Your identity (besides liking pianos or being a musician)

HeartKeys

Oftentimes we are ascribed, or self-ascribed an identity… I would guess that many/ majority of us identify ourselves as “pianist/ piano lover/ musician” etc.

Beyond that, what identities do you have, or aspire to have?

People in real life think my identity is heavily being a “military person” (I was in the Marines before), or musician (I play piano for fun and have lots of gear, but don’t take much pride in it). But I don’t really put my identity in those a whole lot.

But ultimately for me, it’s being a consummate husband. It’s an identity I am very proud of (no, my wife is not looking at this post).

What is your identity (non-music related) Is it teacher? Parent/ grandparent? Athlete? Engineer? Humanitarian?

Etc.?

TLH21

HeartKeys

Identity it is not something that can be distilled into a word or two. I aspire to being somebody who will leave this world having done more good than bad - to turn an aphorism on its head a bit, leave only good memories and footprints to ease that path of those following - in my family, in my community, and in my profession.

PianoMonk

HeartKeys When one talks about things such as what they like, or what they do, or have done, it sometimes comes off like a resume, or sounds like boasting. And, many people feel so connected to their work, or interests, that they may consider those things to be what defines them as a person, or how they’d like to be remembered. While others may see certain undefinable aspects of that person, which might also depend on the relationship with said person, family vs. strangers, for example. As individuals, we can hope that others see us as we would like to be seen, but it’s kind of out of our hands. So, in an attempt to answer the original question, for those who might be interested, see my profile, then judge for yourself.

TC3

Philosophically, I tend to subscribe to the no-self view of personal identity. That's not just theoretical: I genuinely don't tend to think of my "self" as being primarily constituted by any particular aspect.

I rarely bring this up in casual conversation, however. 🙂 If someone were to ask me to describe myself, I'd know what they mean, but even then I don't think I could choose any one particular thing. Husband, professor, and music lover would probably be in the top three, in no particular order.

Pallas

TC3 Same. I've actually gotten myself into more trouble in my life becoming attached to an identity than any other way, so I gave that up. As a retired person, it can be an existential crisis. I read, I cook, I make art, I garden and care for my home, I take care of my husband and my dog. I try to make friends with you maniacs.

ranjit

TC3 Philosophically, I tend to subscribe to the no-self view of personal identity. That's not just theoretical: I genuinely don't tend to think of my "self" as being primarily constituted by any particular aspect.

I really like this way of thinking about it.

The way people tend to see me: mathematician/scientist, programmer/engineer, musician/pianist, college student. That said, I haven't truly been a professional in any of those fields, not even college student. 😉

TC3

Pallas I try to make friends with you maniacs.

Well, I see your biggest mistake right here ... 😃

Pallas

TC3 Well, I see your biggest mistake right here ... 😃

👏 😄

Sophia

Wheee, another fun thread. I don't think I can give myself an identity just like that. When I was little, people would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up. My answer was invariably "horse rider!" Of course most grownups spoiled my aspirations by telling me that this is not a proper profession and therefore unacceptable answer.

And to some degree this was true - it just so happens that life had other plans for me. And when I finally was in a position to pursue that particular dream, I learned that a horse has a scary front, a formidable back, and a very unstable, slippery middle part that is hard to stay on when one tries it for the first time when one is over 30. So I decided that it was probably a little overrated after all as an aspiration. After that I spent the rest of my life not knowing what I'd be when I grew up so I gave up on having a very defined identity.

But, if I had to give a summary, then in a few words in non-coherent order: animal lover, technology geek, devoted wife, eager learner, believer in good.

Ask me tomorrow and I'd probably give an entirely different answer... though the ones I named are pretty much confirmed.

FrankCox

The little kids in town here call me Mr. Movie Man, since most of them don't know my name....

HeartKeys

FrankCox Mr. Movie Man

I suppose that means you look handsome like a movie star!!

FrankCox

HeartKeys My kindness, generosity and many other fine traits are exceeded only by my humility! 😛

SouthPark

I have lots of interests - like many others - that make each of us our own developing identities. First and foremost, I'm a good guy ... on the side of the good and nice. At least - nice to good sorts that is. I like lots of things ... plants, animals, music, science, etc etc etc. Probably like many others too here.

I usually don't want to reveal my identity because we have found out eg. on the internet - in our cases - pianoworld and pianoclack etc, there are the low/high horses that really can and will get up to no good if our actual identity is revealed.

One of my fav hobbies, outside of piano playing is growing plants, particularly orchids ... not as a status thing. It is their beauty ... their colour, their shapes, their perfume etc. But then again, plants and flowers of all kinds are amazing. My most recent flowering ... I can share here for all to enjoy. I also love to do fishing. And I like electronics.

My line of work is in engineering ... electronics side, but is multi-disciplinary - as in I like structures and dynamics/statics/chemistry/materials etc too. As with music (which is an art too) ... we can build, construct, design, be creative, innovative, develop, progress etc. That's if we want to. For my music, there is no deadline etc, which is different from 'work', which makes it very leisurely and nice. I like my work too actually.

And my personal opinion is ... what ever we do ... regardless of what work we do, or not work, or no longer work ..... we try to do our very best to enjoy/appreciate life and be good sorts. Well, that is my own motto.

The above is called C. maxima, an orchid species, native to Equador and Peru. The particular variety I grow is found in the highlands of Peru, but grows excellently in the tropics too, such as here in North Queensland, Australia.

To see another very beautiful one in my collection ... just link to here ...

Rlc. Memoria Helen Brown 'Sweet Afton'

HeartKeys

SouthPark what ever we do ... regardless of what work we do, or not work, or no longer work ..... we try to do our very best to enjoy/appreciate life and be good sorts

Lots of wonderful nuggets throughout this thread from users. This one above especially resonates with me.

Jane

FrankCox

My kindness, generosity and many other fine traits are exceeded only by my humility! 😛

Where have I heard that before? 😉

HeartKeys

FrankCox My kindness, generosity and many other fine traits are exceeded only by my humility!

Don't forget to submit your application, for entering the Hall of Fame for Humility. Please provide 15 examples where you can proudly showcase your humble spirit!

Bellyman

Not sure if I can answer quite the way some can.

Have been "musical" ever since I was a kid. Was picking songs out on the piano by the time I could reach the keys. Started lessons around age 6. Have played ever since, mostly church work but the last couple of years, no more church work but playing keys in a 3-piece jazz band.

Being a janitor payed the bills for quite a few years. Had a brief stint in electronics but made some poor decisions and didn't go all that far with it. Worked as a piano tech / tuner for a couple of decades. Even worked for a commodities brokerage for a few years helping to put out a nightly "trade alert" kind of thing. Of late, besides the jazz band, I've been trying to be a small farmer, something I always wanted to do when younger but never had the opportunity. Trying really hard to grow strawberries, limited success, plus a few other crops to sell at the farmers market.

My current joke is that I now have two avocations that pay next to nothing, music and farming.

I have way too many interests to ever hope to explore them all in one lifetime. Love science. Love medicine. Love cooking and baking. Love animals. Love plants and flowers, trees and veggies. Love some kinds of music and numerous instruments as well as messin' with recording. Love traveling and seeing new places. And more... It really is hard trying to choose a path and not second-guess myself to death, sticking it out long enough to see something come of it. Plus, now that I'm pushin' the age where I'm realizing that there are a lot less days ahead of me than behind... well, that doesn't help.

Rubens

I'm a man who identifies as male.

SouthPark

Rubens I'm a man who identifies as male.

That's so 'un-Australian' -- kidding only hehe
Identity confirmed (by Australian Customs/Border Force). We welcome all good people and identities. Written and authorised by me on behalf of the Australian Government.

thepianoplayer416

In my younger days I was known to be musical having a good ear. I can hear a tune and play the melody on the piano. Otherwise I didn't excel playing an instrument. At some point got into art and took some drawing classes at a local gallery. And then got into photography. Took some nice phots along the way. During the long summer days I enjoyed cycling. Eventually joined a group of cyclists who are cycling all over.

Sometime ago learned to create webpages for personal interest. After joining a music group, I started designing webpages for the group until someone else took over the job. I do many things as hobbies instead of earning an income as professional.

Rob

I have several identities, or maybe none!
Ultimately, I believe it is for others to judge.