Identity

From: John Ames Birch Sent: Friday, October 30, 2020 9:49:37 AM To: justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca <justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca>; Chrystia.Freeland@parl.gc.ca <Chrystia.Freeland@parl.gc.ca>; dujarric@un.org <dujarric@un.org>; ncte@transequality.org <ncte@transequality.org>; accredit@gov.ru <accredit@gov.ru>; actso@naacpnet.org <actso@naacpnet.org>; correspondence@council.nyc.gov <correspondence@council.nyc.gov>; contact.nbcnews@nbcuni.com <contact.nbcnews@nbcuni.com>; contactus@newfoundlandlabrador.com <contactus@newfoundlandlabrador.com>; ctvottawa@ctv.ca <ctvottawa@ctv.ca>; contactus@newfoundlandlabrador.com <contactus@newfoundlandlabrador.com>; doug.fordco@pc.ola.org <doug.fordco@pc.ola.org>; david.penberthy@news.com.au <david.penberthy@news.com.au>; dan@jpost.com <dan@jpost.com>; dir_enq@cso.gov.hk <dir_enq@cso.gov.hk>; education@nasa.gov <education@nasa.gov>; edpubs@edpubs.ed.gov <edpubs@edpubs.ed.gov>; info@bnn.ca <info@bnn.ca>; letters@theaustralian.com.au <letters@theaustralian.com.au>; letters@jpost.com <letters@jpost.com>; letters@lasvegassun.com <letters@lasvegassun.com>; lansing@mlive.com <lansing@mlive.com>; media@gatesfoundation.org <media@gatesfoundation.org>; news@skynews.com <news@skynews.com>; nytnews@nytimes.com <nytnews@nytimes.com>; news@thelocal.se <news@thelocal.se>; News@KelownaNow.com <News@KelownaNow.com>; online@theaustralian.com.au <online@theaustralian.com.au>; Secretary@HHS.gov <Secretary@HHS.gov>; Sky.Today <Sky.Today@sky.uk>; submit@calgaryherald.com <submit@calgaryherald.com> Subject: Identity (Opinion)

Who am I? This is the fundamental question posed to us by the world. We have all asked this question of ourselves from the onset of self-discovery. Not only do we ask this question of ourselves early on but we evolve its answer throughout our lives. As we grow, learn and achieve, we add new dimension to this definition, more depth to our discovery. This question, this diagnosis of consciousness helps us form our identities. What is identity? What is consciousness? What is self? To me, identity is the reflection of our soul transposed on biology. It is this dimension of self that reaches beyond this world, to a deeper memory of who we truly are. From birth we connect to our true self in these shining moments of kindness, of humanity. It is within these glimmering moments of spacetime that we remember who we are beyond life and death. This identity while formed in life, stretches beyond death to add a legacy to our world. This identity helping to shape our world and influence the legion of identities yet to be. My identity is unique to me as yours is unique to you. Others may influence that identity but ultimately, it's not only our right but our responsibility to determine who we are. Identity can be fearful to some, those who have yet to find their identity will always be threatened by those who have. However, we cannot allow another's fear of identity constrict our own inner progress. We must always stand true in our definition. It is within this self-discovery of identity that we evolve, we evolve not only our concept of ourselves but of our world at large as well. To identify, to stand bare before the world and shout "this is me" can be terrifying but I promise you that it's beautiful. The courage to stand in truth is the most beautiful act of defiance I have ever seen. To those who have found themselves already, I salute you. To those who are finding themselves still, I believe in you. Finally, to those who have yet to look, I have hope for you. Believe in yourselves, believe in others and stand proud in your identities. Keep Dreaming, Keep Loving, Keep Going. Stay Safe, Stay Sanitized and Stay Supportive, John Ames Birch @johneames2