Self Definition: Who are you?

The seemingly most misunderstood question is a very common one and comprise three words – who are you? Each time I asked this question, I usually get varying answers. It goes a long way to tell our individual uniqueness. It’s equally interesting what you will find out when you consider how people define themselves.
Notwithstanding, every individual reserves the right to define themselves however they please, whether it’s through the eyes and opinion of others or in the light of their own distinctiveness. This perception and definition of self should however not undermine one’s confidence as it often does when people define themselves according to the perception of others. How we classify ourselves can decide how we function in society as well as our personal space. It’s important to see ourselves through the eyes of others, it’s more important we see ourselves in the light of our own eyes devoid of external prejudice which could undermine individual uniqueness and self confidence.

In any case, the truth always holds way – as a man thinketh in his heart so is he. The problem however is we often fail to think of ourselves in our individual uniqueness. Careful observation shows that we usually define ourselves by

What we have
What we do or have achieved
Our position in society
Who we are related to and
By what we think we have potential for or aspire for.

I may not have the finest idea as how best to define oneself but the truth remains that you are what you think of yourself. What you think of yourself is the consequence, the cause however is that which influences or determines the thought. How we think of ourselves can be influenced through three channels, they include but are not limited to
What we observe by sight: the things we see could be very deceptive. What you don’t see in yourself and perhaps feel you need, can raise thoughts which could eventually dent your confidence, making you feel inferior especially when you have the wrong idea about it. It is not unusual for people to think in this direction, comparing themselves to others by what is visible hence defining themselves in the light of this wrong motive.

What we observe by hearing: This is an important gateway to the mind that can influence the way we think about ourselves. Words can serve as powerful tools as well as dangerous weapons; the ears are open to them all leading them to the mind. It’s equally not unusual for people to see themselves in the light of what others say about them, which in most cases is not usually wrong. It becomes an issue of concern when one values others opinion more than one’s opinion of oneself.

What we speak: This may seem out of place but it’s not. What you say in your hearing about yourself is as effective as what you hear others say about you. It can equally serve as a force to counter negative external influences.

It’s important we control, influence and perhaps direct positively the knowledge and ideas we gather through these channels in a manner that will not undermine our uniqueness and confidence or raise misleading thought of who one really is.