Who are you? This simple question can be answered a thousand different ways, but can be answered truthfully, in only one way. The truth lies in that proudest of phrases, "I am myself." The idea that one should know "who" they are is, upon reflection, an obvious concept. Yet, many fail to do just that.

In an age when celebrity culture looms larger than life, and instant gratification has replaced the need for self reflection, it is no wonder that both the young and middle-aged alike, find themselves lost in the shuffle. For some, the lack of self begins almost from the moment of conception, as they are all too soon, defined as second fiddle to the model sibling who preceded them, or perhaps regarded with too much love and affection as the savior of a spouse-less parent. Others however, run from themselves with such decisiveness during the often trying adolescent years, that they have no choice but to become the product of that which they surround themselves with. Whether that means embracing a mentality of pleasing others, or simply going against the grain for the sake of it, such behavior inevitably has a lasting impact on who we become, or fail to become.

As overstressed and under-appreciated adults we often find ourselves obsessing about anything other than who we have become; the 15 pounds we need to lose, the pile of bills that grow each month and the ever-changing feelings we may have for our significant others all serve as ongoing distractions from ourselves. In the end however, no matter what kind of car we drive, how many vacations we take, or the amount of times we reach for a credit card to satisfy our latest fix, we all have to answer the same question, "Will I be remembered?" If in retrospect one finds that their life has been a series of performances, instead of an expression of true beliefs and feelings, than the real self has never really been known, and therefore will not be remembered. The phrase "to be or not to be" is not just an interesting philosophical question, but rather an opportunity to let the world know that you the individual existed.

Learn more about this author, Sophia Harrison.
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