By Enigheni Iwori
If you quickly rushed to answer “My name is…, I work as…, I am from…, I own two cars…” you are not wrong. It is just that your answers are simply not complete. From generation to generation, especially as we try to understand the concept of purpose, ‘who are you?’ has become a question most of us are quick to respond to with a plethora of labels because it is convenient to say, “I am married”, “I am a doctor”, “I am a Christian” or “I am a father” than to confront the unknown – the true meaning of our existence.
The interesting thing about identity is that we often confuse what we do with who we are. But maybe the greatest identity crisis is not that people do not know who they are. It is that they have allowed other people to answer the question for them. We walk around wearing identities that were handed to us long before we had the chance to choose them.
Yes, you are the hardworking one, the responsible child, the difficult one, the strong friend, the life of the party but is that all there is to you? Are these qualities inherent or do you simply take them on to escape something, to be accepted or to fill a void? When your identity is built on what you do, what happens when you can no longer do it?
Who are you when the applause stops? When no one needs anything from you? When it is just you in that room and a decision needs to be made?
These questions do not expose your weaknesses, rather they reveal your foundation because I do not think discovering who you are happens in one dramatic moment. It happens gradually.
It is in the boundaries you set, the values you refuse to compromise or simply knowing that your worth is not attached to your productivity, popularity or possessions.
Now, look in your mirror and ask yourself again: Who are you?
Whatever the answer is, start from there and get to know that person.
See you next week.
*Enigheni, a content writer can be reach via @eniiwori on Instagram
