Definition

I thought by finding myself, I’d find words to describe myself. I didn’t think that directly, but it’s basically what I was searching for.

Am I a writer? Singer? Am I compassionate? Am I this word; am I that word? Is that word me?

Silly me. Over time, I’m learning words don’t define you. They can’t. Yes, some words might go along with who you are; your profession, your hair color, your hobbies. But that’s not who, or what, you are.

You can’t really say who you are; it’s something you feel. Something you know. You have to know for yourself. Other people can interpret it however they choose.

Ultimately, no label is you. (Is this the stuff they’ve been trying to tell us for years?)

Society, I believe, defines us from a young age. Geek, prep, emo, goth, popular, gay, straight, smart. But is that who we are? I don’t think so.

I searched through endless quizzes, horoscope readings, and “define me” applications online. They’d give me a vague definition of who I am, that, while providing momentary satisfaction, held no truth and left me feeling more confused. Quizzes tell me I’m trustworthy or that I should live in Chicago or that the color blue represents my mood. Horoscopes tell me to be careful of how I spend my money and to lessen the pressure I put on myself.

But that’s not me. Where do I fit in with the great collage that is humanity and existence?

For the record, I do enjoy making collages. And I'd say just doing something I love is a pretty good start to figuring out who I am.