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Erikson’s first stage of development occurs during infancy years and our mothers have an important role at this stage. If she is nurturing and responsive trust prevails and we learn that the world around us is good and we can trust the people in it. On the contrary, if she is uncaring and unresponsive then we learn that the world is a bad place and we can not trust the people in it.
Although I do not remember my infancy years I am naïve, I always see the good in people and I trust them until they prove to me otherwise. To me this reflects that I overcame this stage of my life with trust.
“According to Erikson, sensitive, responsive, and consistent caregiving are key to successful resolution of the conflict  trust versus mistrust”.

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As we move through the second stage, our parents are equally important to our development. During this time, we discover ourselves as we explore the world around us. If our parents allow us to express ourselves we develop will and autonomy but if we are not allowed to express ourselves then we will experience shame and doubt.
In regards to the pursuit of my interests my father used to
always tell me " if you're happy -I'm happy” this profound message expresses that from a very young age my father encouraged me to be myself and do the things that made me happy for this reason I feel I overcame this stage with autonomy.
“Caregivers who view children’s expressions of
self-will as a normal, healthy striving for independence and not as stubbornness can help them learn self-control, contribute to their sense of competence, and avoid excessive conflict”. (pg. 136)

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As we enter Erikson's third stage we ask ourselves "is it okay to do what I do?". At this point, our extended family members influence our development and if we are encouraged we will pursue our interests and develop initiative. On the opposing side, if we are held back and told what we are doing is bad or silly or weird we develop guilt.
Growing up my parents liked to host family parties My mom especially liked to make food for everyone and provide good music for dancing, I remember she would always tell me to dance with her, although I enjoyed dancing I always felt shy to do so in front of our extended family even though they always cheered us on, it was during this time in my life when I found my passion- dance. The conflict of initiative versus guilt “marks a split between two parts of the personality: the part that remains a child, full of exuberance and a desire to test new powers, and the part that is becoming an adult, constantly examining the propriety of motives and actions. Children who learn how to regulate these opposing drives develop the virtue of purpose, the courage to envision and pursue goals without being unduly inhibited by guilt or fear of punishment.” (pg.174)

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Erikson’s fourth stage marks the start of school age and the end our childhood. It is a very pivotal point in our life and our most significant relationships are those we have at school and with our neighbors. The most important question we ask ourselves is “can I make it in this world?”. During this time, we are recognized for our success in school work, we then work harder to accomplish more and begin to develop industry, however, if instead we receive negative feedback on our work and are ridiculed we feel inferior. We can lose motivation, stop believing in ourselves, and our capabilities, as a result.
An example I can remember is when my father pushed for me to elevate my school performance to a place where I was able to achieve the honor roll in elementary school. Looking back, I realize this accomplishment was important to my development because it meant that I was able to successfully resolve this stage and achieve industry.  I was able to push myself harder academically than I ever had and I proved to myself that I can face challenges and come out successful.
“Developing a sense of industry, involves learning how to work hard to achieve goals.” (Pg. 220)
“If the stage is successfully resolved, children develop a view of themselves as being able to master skills and complete tasks.” (pg. 220)

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Stage 5: Identity Versus Role Confusion 

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Stage 5: Identity Versus Role Confusion 

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As we enter our adolescence we learn our different social roles and we are faced with identity crisis, we ask ourselves “who am I”? The most significant relationships are the ones we have with our peers and role models. If our parents allow us to explore we can develop self-identity. If they shelter us and force us to conform to their views without allowing us to explore then we will develop role confusion. This Stage of my life was difficult because my parents separated during this time additionally, they had very different ways of raising us and then I lost them both. This was highly confusing after losing both parents. It interrupted crucial developmental areas in my life and effected my success in this stage which resulted in role confusion. I did not know who I was or where I belonged in the world. My life had changed what seemed overnight, and suddenly instead of being a “kid finding myself” I was forced to grow up and care after myself and my siblings trying to navigate our life.
"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.

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At this stage we are in our early adulthood and we are beginning to understand who we are, the important question we ask ourselves is “can I love”. Our partners and close friends are key to our development. If we decide we can love and we make a long-term commitment we are confident and happy and open ourselves to intimacy, if we don’t form these intimate relationships we feel lonely and isolation occurs. Although I did not prevail in the previous developmental stage during my adolescence, eventually I opened up to love. I accepted that I could still develop my identity in my adulthood. I formed an intimate relationship that allowed me to work through my traumatic past and focus on my future.

“According to Erikson, a man is not capable of real intimacy until after he has achieved a stable identity, whereas women define themselves through marriage and motherhood. Thus, said Erikson, women develop identity through intimacy, not before it.”

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In this stage of Erikson's developmental stages we have become comfortable with our lives, we use our time creatively and we may contribute to society. We will experience generativity if we feel we are able to lead the next generation into this world. If we have unresolved conflicts we become pessimistic and experience stagnation. The people who we live and work with have the most influence on us during this stage.
I have not reached this part of my development, however I feel it will resolve in generativity because each year I am working on myself so that eventually I can be at a place where I can give back. This is something I already work towards by examining my strengths and limitations closely. It is a goal of mine to share my experience to help others.

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We have reached the final stage of Erikson's developmental stages and we are in our maturity where we reflect on the life we have lived. If we think we have done well we are content and develop integrity. On the contrary, if we do not feel we have done well we will experience despair and become bitter in our final days. I feel I will resolve this stage with integrity. I am only 28 years old and I already feel so content with how my life has gone up to this point. I am grateful to have been able to grow and experience each stage.