What do you mean when you say "I know who I am"?

Question

Specifically, what do you mean by this?

Give details and what made you come to this conclusion.

Thanks!

Answer 1

It means that I am self assured. I know where I came from. I know my strengths and better yet I know my weaknesses.

Answer 2

Hi there R,

In regards to me, Beth hit the nail on the head with her answer. I know who I am and as I get older I get a better and better idea of who I am in regards to my strengths and weaknesses.

However, if the person who is saying this is not doing it from a mature and reflective point, but one who is defensive and not being realistic, then this can be a problem. Is this person you are referring to saying it like that? It's common if one is stuck a developmental level and is fighting change or trying to delude themselves. They can mean that they have some comfort in who they are and can't see themselves changing for anyone else.

I hope Beth's version is what you are looking for in an answer.

Dan

Answer 3

When i say 'I know who i am' I mean that i know where i come from, what i'm about, i know my likes and my dislikes, i know when and where i am most happiest, most comfortable, most unhappy, most uncomfortable. My strengths, my weakness. Who brings out what in me and that i am comfortable with who i am. And often that i'm not easily shifted from that platform. It has to do with your core person, how you react and knowing what makes you respond and how...Its pretty complex, but thats basically it. I'm a big woman, in age and size.... Often people would react negatively until they see me smile and make eye contact. My personality is such that i like people to feel comfortable and know that i am comfortable about who i am. So if they have a problem with what they see or how i come across i regard that as their problem not mine. This is who i am, your can take it or leave it but i wont be changing the person i am to accomodate you. I am a nice person, friendly, good natured and approachable. I have always been like this but the older i get the more i understand myself in midst of all the madness, lol!!

Answer 4

Oh Sugarbear, you had to go there....
To me, self knowledge is so much more complex than strength & weakness! For me, it's more about choices, integrity, energy, my willingness to accept (inevitable) change & knowing that who I am is not a constant as long as I continue to grow & encounter new experiences. The anticipation of change brings as much skepticism as it does certainty of one's sense of self awareness, Patterns & habits are one aspect of knowing who you are, particularly when somehow (good or bad) the behavior is reinforced, thus almost guaranteeing it's continuity!
I wish you had elaborated on the context the statement was made, I've run out of time now...& at the moment I read the email that stated you had asked a question, I knew I could not simply glance at the question & get back to what I was doing. In part because YOU asked the question, but also because I know who I am...I knew I would not be able to resist an answer, & I know that I am always philosophical in the wee hours of morning if I've been up all night..& yes, it is even reinforced occasionally by a "best answer"...
So..........a very quick conclusion to my rambling would be to say knowing who you are isn't always something to brag about..& yes, this example may very well be reduced to strength/weakness, but mostly I think I know who I am because I know my body, my heart & my mind... I know what may feel good to me is not always what's good FOR ME, as well as I know, "I may not be what I'm supposed to, but I can tell you right now, I ain't what I used to be" (MJB). Integrity is my guiding light, & because I know my tolerance, my limitations & my endurance level, I know who I am.
Oh Sugarbear, wait a minute! It just came to me now that I have to make a mad rush to the shower & out the door....this is about race isn't it? Did someone nastily imply you don't know who you are because of your bi-racial heritage?(as opposed to their ~uncertain~ superior lineage???) Come on sugarbear, are you wearing a map on your forehead pointing to your fears/uncertainties so that every loser you encounter hits the jackpot?? I have to run, I'll check back tonight., I know how to add to my answer if you will elaborate on the answer you are really seeking. Have a great day!
:)

Answer 5

What beth said!