Reflective Essay Sample about Identity
Identity by definition is the fact of being who or what a person or thing is. Some people think identity is what we wear or how we act around others, but real identity is on the inside. How we act, think, and speak shows others who we are. Many aspects of ourselves came from others but don’t always define us. The way we act and feel is our identity.
Self-image is the way we see ourselves. Many people don't like the way they look, speak, walk, and many other things about themselves. The way we view ourselves is one of the most important aspects of one's identity. If we don’t put ourselves out there then we can't find others like us to lift us up and make us feel better about our differences. In “Masks” by Shel Silverstein both the characters have the same insecurity but they hide it their whole lives and never get to meet someone like them. If they would’ve owned their individuality then they wouldn't have felt so insecure about themselves. Many people do the same thing with their insecurities.
Is beauty how we measure up to cultural standards? Is it when we feel like our best selves? Is beauty how our family views us? Real beauty is on the inside. Now, this might sound very cliché but it's true. Most people look to others to determine their beauty. Jessica Simson once said, “I have always believed that beauty comes from within, and confidence will always make a woman beautiful, but I know how much pressure some women put on themselves to look perfect.” This goes for not only women but men too. If we feel good about ourselves and show our inner person on the outside we will always feel and look beautiful not only to ourselves but also to others. Sometimes it can be scary to be ourselves but it's always worth it in the end when we can love ourselves and feel great.
When we talk about identity most people don’t think about their families. They were the people who helped shape us. Whether they are biological family or not, they still created our personality and identity. We all have family who we are always ourselves with and never feel judged around. In the movie “Inside Out” Reilly feels like her family always needs her to be strong and be happy. One day she has a breakdown and finally lets it all out. Her mom and dad hugged her to show support. Her family didn’t judge her. All they do is comfort her and tell her that she can be sad. They were letting her know that her emotions weren’t hurting anyone and that she can be herself with them.
The most cardinal part of identity is ethics also known as our morals. Our ethics are what we think is right and wrong. It is the whole way we see the world. We act based on our ethics. Everything we do is because of what we believe. For example, if you hold open the door for an elderly person entering a restaurant you are showing others your morals. We do things like this because that's how we were raised and it makes us feel good to care for other people.
In closing, our identity comes from within. Defining identity helps us all understand why we are the way we are. It can help us feel like we are not alone and know that others feel the same way. Identity is not a cut and dry topic, just like us, but the way we think and feel is what really defines us.
