So Who Are You?
If I’m so complete, why do I feel so unsure of who
I am? Many of us feel unsure of ourselves or wonder
who we really are. Our culture encourages our
dissatisfaction. We are surrounded by images of
perfect-looking people, celebrities (at least for the
moment), success stories, those who have “made
it” in one way or another, in the terms our culture
finds acceptable.
We all get the message that we, too, should keep
striving. That if we work hard enough, we, too,
can be rich, or famous, or have the perfect body.
Or all three! We are continually encouraged to
strive for these very external symbols of accomplishment.
Affluence, good looks, adoration by the
masses, aren’t those the ideal markers for success?
And although we may get the message from some
sources (parents, teachers, church) that “it’s what
is inside that really counts,” do we really believe
it? We say we do. But do we really? Or do we
spend time staring in the mirror, pulling back our
faces to get rid of the wrinkles, hating the body
parts we find imperfect, longing for youth, or
strength, for less fat, for more shape, for anything
other than what we have?