What is an identity?\u00a0 On a basic level, it is ‘who we are.’ However, we are fluid entities constantly changing with each new situation.\u00a0 We express ourselves in part on the experiences we have but also the pressures we feel. \u00a0Identity, then, is a measure of self-expression vs. self-suppression.\u00a0 If we focus inwardly, we know who we are.\u00a0 The question becomes, are we willing to listen to ourselves?\u00a0 It takes courage to be true to ourselves, and such bravery gets beaten out of so many.<\/p>\n
We describe ourselves in comparative terms.\u00a0 If we say “I am pretty,” someone else must become ugly to give the words meaning. Worse yet, we often find greater confidence in describing things we are not.\u00a0 We view ourselves through the things we are dissatisfied with and view ourselves through a lens of negativity.\u00a0 We place pressure on ourselves to improve if for no other reason than we perceive others are judging us, and we place a great value on the opinions of others.<\/p>\n
We will never be proficient at listening to ourselves as long as we allow others to dictate who we are or should be.\u00a0 While mastering others is a show of power, true strength comes from mastering ourselves.\u00a0 However, we know better than anyone what we aren’t proud of and who we wish to emulate.\u00a0 It takes courage to cease comparing, to stop shaping the self to model ourselves after others.\u00a0 While some choices come comfortably because they fit within the accepted consensus, forming our mold takes continued courage.<\/p>\n
What we may desire to deviate from differs from person to person; the need to express oneself is shared across all threads.\u00a0 We may feel obligated to perform behaviors due to cultural background, religious restrictions, upbringing, or how we see society.\u00a0 Terminating traditions in our personal lives isn’t always easy, even if they were things we didn’t wish to do in the first place.\u00a0 Change is complex, and people not accustomed to listening to themselves carry extra weight not to conform. \u00a0\u00a0Courage is required to begin the process of redefining ourselves for ourselves.<\/p>\n
It is ok to ‘get it wrong,’ at first.\u00a0 When we are used to sacrificing the self,\u00a0 stopping that is scary.\u00a0 It is ok to try something and discover if it satisfies us.\u00a0 Perhaps, we attempt something whole-heartedly only to uncover a more profound need or motivation.\u00a0 It is ok to adjust the course as we continue to grow.\u00a0 Maybe, something did work for a time, and now it does no longer.\u00a0 It is ok to let it go.\u00a0 Don’t mourn letting go, be grateful it happened.<\/p>\n
There will never be inner peace without inner satisfaction.\u00a0\u00a0 We will not achieve inner satisfaction without self-expression.\u00a0 Us living vicariously through others, especially fictional characters, will always ring hollow.\u00a0 We can relate to their stories, but we have no control over them.\u00a0 We can share in their joy, but it will be short-lived as it is not ours to experience.\u00a0 Only when we make our decisions for ourselves and see them through can we build something sustainable.\u00a0 It takes courage to live your life in a way that will yield peace.\u00a0 Renew yours and listen, even if it takes you a while to do it right.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
What is an identity?\u00a0 On a basic level, it is ‘who we are.’ However, we are fluid entities constantly changing with each new situation.\u00a0 We express ourselves in part on the experiences we have but also the pressures we feel. \u00a0Identity, then, is a measure of self-expression vs. self-suppression.\u00a0 If we focus inwardly, we know […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[304],"tags":[307,317],"class_list":["post-28124","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-dear-diary","tag-307","tag-identity"],"yoast_head":"\n