If there is one word that describes your ‘who’ it’s character. There are a number of attributes that describe/define character such as integrity, honesty, reliability, etc. However, in my world of definitions, bottom line, when everything is stripped away, you are your character. Webster has multiple definitions of the word – character: “the complex of mental and ethical traits marking and often individualizing a person; a person marked by notable or conspicuous traits.” I believe that it is best displayed/seen in crisis situations. So what does that look like? How does this define and describe you?
My questions are: If you were to meet you, would you like you? Do you think you’d trust you? If you were in a place where you needed assistance, would you ask you for help? If you were going to celebrate something special or significant in your life, would you ask you to participate? The answers to those questions disclose your character. And yes, there are a great number of other questions but these ‘surface’ answers will lead you to a beginning understanding of you. Whether or not you appreciate what emerges, you can’t deny the answers. It takes courage to face who you are – both the positive as well as the negative – not just one.
If you’ve never thought about yourself in terms of your character – you should. Your character will be evident to others – partially from your words but mostly from your behavior. But it states very clearly who you are. Since character is visible through your actions, your words either confirm or deny what you do. People, however, are more prone to believe what they see, what they experience over just what you say.
You always are in a position of consciously or not, refining your character. Every experience impacts on who you are. Are you stuck with your character? Yes, unless you consciously decide to change it and are willing to honestly look at who are you, determine who you want to be, and work on making the changes necessary to become who you will be.
…but, what do you think? what do you believe?
