Who Am I? A Question I've Been Pondering Lately
- klutzshenanigans
- Jul 26
- 3 min read
Who am I?
It’s a question that’s been circling my mind a lot lately. I am on that never-ending journey of self-discovery. I figured the best way to deal with it was to get the thoughts out of my head and onto “paper.” Something tells me I’m not the only one who’s ever asked themselves this same question.
When we ask “Who am I?” we’re really asking “What does it mean to be human?” And that’s a question with layers.......biological, emotional, spiritual, and everything in between.
The Science of Being Human
At the most basic level, we’re Homo sapiens, a species that evolved over millions of years, armed with a unique brain that allows us to reason, imagine, and connect. Genetically, we’re 98.8% identical to chimpanzees. And yet, that small genetic gap gives us language, culture, and consciousness.
Our prefrontal cortex, responsible for planning, decision-making, and empathy, is far more advanced than in any other species. This tiny chunk of brain is why we can reflect on our past, envision our future, and even wonder about the meaning of life itself.
We’re also the only species with complex, symbolic language. We don’t just communicate, we tell stories, write poetry, argue ethics, and whisper secrets. That ability to create meaning is part of what makes us feel human.
The Psychology Behind Our Humanity
Being human is more than biology; it’s emotional. Science shows that humans are wired for connection. Our brains literally light up when we empathize with others. We form attachments. We crave belonging. We grieve loss deeply because we loved deeply.
We also build identities through narrative. Think about it: you aren’t just a list of facts.
You’re a collection of stories, your experiences, your choices, your dreams. That’s why we ask “Who am I?” when we’re lost or changing. It’s our way of rewriting the story, or at least flipping to the next chapter.
The Existential Side of Humanity
Humans are the only species aware of their own mortality. That’s both a burden and a gift. We know our time is limited, so we try to make it meaningful. We build legacies, create art, raise families, and chase dreams.
We also ask big, uncomfortable questions:
Why am I here?
What happens when I die?
Is there more than this?
These questions might not have clear answers, but the fact that we ask them? That’s very human.
So... What Does It Really Mean to Be Human?
Here’s what I’ve gathered from science, psychology, and my own late-night thinking:
My Take
To be human is to be a paradox. We’re intelligent, yet emotional. We’re capable of great kindness and terrible mistakes. We want to belong and be free. We are fragile and yet so incredibly strong.
We’re not just surviving, we’re trying to make sense of it all. That’s what this blog post is. Me, trying to understand my place in all of this. And maybe, just maybe, helping you feel a little less alone in asking the same question.
So who am I?
I’m a mother, a sister, a daughter, a student, a co-worker, a boss, an animal lover, a tree hugger, a cloud chaser, a star gazer. I have had hard times and good times. I’ve felt lost and alone. I’ve been surrounded by people I love. I’ve had my heart broken. I’ve had my heart mended. I’ve laughed. I’ve cried.
Yet even with all these things, they don’t fully answer the question “Who am I?”
If I remove all the labels and roles, I am a cellular being that radiates energy. I am a being of energy. That energy ebbs and flows. It moves through me and around me. It comes into contact with other energy. And in those moments when my energy meets yours, that’s where the beauty of being human truly lives.
So if you’ve ever caught yourself staring off into space, wondering who you are and what it all means, same here. And maybe that shared wondering is part of the answer.
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