How do we define ourselves? What makes us who we are? Do moments/experiences really shape us or are we shaped by our reactions to moments/experiences?
These are questions we often ask ourselves, yet the answers often elude us. Our lives are complex and unique in innumerable ways, yet we are similar. We are influenced by countless people and things, our paths connecting with so many others. Many of us find ourselves asking: Did that time we chose the less popular path alter our course? Are we destined to be who we are? Is the world spinning chaotically? Are we really in control of our lives or just passive observers watching, mouth agape, as our future unfolds?
When it comes right down to it, no one knows for sure.
So we got to wondering: Does everyone have specific moments that shaped them? What kind of folks played pivotal roles in people’s lives? Is there a particular album or song which prompted reflection and, therefore, change, like many have for us? Is it normal to experience an existential crisis at the tender age of 25? Hell, do other people even think about this kind of stuff or are we just crazy? Etc.
The way we look at it is that the human experience is vast, complex, full of major pendulum swings, good times and bad times, the sweet and the sour. But is it the combination of all these moments or, rather, is it our responses to these moments that shape us into who we are, who we aspire to be?
At this point, we haven’t got a clue, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The fun part is trying to figure it out and learning what others make of the human experience.
My [Brian] journalism instructor once said,”Everyone has a story.”
Try asking your friends or family what theirs is sometime and let us know what you find out. Chances are you might learn something about them you didn’t know, maybe something which helped shape you into who you are today.
In the meantime, we’re going to have some conversations with people – some of them friends or family, others from the world of music, film, art or other walks of life who we happen to encounter – and see what they say. Maybe these talks will reveal something about us that we hadn’t really considered before, maybe they’ll reveal something deeper about humanity, or maybe they’ll just make for some mildly interesting chatter on a rainy day.
Along the way, you’ll also get a dose of other things we’re interested in–the occasional film review, the random knitting pattern. You’ll read about music, as well. Maybe some rants, short stories, reflections, you name it.
We hope to hear from you, our readers, too. While we’re content to do this thing ourselves, we wouldn’t mind some help along the way. If you like what you see and would like to contribute, go ahead and pitch us something.
In the meantime, we hope you enjoy our quest to find out who we are, and who you are.
