on finding myself

People talk about finding themselves as if it takes an expedition, some great journey into unknown places to find an undiscovered self. When I think of finding myself, I think I need only retrace my steps to pick up the pieces I've left scattered. I imagine reclaiming myself would be like gathering a bouquet. Everything I need to know about who I am or who I might become in the future can be found in my past because I believe we all start out in this life whole. The obstacles along the road chip away at us, difficult circumstances file us down, piece by piece, some pieces being taken from us by greedy hands, and some pieces we freely give until we reach an empty feeling and decide maybe we need those pieces back. I need my pieces back.