who we are. circa 2007

Who are we as people. I look around and constantly see people trying to find who they are.

Along time ago I knew this kid who was amazed that I skated. They thought I was incredible what i could do on a skateboard. So much so that they wanted me to teach them how to skate. Of coarse I was put back by the compliment and was ready to teach. After about four times practicing rolling and stopping the kid was really coming along, getting used to balancing and getting all around more comfortable on the board. But one day suddenly i received a phone call from the kid freaking out about how he was losing himself, and saying skateboarding was an example. I thought about this for a long time. i mean a long time and i just recently realized what he said. He thought skateboarding wasn't "him". But who is he? Not a skateboarder? Who are we as people, are we the way we talk? The way we think? The way we act? What deciphers us as us? Can trying a new activity actually cause' you to loose who you are? Or should i be insulted because the idea of skateboarding hurt their original idea of who they were? Like i always say i am no expert on anything in life, as you can see in this lesson, i have no idea about lessons nor do i understand other people. I know i come in contact with millions of new people a year that teach me new and interesting things that i hold on to. Does that change me as who I am? No. Im mike walker. No matter what haircut i have, no matter the clothes i wear, no matter the drink i sip or the skateboard i ride. Im mike walker, and a new talent or skill wont change me. Neither will a broken heart. Everything makes you who you are. Everything makes you. Everything. You.