creativity and feisty spirit is located in that part of my make-up. It turns out that I have Scottish, Welsh and English in my mix too. Is that why I ended up with a Scottish bloke as my first boyfriend and why Wales is one of my favourite places to visit? Weirdly, a lot of the English places mentioned were places I had either studied, worked or volunteered in. As for the big surprise, it turns out I have a good degree of Scandinavian. Strangely, I remember trying to persuade a group of my friends to visit Denmark when we were 16 years of age. I am a Viking! Who knew?
Final thoughts
I did not get the desired result or that is what I thought at first. Then I worked out that actually I did because I now have proof of where I come from after so many years struggling with identity issues.
As for Living DNA, it was a very efficient system with clear guidance. You get a really interesting report which really makes you think about how we are all connected and should live more peacefully together.
For £99, this would make a brilliant present for Christmas or birthdays.
Kate Davis-Holmes
Award-winning writer, blogger, social media consultant and charity campaigner. Social Media Manager for BritMums, the UK's largest parent blogging network Freelance clients include Firefly Communications and Save the Children UK. Works with brands on marketing projects. Examples include Visit Orlando, Give As You Live, Coca-Cola and Kodak. Cambridge Law graduate with many years experience working across three sectors in advice, media relations, events, training and project management. Available for hire at affordable rates.
12 Comments
Laurie
So glad to read about your positive experience with DNA testing. This might be a good Christmas gift for my sons and DILs!
endardoo
Fascinating idea … shows how much of a mix we all are, if we look into it. And how much maybe nurture shapes us. #Ablogginggoodtime
Louise Fairweather
How interesting. It isn’t something I have ever thought of doing before #triedtested
Kim Carberry
This must have been so interesting to discover. I have heard of these tests and they do make me curious about where I came from.
Jeremy@ThirstyDaddy
My mother ordered something similar for my dad last Christmas and it was a very interesting result. It turns out that he really wasn’t all that he thought he was! #triumphanttales
Lisa Pomerantz
My friend recently did this and really enjoyed it. He did it twice to make sure he got the same results. Very cool, Kate! #stayclassymama xoxo
Musings of a tired mummy...zzz...
This sounds like a fascinating discovery and definitely something I’d be interested in trying out. Thanks for linking up with #stayclassymama
Mrs Mummy Harris
What a wonderful experience, it must be lovely to finally get some concrete answers about your heritage! Thank you forswearing this with us at #TriumphantTales. I hope to see you back next week.
Tracey Carr
I’ve always been tempted to do something like this but never brave enough to go through with it. And I have no idea what I am really afraid of? It is a very very interesting and alternative gift for someone (I’m actually thinking of my brother-in-law here) so it’s something I am going to keep on the back burner – thanks Kate!! #triumphant tales
MrsShilts
I find this so fascinating. My Nan traced her history back last year as she had it as a Christmas gift and it’s so interesting to find out where we’ve come from #TriedTested
We're going on an adventure
I find this absolutely fascinating – it’s definitely something I’d love to do myself. (People keep telling my husband he looks like a viking!)
Lisa Pomerantz
Back with some more blogger love, from #triumphanttales <3 Kate! ox