Defining Identity

At home in Australia, I like to think of myself as a strong and independent woman.  In the culture that I know, I know who I am.  But living overseas in a foreign culture kind of throws your self-identity out of whack a little.  Things I thought I knew about myself, I've seen come undone.  Labels that I never thought would apply to me, suddenly apply.  My emotional responses, actions and ways of approaching things have changed and often surprise me.  Defining your self-identity - and accepting it - can be difficult when you're so far out of your comfort zone that you barely remember what 'just being yourself' feels like...

In Japan I Am 

(or have been) 

A teacher, a student, an optimist, a pessimist, a cynic and a friend. 

A lover, a fighter and an alien outsider.
Illiterate, short-tempered, bold and brash.

Funny, endearing, confused and depressed.
Shy, insecure and alone.

A role model, a leader, an organiser and a host.
A colleague or a walking, talking dictionary.

An assistant, a confidante and a trailblazer.
Different.

Annoying, enthralling and entertaining.
An expat, an Aussie and a drunk.

Emotional, adventurous, curious and bored.
 An exotic animal, a party animal, bewildered.

Old, young, worried, carefree and part of a minority.

Envious, isolated, excited and full of hatred.
Mocked, stared at and discriminated against.

Joyous, sad, culture-shocked and broke.

Bereft and unable to communicate.

A member of the community, a tourist, a wannabe..?