What better time than now for us to stop, reflect, examine and reevaluate ourselves both individually and collectively as a people and answer the questions – “Who are you?”, “Where are you going?” as we celebrate yet another Anguilla Day.

Mrs. Marilyn Hodge

You see, forty-three years is indeed a great mile stone in the life of a person as well as a nation. Hence, there is only one way to take complete control of our own destiny, and that is by answering those questions. In order to do so, however, we need to reflect on the past-where we came from - taking into account where we are presently and then consider where we hope to go in the future before we can move forward.

This is important because the choices we will make either individually or collectively as a people are based on our identity. Every choice we make will determine who we are and where we will reach eventually. The identity we construct will yield our decisions, attitudes and actions that are the puzzle pieces of our lives which, when fitted together intricately, will create the beautiful mosaic that we are or hope to become.

It will be interesting to see what our picture will reveal if only we could know the answers to those questions. The outcome will depend largely on whether we will be proactive in life, or whether we allow others to take us along for the ride. You see, it is easy for us to figure out who we are. We are who we create ourselves to be, who we become, even at this moment. We need to understand and be conscious of the fact that every decision we make contributes a piece to the art of our existence. If we search endlessly to find who we are, our masterpiece will be filled with longing, existential anguish, wandering and aimlessness.

Therefore to know who we are and where we are going, we must decide to use our resources wisely and create or design ourselves around our desires, priorities, beliefs and giftings, for it is only then we will see the masterpiece that we are meant to be. By choosing to act in alignment with our core self and follow what path we have chosen, we are already making changes. We may not be who we will become, but we are not who we once were.

Perhaps we need to ask ourselves - who are we becoming today? For if we find our identity in others, our self-esteem and sense of worth will be dependent on their choices and leadings. If instead we recognize that we are an original, then we will act like it. So will we allow the past or this economic downturn to define us? Or will we rise above the odds and move forward?

We have a vivid, brilliant image to create, so let us not get stuck by the struggles before us less we miss the masterpiece waiting to emerge from us as a people. Let us decide today to move beyond our circumstances. For real, lasting success doesn't happen merely by chance. Neither is it subject to the whims of the economy or the dictates of other people. It is the result of decisive plans and definitive actions that only we can direct!

These four simple questions, if we can answer them, will guide us through a self-exploratory process that can change our lives for the better or perhaps forever:-
1. Who are you and what do you want?
2. Where are you and why are you there?
3. What will you do and how will you do it?
4. Who are your allies and how can they help?

Insights into these questions, who are you and where are you going? will help to shape our own unique life plans, and enable us to gain clarity about our purpose, passions, values and aspired destinations. As the Bible aptly puts it, “As a man thinketh in his heart so is he.” It is only when we know ourselves and act in accordance, the path becomes clear.

Remember - Understanding our identity is absolutely essential to our success in life.

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