Who Are You?

     Kind of an important question, isn't it? And the full answer is seldom just your name. Think about it for a moment - who are you really? What do you do, why do you do it, how do you see yourself, how do others see you, what's important to you, where are you going, where have you been, where are you now? How do you feel, how do you look?

     Now think about the fact the the answers to all of those questions are in no way permanent or definite. Reality is not fixed, and the answers you provided could (and may) change within a second! You will never be exactly the person you are in this moment ever again. And is it just me, or is that really cool? 

      Today I'd like you to join me on a little soul-searching activity. Sit down with your notebook for a little while and write about who you are. Tell your story. Answer all the questions above as well as any more that you feel need to be addressed. Maybe a few of these will strike your fancy: What do you believe in? How do you feel about yourself? Who are your friends? Who are your enemies? What are you most afraid of? What is your greatest desire? Your deepest secret? The worst thing you've ever done? The best?

      Flesh out your character of yourself, with all the little nuances and traits in place. It's good to take stock of who and where you are in your life. Doing this exercise can help you realize how you feel about yourself and your life, and understand what things are in place and what's left to figure out. The great thing about life is that there will always be plenty to figure out, so you'll never get bored (or if you are, why is that? See? You have to figure that one out, too)!

      Now that you're done putting yourself on paper, walk back through everything you wrote down. Take mental notes. Notice the loose ends, the things you'd like to change, the things that satisfy and delight you. Write all of these things down too. Draft a little sketch of who you will be in the future, or who you'd like to be. What do you need to do to make this person you? Write about it, draft a step-by-step plan, or just contemplate it for a while. 

      It doesn't matter what you do with these notes after you finish them. You could bookmark them for future reference, seal them up in an envelope and open them in 6 months, a year, three years, or a decade, or simply toss them in the fire and burn them. Either way, you have engaged in some real introspective thought, and that's what's important. Now, go out, and become who you are. Good luck to you. 

Photos both found via tumblr