Dissecting my Identity

Through the years, I've realized that if I am happy with my identity, I am happy with my life. My identity is an aggregate of every major choice, hobby, activity, relationship, and passion I have had in my lifetime. The more time I spend on things that are a part of my identity, the more that I get out of life.

So when Robin told us to choose a topic we were passionate about, I knew I would best suited writing about a component of my identity. I have narrowed down my options to "The Evil Secret to Six Pack Abs" (an exposé of the fitness industry and subsequent advice on making realistic fitness goals) and "The Musical Anomaly" (A detailed history of jazz in the United States, as well as its effect on other genres).

My ties with the fitness industry are twofold. First off, I have been lifting weights consistently for over a year. I get nothing but satisfaction from seeing my strength, physique, health, and happiness increase as a result. Secondly, I do a fair amount of research on the "behind-the-scenes" of the fitness industry. It doesn't take much to see that the advice that many popular fitness moguls offer is purely for financial gain. Many of them promise quick results (e.g, "Six-pack abs in 10 days GUARANTEED") with exercise programs that simply don't make sense. Even worse, many of these moguls lie about them being natural (not taking steroids) and then promise for a real average natural person to look like them if they purchase their "super-effective" supplements. Between my passion for fitness and anger with industry surrounding it, I feel that I can produce substantial content.

While my anger could fuel my writing, my passion and reverence for jazz history could also. I have played jazz bass and piano for over five years now. I am a part of Penn State's jazz band, "Centre Dimensions," I have attended masterclasses from many of the living jazz greats, and I've poured countless hours of research and practice into perfecting my jazz skills. While I don't think particularly highly of my level of playing, I feel that I have a sufficient grasp of the jazz concepts to be able to offer some interesting thoughts on the subject. Jazz history is full of racism, self-empowerment, eclectic approaches, and most importantly, Kenny G (Not!). I believe that Jazz is one of the most unique musical genres of all time, and I'm prepared to explain how it has gotten to this point.

Leave your preference in the comments below! What would you like to read about more? Either way, I am stoked to be writing about something that so frequently appears in my thoughts and daily life.