Identity - Strong Sense of Self and Character

Identity: What is it?  I often tell people, "If you don't define who you are, others will define you. " It's true, isn't it?  We need to have a strong sense of self; otherwise, we are likely to fall victim to the manipulation of others, prone to feel powerless (and subsequently to lack the ability to make choices for ourselves).  Deep introspection--reflecting thoroughly on our thoughts, ideas, past experiences, and behaviors--helps us to discover and define who we really are.