The following is the foundation of the first draft!
There are multiple textbook definitions of personality, however the one that states it is the set of complex characteristics and distinct traits that distinguishes an individual. Personality is what others are given to view or perceive your outside shell while identity is a personal and inner question to feel secure and welcomed in your own body.
The textbook definition of “identity” is stated as the distinguishing character or personality of an individual, which makes these two seem quite similar to each other.
Role models in my life have complicated and diverse mindsets and battle many physical and mental challenges. From the deeper topics of grief and depression to climbing out of their own skin and allowing themselves to be happy and healthy. Even though they had a long road to their excitement in life they are leaving proof to those who may not see the light at the end of the tunnel. Blood relatives and family is extremely important however the family that raises certain parts of you can come from the most random of branches in a community. It is quite possible that you may see your parental figure as an equal, who has brought you up to their level of belief and intention, but no one says you must stop there. This person has helped you grow to this point knowing they were the beginning of your story and in many cases, live to see you and those they helped exceed themselves and “reach for the stars” with out “Going out to sea” as Jaed says in his writing. This firm foundation doesn’t keep you from moving forward but lets you take your first steps alone in a sturdy and passionate way.
Having many different role models can help find what a person wants and doesn’t want to be. Not only does this allow someone to choose what they believe is their true self they can also form values that can be sewn together creating one identity beyond the physical world. I’ve seen this through my own experience of looking towards my older siblings to find how to work on portraying myself. We’ve bonded greatly over my 18 years of life, and I have followed parts of their path while on my own. From discovering my passion for dance to the exhilaration and excitement of a field hockey game I feel at home within these environments. Before I understood what I was passionate for I tried many options and got ideas of what boys “should do” from my father. He never pushed or prodded me to do the “masculine” thing and instead gave me the choice and supported what I have expressed interest in. In Jaed Coffin’s “My Father, Out to Sea”, his relationship with his father was complicated and heartbreaking.
