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During the stage of Trust vs. Mistrust, infants learn to depend on adults in their lives to be supportive. This trusts develops by infants needs being met on a consistent basis. If a child is comforted, fed, and kept safe as an infant they learn trust. If an infant's needs are not being met then they will develop mistrust. In this stage infants "develop a sense of whether the world is a good and safe place". As an infant, my parents were attentive to my needs. They always made sure I had a full belly and was clean. My sister would try to comfort me by singing and playing with me when we were in the car and I would cry.

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Erikson's second phase of psychosocial growth is the conflict between Autonomy and Shame and Doubt, occurring between 12 months and 3 years of age. During this period, youngsters strive to establish a feeling of autonomy, by venturing into the world with curiosity under parental eyes. "Toddlers needs adults to set appropriate limits and shame and doubt help them recognize the need for those limits" (Martorell, pg 156). They start demonstrating a keen interest in performing tasks on their own, like feeding themselves and exploring their environment. When parents actively support and foster this quest for independence, it paves the way for the child to build self-assurance and independence. On the other hand, if parents fail to provide encouragement during this phase, the child may experience doubt concerning their own capabilities. As a toddler, I was known to be resistent to authority. I would often tell my parents "NO" and want to do things on my own.

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During this stage or my preschool years, I experienced rapid growth and developmental changes. Children in this stage of life will gain more independence from their parents. "Preschool children can do-and want to do- more and more" (Martorell, pg 210)." CHildren are learning many exciting new skills like how to use the bathroom and developing language skills.  This was a critical time for me because I had a strong desire to explore the world around me without feeling overwhelmed. I attended preschool/headstart, and learned how to interact with other kids my age and develop a sense of what school would come to be. At this age I loved to play with hot wheels and building legos. These activities helped me to get along and play with the other kids.

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At this point in a child's life, they are beginning to start school and work their way through elementary and middle school. Throughout this phase, they cultivate a profound sense of competence and industry, which serves as the bedrock for building their self-esteem. In this stage children "learn how to work hard to achieve goals" (Martorell, pg 276). When I was growing up I was active in sports and extracurricular pursuits, such as robotics and 4-H. These endeavors consistently motivated me to push myself to pursue and achieve ambitious goals. My family played a significant role in providing constant encouragement during this period. This enabled me to embrace industry by dedicating myself to the pursuit of my goals.

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During the teenage years, children focus on discovering their own identity and discovering who they are and who they would like to become. During this time it is important for children to receive encouragement to discover who they would like to be. "Adolescents who resolve the identity crisis satisfactorily develop the virtue of fidelity: sustained loyalty, faith, or a sense of belonging to a loved one or to friends and companions" (Martorell, pg 336) For me, this period was full of strong emotions and weird experiences. I made new friends when I changed schools, and I learned discipline and new skills that I still use today. All of this helped me understand myself better and find my place in the world, where I could truly be myself.

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As I enter this stage, the battle between intimacy and isolation feels so real. An adult in this stage will begin to continue to make new connections with others and grow on the connections made earlier in life as well. These connections will be both romantic and platonic. "Person seeks to make commitments to others or may suffer from isolation and self-absorption" (Martorell, pg 13). I hope that I'm taking the right steps to achieving my future filled with deep connections, where I can find someone that I can be myself with. Alongside love, I also dream of having a tight-knit group of friends who stick with me through thick and thin, people I can laugh, cry, and create memories with. I don't want to feel isolated or disconnected, so building strong bonds with others is my priority. I believe that these relationships will be the pillars of my future, guiding me through life's challenges and celebrating its joys together.

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At this stage in life one is "concerned with establishing and guiding the next generation or else feels impersonal impoverishment" (Martorell, pg 13) Adults in this point of their life are hoping to raise the next generation to be kind and contributing members of society. As I look into the future version of myself, I envision a person who has not only achieved personal success but also made a meaningful impact on the world. I have pursued my passions and interests, harnessing my potential. My thirst for knowledge led me to a path of continuous learning, through self-improvement. I have established strong connections and meaningful relationships with friends, family, and my community. While I always feared the stagnation that loomed, I pushed myself beyond my limits, embracing challenges and never settling for mediocrity. This future version of myself has a wife and kids and is able to support my family.

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In Erikson's final stage, "elderly people achieve acceptance of his own life, allowing acceptance of death, or else despairs over inability to relive life" (Martonell, pg 13). This is the time in a person's life where one gets to look back on his or her life and realize the great things they have accomplished. One is also realizing that death is near and they come to accept that fact. As I teeter on the brink of life and death I would reflect back on my life hoping to be able to reflect on my journey I have been through so far. The weight of my experiences and the passage of time seem to converge, stirring a mix of emotions within me. It's a time of contemplation, where I grapple with the question of whether I have lived a meaningful life, one filled with integrity and purpose. I can't help but confront the mistakes I've made and the opportunities that I missed. I find myself searching for a sense of fulfillment in the legacy I will leave behind. I hope to embrace the challenges ahead with grace and dignity, finding strength in the lessons learned and the person I've become.

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Martorell, G. (2023). Child, 3rd edition, McGraw Hill