Αναθεώρηση Part 6: Identity . . .

Here’s who I was in 2011:

1. A Knight

Someone I met recently told me I am a knight. On top of my horse, sword and shield, shining armour, crossing the world on a mission. According to this person apparently even my motorcycles are a symbol of my “knight-like” tendencies. 

2. A Nomad

100 plus flights per year, approx. 20-25 countries, more than 50% of my nights in a bed that is not mine, no fixed abodes to speak of, "homes" of a kind in several places and also in none, a wardrobe for all seasons, a suitcase in every corner, empty hangers in the closet . . . yes - I was a nomad.

3. A Leader

I lead people. Some 350 – 400 in my business life. It is my duty and my destiny to lead people. I follow other leaders. It can be very lonely at the front. No-one prepares you for this role. 

4. A Friend

I was a friend to many, as many were friends to me. I went the extra mile for them. Because I wanted to, not because I was obliged. That is friendship.

5. An Idealist

I was an idealist in that I don’t believe that anything exists outside of my mind’s ability to conceive it. I was also an idealist in the sense of holding ideals above other matters. And finally I was an idealist in terms of temperament: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idealist_temperament (NB. I am the “Champion” or ENFP)

6. A Journeyman

Last year I explored and discovered much that was unknown to me and thus brought my future into the present (and quickly into the past). I journeyed through lands, people and most of all through my mind in 2011.

7. A Catalyst

Apparently I helped a few people out in 2011, got their backs, listened to their pain, pushed them to be better, and so on. I am not a savior – people save their own selves – but I was sometimes a helper or a catalyst. I'm glad for that.

8. An Observer

I wrote and I wrote in 2011. On my blog here, and in books, notepads, computers and so on. I wrote essays, poems, memos, sketches, portraits and philosophized endlessly about what I saw in the world and in my self. Writing things down helped me find inspiration, clarity and energy. I was an observer.

9. A Student

I learned people and from people. I learned new ideas, new methods, new perspectives – I watched, I observed, I thought, but I also studied. Formally and informally. I was a student.

10. A Creator

I wrote and recorded a bunch of music last year. I started playing the piano more often – even after my amputation – and worked harder on songwriting and composition focusing on writing more complex and interesting music. I wrote poetry and prose compositions again, penned sketches and scherzos of people and life and I made new things happen. I was a creator.

11. A Destroyer

I destroyed many things and damaged more. Strangled and sabotaged, drowned and overwhelmed, starved and neglected, rejected and terrified, abandoned and abused. Some of the things I destroyed will be reborn. Some of those I damaged will repair. Others will not. I was a destroyer.