“I remember being in my twenties wishing I was in my forties because those people seemed to know who they were. The thought of being grounded and comfortable in my own skin was so appealing, better than most of the magazine ads I saw selling something. After having so much life experience, I can definitely say it is not age related to know who you are. Some know who they are very young, and some don’t have a clue even when they’re in their seventies.  And even if you don’t know, you can still find out. It’s never too late.

Knowing who you are is just as important as knowing who you aren’t. Can you fall asleep at night knowing you did the best you could and didn’t hurt anyone intentionally?  Are you aware that you are kind, sometimes cynical, fun, maybe pushy?  Who we are is a snapshot in where we are and what is going on. But yes, there are things that are ingrained in our personality. 

I am convinced (and I’m happy to listen to input from others) that I am loyal, silly, truthful, athletic, and annoyingly punctual.  Of course I’m more complicated than that, but I feel it’s a good start. 

I look back on those times in my twenties and feel most of that was inside me at the time, but now in my fifties it is clearer than ever.”