Identity and the Lack there of

Identity and the Lack There of


Everyone I know seeks or has an identity. More often than not, their identity is linked into any or all of their possessions, their family and loved ones, and job or livelihood, if you will. This is a definite psychological issue: an identity is a way for the human mind to cope. Is this physiological issue one that helps a person or takes away from their well-being? It's hard to say either way as it is case-specific, but I have drawn one conclusion. Creating an identity is the world’s way of categorizing people, and each identity trait can point towards a deeper psychological issue. Let me explain in further detail.

A person associates people around them as well as their environment in an attempt to relate to them. This person feels comforted by the identity they create. However, when these objects and people are compromised, the person becomes upset. This identity that the person attempts to create is merely a way for the person to feel emotion directed towards themselves and others. When the identity is no longer there, the person feels upset, and “doesn’t feel like themselves.” This is a natural response, for we are constantly finding a way to find out what makes us who we are.

Knowing who you are is an aspect of the brain linked to both ego and id. When a person knows who they are, they wish to expand on that feeling of identification. Often those with a firm identity are the first to take offense at seemingly unoffensive things. An identity solidifies an ego. Egos become inflated and deflated all the time. When a person’s livelihood/possessions/loved ones become insulted or harmed, they feel pain. This is the major flaw of id and ego.

How do we seek to live in this day and age without having a formed identity? It’s pretty difficult, I’d imagine. I myself consider myself faceless and only identify myself as an intellectual type. Reading and writing are my expertise, and constantly I try to strengthen upon this foundation. This is my life within the trait of self-identification. If someone calls me idiotic, then I assume I did something wrong and not feel as if I was insulted.

Identity: The Achilles Heel?

Some would saying having a deep rooted identity will only injure their mentality. Ones who are humble and identify themselves with all of humanity will be rewarded for their virtue. Humanity is indeed worth it. To be a part of the bigger picture is liberating. Discard yourself, and embrace your fellow man and woman. Never leave them behind, inside or out, because they are your best allies in life. They won’t be the ones to love you for your identity, as an identity is not who you truly are. You are so much more than the name and occupation you have. We live in a changing world, and I am sure at one point or another your identity will change too.


Conclusion

Life is too long to only solidify an ego and an id. We are living, compassionate beings and we should focus on loving one another. We do not live within ourselves, but with everyone around us. Love them, and live with them. Do not feel superior to them, as they are a part of the world too. We are all in this together, no matter what we believe. Life is a gift, so destroy your identity and ego and give into true happiness, and that is serving others and celebrating in their victories. The true essence in living life to its fullest is getting rid of your pride.