Category: identity

If you were asked the question “do you know who you really are?” in the words of JaBria, would your response be a confident “yeesssss” like my good niece?

We have 2 choices:

1. Allow your circumstances and/or environments to define us;

2. Allow your identity to shape everything else in your life;

I think it’s crucial to allow one of these to take heed, because from it flows your mindset, your outlook and approach to life. Let’s see how..

Career.

1. When we allow our circumstances to dictate our approach to work, we may find ourselves gravitating towards whatever opportunity is the easiest to come by, the earliest available vacancy, the most convinient to travel to etc. These are not necessarily bad in and of itself, but can develop symptoms of complacency & discontent.
2. When we know what we want out of our career, we approach the cards we’re dealt with and filter them through what’s best for us: how will this contribute to my long term plan? How does this serve my need now? What can I learn from this? Will I be able to earn & save enough to fund my project?

Relationships.

1. There’s a whole lot of wolves in sheep clothing and so not everyone appears to be who they say that they are. If we fall for every Tom, Dick & his cousin Harry, we become more vulnerable to feeling unfulfilled because your needs are not being met, your values being compromised and you’re left being disrespected and disregarded.
2. We combat this by knowing and upholding our standards: what are red flags you cannot ignore? What does manipulation and coercion look like and how can I avoid this? What won’t you tolerate? Can you accept this person in their current final form for the rest of your life? Filter out those that do not meet the cut and keep it moving.

Spirituality.

1. In a world with 10,000 documented religions (not including denominations), it’s easy to question ‘what is the real truth?’. In a world full of hurt, pain, trauma, lack and conflict, it’s even easier to question ‘how do I even retain hope in something/someone greater than myself? To add to it, there continues to be an ever evolving list of things we’re told we have to accept and even conform to as the new ‘norm’ in society less cancel culture labels us as non-advocates.
2. In the midst of change, stand by your truth unwaveringly. You know what you stand for and what you believe to be right. Only you know what’s good for you and have full autonomy over your actions. In the face of diversity, you should have the freedom to live in that truth.

Social media & Entertainment

1. There are so many mediums that profit off our attention and engagement, and with time this has become geven more paramount in the age of influencers. Social media and the entertainment industry exist to dictate our style and approach, our mindsets and our beliefs. It’s one great big tangled web of fame and fortune. But what happens when the next trend arrives and you’re struggling to keep up? You no longer have the resources to keep up the sought after image that is being hurled at you.
2. At that point, we learn contentment. Be content in the things that best reflect your character. That tell your story. That represent your values and your way of life. Don’t be so consumed and led by the trends because when they wither away, what’s left of you? Who do we really say you are?

In life, know who you are, and know that’s enough.

In the words of Saweetie, I know that’s right!

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