I struggle with this. I'm constantly changing my career goals, how I see myself, what I want to do in the next twenty minutes, twenty-four hours, week ahead, year ahead, etc. It's gotten to the point where people look at me strangely when I tell them what I've decided what I want to do with my life, because I told them a week ago that I was definitely done with the dream I decided to re-pursue now!

I dye my hair often. I didn't think it was all that excessive or a problem, but my stylist commented on how often I change it up and told me that I have to stop "going from light to dark" because I am going to damage my hair. I don't think this is related to my identity issues, though. I just like changing my hair; it's an artistic expression. But I do see how it seems excessive, and I wonder if it is related to my poor sense of self.

At one point or another, I've regretted every decision I've made in my life. I keep changing my plans because I am so, so scared of living with any more regrets. I'm only 23.

There is an illustration in Sylvia Plath's Bell Jar that I could really relate to. The mental patient is standing underneath a tree, knowing that she can only pick one fruit. Each fruit represents something good-a potential relationship, career path, type of success, etc. But she spends so much time immobilized, trying to choose the best fruit, that the entire tree withers and dies. It's too late. She's run out of time.

This identity problem is really frustrating because it makes me seem fickle, and it is hard to plan my life when I know that I will likely just change my plans a day later. I really don't want to miss out because I let the entire tree of possibilities wither while I stand here, completely indecisive.

There is a plus side, though-I know not to waste money on tattoos (though I really do want one!). I know that I would regret any image I put on my body today, just a few weeks later.