The world’s a stage, you're the muse.
In the last chapter of The Art of Self Expression, we delved into identity, how it is more of an idea than a fixed reality.
We shape our identity first through the belief system(s) we accept (tolerate). Our beliefs then inform our thoughts & actions, and our actions reinforce the roles we've chosen.
When we realize that we actively create our identity, and consequently the experiences that come with it, we unlock a profound access to power.
When we realize it’s all a choice, all a matter of where our attention is placed, suddenly, the personas we adapt and the limits we once felt were impenetrable, become fluid and open to change.
"Ask for what you want and be prepared to get it." - Maya Angelou
I gave you some games to play with if you’re interested in conceptualizing newer, more advanced, or just different ideas of identities for yourself. I also provided a step-by-step guide on how to begin refining your closet through my Signature System, as self-expression is a direct visual reflection of the identity you’ve selected. See the Closet Editing Guide and Garment Inspection Guide.
Today, we’re going to talk about the identity a bit more, as this in truth is what makes fashion as apart of our daily practice, so holistically fun.
It’s important to acknowledge that engaging in self-expressive work in this way can stem from a place of privilege, influenced by factors such as class, race, status, and luck. These dynamics can shape the opportunities, education, and freedom available for such personal exploration.
Identity is a hat. A costume. A CHOICE!
Each day, you have the power to step into a new version of yourself. You can create fresh potentials and bring them to life through the way you dress.
But before we transmute your dynamic concepts of identity into tangible personal style, it's important to explore the personality itself a bit more in depth— particularly through the lens of archetypes.
“An archetype is a model, pattern, or idea that is universally recognizable and can be found in art and literature. Archetypes are often symbols, character types, settings, or story patterns that are shared across cultures”.
Archetypes are fascinating because they distill the complexity of human nature into neatly categorized traits, like a recipe for understanding ourselves. While no three-dimensional human being can ever truly be reduced to such simplicity, the logical mind finds comfort in this exercise. It thrives on structure, patterns, and analysis. Simplifying ourselves through the archetypes offers the logical mind a valuable tool: a framework for crafting a chosen identity.
So now the question becomes, who do you want to be?
