Who Am I? The Quest for Personal Discovery
The journey to discover yourself is embedded in the questions you ask yourself. To tackle this issue of “Who are you?” we need to start by asking whether people discover themselves or create themselves.
In life, we have principles that govern our lives – universal laws that apply to everyone. Take respect, for example: if you don’t have respect, you’re doomed. No one likes being associated with someone with no respect. It’s about respecting yourself and others, respecting people’s time and your own. How you treat yourself and others displays the kind of respect you have.
People who don’t respect time don’t grasp the value of a second, a minute, an hour – and eventually, the day, week, month, and year. There are no small things in life; everything starts small, but the impact is huge.
On the question of whether people create or discover themselves, I believe in both – creation and discovery. When I was in grade 8, I joined a youth club. Attending youth club at an early age made me aware of leadership and group dynamics. I then formed a performing arts group at school and a debate team. It was through these activities that I discovered my potential.
They say, “Show me your friends, and I’ll predict your future.” This remains true. Your circle influences how you view your life. The choices you make are also shaping you. Who you are will be tested. Negative influences will criticize you, but what matters is that you’re rooted in your principles.
All my students in arts and debate gained one principle that I still live by today: respect time. We’re all given 86,400 seconds a day. How you use your time will bear the fruits you water every second.”
Sicelo Ngubane is a social entrepreneur, an inspirational speaker and a youth activist with interests in leadership and personal development. Has been with Love Life, Sibikwa Arts Centre and the South African Association of Youth Clubs
