Reflective Essay about Identity
What is it that defines us? What makes every one of us so different? What are the unspoken laws that continually drive us as individuals.
Well, we all know that there is no simple answer. It’s different for every one of us: something that disturbs you to your very core may sit perfectly fine with the person right next to you. In the constant chaos that has become our lives, it’s easier to not notice the individuality of the people around you. In fact, it’s normal. It’s normal to assume that we share an almost collective conscience, an identical utopia abiding in the back of all our minds. And for the simplest of ideals its true: we all strive to be known, for equality and for justice. But it’s not as simple as that is it?
From things as trivial as hobbies to childhood trauma, we are all remarkably different; even identical twins can be polar opposites. Our sense of right and wrong; of who we are; and what we love; these are all things that are unique to us. As important as our individuality is, it is equally as important to learn why it is what it is.
If you take a moment to think about it, we are all the result of our surroundings; the people and things we see and hear make up our person. It’s commonly thought that a person’s personality is established by the age of 7 and whilst this can seem young, it begins to make more sense once you hear the deciding factors. Our personality is influenced by genetics, environment, parenting and societal variables- all of these are fairly cemented by 7. Although these elements continue to be prevalent further in our lives, it is believed that they establish most of an individual’s behaviour by that age.
And these aren’t just chapters in a psychology textbook, we can see it in our daily lives. A kid who’s grown up watching their parents fight is going to have a different view on what a healthy relationship is compared to a child that grew up in a happy home. You only have to look around and you can see how easily shaped the human mind is.
Once our identities are established, they often become an unwitting backbone to our subconscious. We can become stubbornly entrenched in our own opinion, which we may perceive as fact. Now this can be good: confidence in yourself can be crucial in a society that insists on psychoanalysing your every move, however it could also lead to a lack of understanding and a reluctance to change. Both of which are essential in a constantly developing world like ours.
Humans are incredibly complex beings and so it is important for us to treat each other with openness and understanding. This requires us to look a bit deeper into others and spend less time thinking about ourselves. But if we start seeing the little things about each other we can only benefit from it. People who feel more recognized thrive and make an impact on their environment, so what are we waiting for? Recognise the unmistakable importance of your identity and of those around you and see how it can change the world.
