Identity. What does it mean in today’s society? How do you protect yours when you discover it? How does it affect your goals and dreams? In my first post on the Identity Series, I said I’d tackle these questions. Time for me to make good on my statement, no?

I think identity is a function of perception in today’s society. You try to fit into a group or category if you like what you see. You try to belong because you believe in gaining something that’s on offer. Your perception determines your action and your action determines your identity. You are what you accept. As such, it is important to know the difference between what you willingly accept and what others force upon you. After all, how can you really claim to be living your life if you only do what other people say you should? It is not your life anymore, just an extension of theirs. In the same vein, it’s not your identity either but also an extension of theirs. Now why should you allow that, hmm? Live it, do it, feel it for you; those are the basic principles for genuine satisfaction and contentment. Anything less just isn’t good enough.

Once you realise just how precious your own identity is, you are bound to protect it with everything you’ve got. First though, you have to discover it. Discovery comes when you perceive things that make you go “Yes, YES! My thoughts exactly!” and when such information resonates in your heart of hearts. The things that appeal to you define you, and the things that define you form your identity. It follows, then, that the books you read, the movies you watch, the music you play, and the company you keep are all contributing factors to the essence of your character. People are able to group themselves into similar schools of thought because they rub minds as they discuss common interests. Bonds of friendship and love deepen when you’re having a real conversation and you’re so in tune with the other person that you feel your souls touch even if just for a moment or an instant.

Your identity becomes clearer when you broaden your intellectual & emotional horizons and discover ideas in line with your personal philosophy. I believe we all have a personal philosophy but it’s often a vague set of ideals instead of a clearly defined value system. With that in mind, it can be difficult to protect your identity if you don’t even have an idea what’s it about. Feel me? First you have to know it and recognise it as your own thing, then you can maintain a sense of individuality in this global village we call Earth.

After you get a firm grip on your identity, you begin to see its influence on your goals and dreams. We strive for what we believe we can achieve, what we feel we deserve, and what we wish to obtain. Take me, for instance. I see myself as a deep thinker. I want to bring about a new way of thinking and a new way of life. My goal is to make you operate on a higher level of awareness and realise that there’s so much more to living than working, feeding, and paying your bills. My dream is to make an impact and leave a lasting legacy of positivity and enlightenment. I can have such aspirations because I know myself well enough to know what would truly make me happy. You cannot dream what you do not know or imagine, and you cannot imagine when you do not think deeper than the average person.

Far too many of us keep our mental eyes to the ground when we should raise our heads and see the many possibilities open to us. I challenge you to delve into your mind and mine the treasures waiting within you. I believe that our inner depths hold many visions of beauty and grace, creations of brilliance and utility, and countless tools to enhance productivity and our quality of living. We just need to discover them so we can make them tangible. You have something valuable to contribute to the world, something tied to your identity and goals and dreams. Wouldn’t you like to discover that special thing and make it happen?

I do hope you’ve enjoyed exploring identity with me so far. I feel like the series may be winding down pretty soon. Please feel free to share your thoughts and feedback below or send an email to findotitihere@hotmail.com if you can’t leave a comment. Thank you again for reading.