Identity

Identity

This month is Black History Month. The theme for 2026 is “Honouring Our Communities.”

When we think about the people who shape our communities, we may think of well-known names and people whose achievements have been recognised. But communities are also shaped every day by the people around us — our families, friends, neighbours, teachers, colleagues and community leaders.

Through our communities, our own identities are also shaped.

Family, culture, relationships, experiences and the environments around us can all influence how we see ourselves and who we become. Ultimately, however, our identity is something we continue to develop and learn to value for ourselves.

Just for a moment, think about who helped to shape your identity.

Was your family highly influential? Did your culture play a significant part? Can you relate parts of your identity to particular people, experiences or environments that influenced you?

Identity isn’t fixed. As we grow and experience life, we continue to develop. We begin to recognise what we value, what we want to carry forward and what feels true to who we are.

This also contributes to our sense of self-worth.

And this is where identity can become a bridge to wellbeing.

We can appreciate where we come from and recognise the people and experiences that have influenced us, while developing a sense of worth that isn’t dependent on how other people see or value us.

Taking time to reflect on what has shaped us can help us understand ourselves a little better — what matters to us, what we want to carry forward and, sometimes, what we are ready to leave behind.

Reflection and awareness give us space to understand ourselves and recognise what supports our own sense of balance and wellbeing.

Reflect

Who helped shape the person you are today, and what part of their influence do you want to carry forward?