The Self

‘The self’ is evolving, and for the most part, the self sometimes questions itself -Or more so who it’s becoming.

More than ever, I look back on my former years – where I was born, the environment in which I was raised, the sacrifices my family made for me, the impact my friends have rendered – and I realise, that without the past, I could never be half of what I am. 

In fact, without each discrete component of the past, we wouldn’t be who we are today.

Throughout my teenage years, I was running away from the things that made me different: my skin, my hair, my accent. I was running away from the things that didn’t quite seem to fit in.

There were moments I didn’t realise I was losing my identity; trying to fit in and become someone I was never meant to be.

My Aunt once told me that no matter how hard I try, I’ll always be different, and so I may as well own my difference, instead of hiding away from it.

Words by Cynthia Taylu