When it comes to identity, certain elements and factors must be present to best describe a thing; for instance, when I ask you, "Who are you?" sincerely, your first response will likely be your name, qualifications, certification, state, nationality, status, etc.
But what if I ask you Who are you outside any of the aforementioned features, what will be your response?
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We live in a world of many identity crises, based on so many factors and reasons; some choose to be identified differently. Those are really inconsequential when compared to your real personality.
What this means is, outside your physical features, outside all of the things that make you up, who are you really? This talks about your personality, your uniqueness, what's that one thing in you that speaks for you when your name is not mentioned.
Look at this to mean your character, behaviors. accomplishments, legacy things that easily point out to you without mentioning your name, qualifications, certification, nationality, or tribe...
It truly takes time, years of sacrifices. experiences to truly build a reputable public image of who we are, the type of things that speak for us even in our absence.
It gets to a certain stage in our lives where our decisions and choices are not just about us but include others too. It's not really about whom we're trying to impress or trying to show off; it's the fact that our lives are interconnected in such a way that whether or not we realize it directly or indirectly, our actions and inactions affect others.
Beyond your personal endeavor, what can others say of you? What is your impact around your circle? How have you been of help to someone else- say, a total stranger saying something remarkable about you, even when you're not in the room? What attributes speak of you when you're not in the meeting?
Who you're talks of your personality, your principles, your likes, dislikes, does and don't, what you stand for, what drives you to action, what defines your silence, and how you've been able to create that image of you over time.
Let this sink in: Who Are You?