Who are you, really? There are times when we look beyond the superficial; the question is not only intriguing but also somewhat complex.
Strip away the titles, the roles, the accomplishments, the expectations. What’s left? Are these the elements that define us?
We cling to identities like lifejackets in the turbulent sea of existence. But what if these identities are more fluid than we think?
Giving thought to this can be revealing and intriguing. Set aside a little time and give it a try. Reflect and journal a little.
The Chameleon Self
“I am not who you think I am; I am not who I think I am; I am who I think you think I am.” – Thomas Cooley.
Research shows that we present multiple “selves” in different contexts. The ‘you’ at work might vastly differ from the ‘you’ with family. Kids learn this very early.
But which one is the real you?
The Environmental Factor
Your environment shapes you more than you might realize. A study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people’s personalities change significantly when they move to new cultural environments.
How has your environment changed? Are you the same person you were five years ago? Will you be the same person five years from now? What changes can you affect in your environment?
The Permanent Impermanence
Here’s a mind-bender: Every cell in your body replaces itself over time. Physically, you’re not the same person you were seven years ago.
If your body isn’t permanent, why should your identity be? Some would argue that it is not.
The Quest for Authenticity
So, how do you find your “true” self in this shifting landscape?
Start by questioning everything: your beliefs, habits, and reactions. Are they truly yours or inherited from others? You talk of being your own person. Are you?
Engage in new experiences. Travel. Learn. Challenge yourself. Each new experience is a brush stroke on the canvas of your identity. When was the last experience that altered who you are? What changes did you recognize, and which ones did you identify with?
Practice mindfulness. Observe your thoughts and reactions without judgment. You might be surprised by what you discover.
Your identity isn’t a fixed point but a journey of constant discovery. Embrace the uncertainty. Revel in the exploration.
After all, the most exciting question isn’t “Who am I?” but “Who could I become?”
