Definition (repost)

I think it’s safe to say, everyone has been asked what defines them. Some people say their passions. Some say their friends. Some say their goals or their grades.

But why do we have to be “defined”? Why does something have to define me?

We all have unhealthy habits and toxicity in our lungs. When we breathe, those around us absorb our toxicity and sometimes, it hurts those we love most to a point they can’t truly heal. Some of us choose to break those habits and change for the better.

I want to change for the better. I want to grow. I want to be kind, compassionate, calm, and strong. Or, if you’ve read Divergent, I want to be the same as Four wanted to be: Honest, kind, selfless, intelligent, and brave.

However, I cannot be all of that, nor can I grow and change for the better at all, if I’m being defined. I cannot. Because definition excudes the possibility of change.

So ask me what defines me, and I will say “Nothing.” Because nothing can, nothing ever will, define me. I will always grow. I’ll grow stronger, kinder, more honest, smarter, etc. And if I’m defined, then that is putting limitations on my growth. But growth is limitless and I refuse to hold in my toxicity forever when I can eradicate it for longer than an eternity.