Who Are You?

by Kari Diane Pike

Every six months or so, those of us who blog for ANWA Founder & Friends are given the opportunity to either renew our commitment to write here or to step back and allow someone else to fill our slot. If we didn't have so many empty slots right now, I would feel guilty for not giving up mine after so many years. Yeah, I'm an old timer here. And there are times when I question if what I have to say really has any value to anyone besides me...because I learn something new about myself with every post.

I think I've lost touch with the audience here. The dynamics have been changing at an every increasing rate. Don't get me wrong. It's a good thing! But it's important for me to know who is reading this and what it is you are hoping to find. Those questions are ones that every writer needs to answer before setting pen to paper or...errr...fingers to the keyboard or voice to the microphone.

My ANWA chapter has even been discussing how the theme of every novel ever written can be narrowed down to that one specific question of "Who am I?". Let that thought swish around in your brain for a few minutes while I continue (and I'll bet my first born that the Les Miserables Jean Valjean theme song is already stuck in you head...hehehe.) Stick with me here.

I'm just about finished with a psychology of personality class. For my final paper, I have to express my opinion on the very same question of "Who am I?". Here is my introduction:

Who am I? Why am I here? What happens after I die? Throughout the ages, philosophers and scientists alike have searched for and debated on the answers to those fundamental questions of personality. My own opinion about who I am and why I am here has been shaped and influenced by life experiences, secular education, the observation of other people, continuous religious study and that immeasurable spiritual element that makes me, me. Based on five basic philosophical assumptions of freedom vs. determinism, heredity vs. environment, proactivity vs. reactivity, and optimism vs. pessimism [Barbara Engler. (2009). Personality Theories, Wadsworth, Cengage Learning, USA, pg.12], I believe that I am a child of God – a unique spiritual being sent on a physical journey meant to teach me how to actively choose and create what I want to become, not only in this life, but in the life to come (Doctrine & Covenants 76).

While I share that divine, creative nature with every other human being, I have been endowed with gifts and attributes that make me one of a kind. I can act on my own initiative, or I can choose to let things happen to me. Either way, I am always making a choice. As I take responsibility for my choices, I increase my ability to change the way I think, act and feel. The choices I make now affect the choices available to me in the future.

If you're still with me, thank you. The point I think I'm trying to reach is to determine where I fit, not only in God's kingdom, but on a more specific scale --  in the world of blogging and writing. I want to realize and unlock the potential inside me and see myself, and others, as Heavenly Father sees us. I want to help others realize the potential inside of them! No one is destined to fail. Everyone is needed. I feel like this ship we are sailing has raised all the danger flags and sent out a call for all hands on deck. We are fighting a war and as fellow citizens in the household of God, we all have the call to serve each other and render the best that we have (Ephesian 2:19; Corinthians 12).

For me, that means accepting opportunities to increase my knowledge and to develop and practice new skills and talents -- no matter how terrified I might be! Over the past few months, I have been taking risks here and there -- opening doors that, in the past, I have been afraid to look behind -- and discovering things about myself I never thought possible.  Then I remember: With God, nothing is impossible. He loves us more than our mortal beings can comprehend and He has greater gifts than we can possibly imagine in store for us.

A number of months ago, I took a risk and accepted the opportunity to learn how to edit some SEO articles. I am now being handed the reins to take over as the managing editor of the www.gospelideals.org website. I took another risk and committed to giving a presentation in October on how to write copy. I now have two other opportunities to practice that presentation and share the knowledge that others have so graciously given to me. Every position I have accepted (despite the moments of sheer panic) has prepared me for greater things.

I dont' know where all these new adventures are leading me. But that's okay, because I know who I am. I know God's plan, and -- just like that Primary song says -- "I'll follow Him in faith."

Do you know who you are?

hugs~