Ever wondered why you are who you are? “Have you ever thought if you had opposite characteristics, talents, or strengths?” Promptly, I began to explore how every individual has a unique personality as well as an outstanding, unequaled passage to becoming themselves understanding their identity. Nature tosses its infinitely unique dice, a one-of-a-kind individual with distinctive experiences.

My enthusiasm for this topic. This is one of my favorites because, because I draw inspiration from who I am and what I am pursuing in life. I decided to write on this specific subject without hesitation, and was immediately overwhelmed with joy because of my motivation and clarity to emphasize these themes to my readers. I have faith that some of the ideas I allude to, will ring within some of your souls and minds.

Some ideas for thought before diving in. Ask yourself some of these questions and investigate what you believe and feel. What does it mean to be human? How are we different from any other species? What is consciousness and how does it play a role in your life? What is your life story? What significant events, relationships, seasons, and circumstances have made a negative or positive impact in your life? Finally, how do these things come together and form your personality and perspective on life?

What’s your story, Hunter? Lately, I haven’t been asked this question, however this request is essential in a meaningful relationship, furthermore, it has an innate ability to equip the inquirer with super-empathetic powers. To summarize: Recently, I went through a dark time, waking up and only seeing a worthless person. Ridden with fear of rejection from even those who were close to me, as well as fighting off isolation and meaninglessness. I’ve seen through the lens of depression and anxiety and it is a tedious, overwhelming path. Assuredly, it’s terrible in the beginning, but until I sought out therapy I was unable to find myself by myself. TO THOSE WHO STRUGGLE WITH DEPRESSION OR ANY MENTAL ILLNESS: Reaching out is the best thing you can do. Explain to a loved one what you’re going through, find ways to inspire yourself creatively, mentally, and emotionally.

What does this mean to me? Although, that season was bitter, frightening, and ultimately exhausting, I learned something. Something beautiful and inspirational that I will carry for the rest of my life: my identity. Recognizing my strengths and weaknesses amidst depression encouraged me to find myself. Which is genuine and reliable Hunter. Nobody can ask any more of you than to be honest and authentic to them. Furthermore, my outlet became my studies in school. I’m pursuing a BA in Research and Counseling Psychology, with a goal to become a substance abuse therapist or a researcher after graduate school. If all I can do is listen and be an empathetic and loving friend to those close to me, that’s what I’ll be. If I’m given talents and strengths to pursue a career in psychology, I will. What’s my identity? Being true to who I am, and pursuing a career that is congruent with my strengths.

A part of priceless nature. My readers, I believe society, and we as individuals are dealing with an epidemic. Today, human life is undervalued. We fight for the right of mothers’ bodies, but forget there is a life at stake. We fight for those who are terminally ill, in physician assisted suicide, rather than pursuing ways to treat disease, researching pain medication, and opening opportunities for an enhanced life. I am not taking a stance in any of these controversies, instead creating awareness of some of the issues surrounding some of these certain topics. Indeed, humans – each one of us – are a unique, priceless design of nature.

It’s 2017, what are your resolutions declarations or determinations? What are those unique experiences and talents that identify you as yourself? Recognize your strengths in situations that were tough, but you overcame. What areas do you need work on? I’m encouraging one person a day in 2017 in a meaningful way. My call to you is to welcome your individual nature as well as, difficult and simple seasons of life. Consequently, appreciate and celebrate your friends, your family, and peers. Encourage and embrace every individual’s aspirations and talents in all.