WHAT MAKES YOU YOU

There are many different views about what makes someone who they are. Some argue that one's self is a repertoire of their internal world (their thoughts, feelings, beliefs, values etc.) Others say that you are the product of a combination of your genetics and conditioning. All your experiences that you've built up throughout your whole life has helped shape who you are. These experiences may have given you knowledge about life and lessons on how to mitigate through it. No one else has your unique set of experiences other than you. Your perspective also helps make you, you. You may not spend much time consciously thinking about your identity, but it still affects your life. Knowing who you are allows you to live with purpose. Recognizing what comes from your own self versus what comes from others allows us to live authentically. Your self-image can also fuel recognition of your own worth. You aren't perfect, but you still have great value. Self-knowledge makes it easier to accept your entire self, both the traits you are proud of and those you like to improve. If you do feel dissatisfied with certain aspects of yourself, you'll have an easier time addressing those areas when you have a strong sense of your nature and abilities. Identity is a critical component of understanding who you are. Own who you are no matter what others think. We are driven to be seen as who we truly are, yet authenticity takes courage as well as self-awarness. Even if our culture often favors the less than real, those who are authentic cope better with challenges and lead happier lives.