Hey! Who are You?

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Who are you? No, really, who are you? In a one word answer, who are you? I’m not asking what your name is. If you changed your name you would still be the same person. So, who are you? How do you define, describe yourself? Are you (fill in your occupation)? If so, what happens if you would leave that job? Would you stop being? Are you (fill in political affiliation)? If you switched parties do you cease to be?
The most common answers given to the “who are you?” query are labels. While unfortunately necessary to expedite conversations, labels are stereotypes that often do harm in causing misunderstandings. Not much can be put under one label properly. People are multi-faceted. The question asked is what is at the top of those facets? What are the priorities? Labels are others’ perception of you. A reply of a famous individual when asked if he was so-and-so was  “I am what you say I am”. A person’s perception is their reality. So, how they see you is what you are to them. That may be completely different to the person standing next to them. Who is right? They both are for it is their perception and thus their reality in their world.

Why is it important to identify who you are? To do so gives purpose, aim, direction to life and peace to your soul. It sets a standard for one to live by in times of trouble, turmoil, decision-making and guidance –seeking.

Are we today what we were yesterday? Unlikely as life’s path exposes us to many experiences and environments in order for us to achieve our life’s goal. These individual events combine to form us into who and what we are today and will be tomorrow.  As one is added, we learn from it and are changed (hopefully for the better). We are not stagnant in our personal growth and development at any age.

You are who you are. You cannot force yourself to be someone or something you are not. Yes, often times we must compromise to play the “survival” game, but through it all our soul stays constant. Be who you are. Live your life. Study for the test. The most important question in the test of life is “Who are you?”

Sit down with a pen and paper. Number the paper 1 to 10. Without repeating an answer and using 1 or 2 word answers at most, answer the question “Who am I?” Don’t over analyze or agonize the process, write down what comes to mind.

When done, do not discuss with anyone and hand a paper and pen to a friend. Give them the same instructions, answering who you are. When finished, compare the 2 lists. I bet there is an eye-opener or two on the lists along with some confirmations as you see the common answers. See some of their answers you do not like? Don’t automatically ignore them. Maybe you are giving off unintended images that lead to unwanted receptions. If so, make a mental note and try to make some little changes so that that your perceived image matches closer to your intended image and the real you.

Remember, nobody’s list is wrong. The list reflects the list writer’s perception, their reality. Now, be ready to answer someone when they ask you “Who are you?”