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In the beginning
I was called one thing
even though it didn't quite suit me.
Eventually, I found others like me
who shared their labels.¹
But those also came with aspects
that didn't quite suit me.²
So I searched and found more
which fit only for a short while³
before they felt inadequate.
And so the search continued.
I have so many now,⁴
yet there is still something
that isn't labeled.⁵
Sometimes I'd find new ones
that make me question the last ones.
I begin to think that maybe
there is more to the ones
I already have
Or the ones I've discarded.⁵⁶
Maybe I could take my time.⁷
¹ Kaddoura, M., & Sarouphim, K. M. (2019). Identity formation and sense of belonging: A developmental perspective. International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, 24(4), 1–10.
² Becht, A. I., Nelemans, S. A., Branje, S. J. T., Vollebergh, W. A. M., Koot, H. M., Denissen, J. J. A., & Meeus, W. H. J. (2017). Identity uncertainty and commitment making across adolescence: Five-year within-person associations using daily identity reports. Journal of Research in Personality,
³ Crocetti, E. (2018). Identity dynamics in adolescence: Processes of formation and development. Child Development Perspectives, 12(3), 145–150.
⁴ Crocetti, E., Rubini, M., & Meeus, W. (2008). Capturing the dynamics of identity formation in various ethnic groups: Development and validation of a three-dimensional model. Journal of Adolescence, 31(2), 207–222.
⁵ Erikson, E. H. (1968). Identity: Youth and crisis. W. W. Norton & Company.
⁶ McAdams, D. P. (2001). The psychology of life stories. Review of General Psychology, 5(2), 100–122.
⁷ Kroger, J., & Marcia, J. E. (2021). The identity statuses: Origins, meanings, and interpretations. In K. C. McLean & M. Syed (Eds.), The Cambridge handbook of identity (pp. 11–30). Cambridge University Press.