If we take away all the judgments, insecurities, lies, and stereotypes from our surface, what is left is identity. We are canvases painted with the things other people say and think we should do; wash that paint away, and what remains is identity. We often don't know who we are, because life fogs our vision with stress, anxiety and the rush of meeting other people's expectations. Clear out the fog and what the sun shines down upon is identity.

Humans seek to understand themselves, but even that process can prove feeble and will leave no mark on the pursuit when we are still caught in the routine of trying to please others more than ourselves. Thus the only way to truly be yourself---to truly embrace your identity---is not to try and fit in, but rather react like no one but yourself is watching. Only then, when you don't care what people think and don't have any other standards but your own to meet, will you understand your own identity.

Like I always tell myself: take advice, not answers from those around me and learn your own lessons. With that motto, I remind myself to listen to only me, and thus I know who I really am. I know my identity.