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As an infant we need feed, protected, and cared for. In Erikson's first stage of psychosocial development, if an infant's needs are met, they will develop trust and believe the world is a safe place. If those needs are continually not met a negative view about the world and others develops. According to Gabriela Martorell, "the critical element in developing trust is sensitive, responsive, consistent caregiving" (p. 54). My mother was a stay-at-home mother while I was an infant. She provided food, comfort and tons of love. Thanks to my mother I developed trust in my own life.

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The second stage of Erickson's psychosocial development begins between the ages of 18 months and 3 years. Children at this stage are figuring out if they can complete tasks on their own or if they need help from others. Children at this stage develop a "sense of independence and self-sufficiency over shame and doubt" (Martorell, p. 14). Autonomous children feel secure and confident and those that do not develop this feel self-doubt. In my own life my parents let me make simple decisions for myself such as picking out what clothes to wear and what I wanted to eat. From this I developed into an autonomous child. My mother has told me stories of how independent I was as a toddler. I would try to carry in heavy groceries all by myself.

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Preschool aged children are faced with developing initiative when exploring new activities or guilt by feeling overwhelmed in these new situations. Children who learn how to "regulate these opposing drives develop purpose and courage to pursue goals without feeling inhibited by guilt" (Martorell, p. 72). At this age in my life, I started attending preschool where I was able to explore and develop initiative. I had an older sister that I would tag along with at home, and I was able to try new things without feeling fear or guilt.

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Once children begin elementary school they start focusing on productive work and finding out their interests. At this time more social interactions are taking place and children begin to develop their self-esteem. As children are learning new skills "industry is developed by praise, motivation, and self-esteem, if a child is unable to obtain these, they may develop a feeling of low self-worth and thus develop a sense of inferiority"(Martorell, p. 93).  As a child I was active in girl scouts, gymnastics, and several other activities. I enjoyed going to school and worked hard to reach goals for myself. By finding activities that I enjoyed participating in, I developed many skills, and my self-confidence grew. My resolution was industry from the encouragement I received and the new skills I mastered.

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In Erikson's fifth stage of development an adolescent seeks to develop a sense of self and explore their independence. A major question at this age is "Who am I?" At this stage we begin to question our role in society, or experience role confusion. At this time in my life, I started working my first job, meeting friends with similar values and goals as myself, and I started thinking about the woman I wanted to become in the future. Identity forms "as young people resolve the issues of choice of an occupation, the adoption of values to live by, and the development of a satisfying sexual identity"(Martorell, p. 109). After working a few different jobs and forming different relationships over the years, I was able to move past role confusion and develop my sense of identity. I know in my life who I am, what I believe in, and where I fit in.

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During young adulthood, between the ages of 21-40, people begin forming intimate loving relationships with others. At this time "a person seeks to make commitments to others or suffers from isolation and self-absorption"(Martorell, p. 14). I am currently 33 years old. I am a mother to two boys. My children mean the world to me, and I will always love them and care for them. I have been in an intimate relationship for 10 years now and I feel loved and supported by my partner. I have a great family and close friends. I believe I have developed intimacy. I do not feel alone in my life. I have several positive healthy relationships built on mutual love, support, and commitment.

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During middle adulthood, we find ourselves striving to parent, contribute to society, and grow the next generation. By taking part in these actions a person develops generativity. By failing to get involved stagnation occurs and a person may feel uninvolved in the world. A mature adult "is concerned with establishing and guiding the next generation or else feels personal impoverishment" (Martorell, p. 14). I believe I am starting on a path towards generativity. I am currently putting great effort into raising my two children. I am working towards my future career goals, and I am looking for more ways to contribute to society. I do not believe I will resolve into stagnation because I care about the next generation, and I am working hard for my family. I hope to participate more in my community and take on more responsibilities as I continue to grow in my life.

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In Erikson's eighth and final stage of psychosocial development a person that has reached late adulthood begins to look back on their life and ask the question "Did I live a meaningful life?" Integrity is developed by a sense of wholeness and feelings of peace and wisdom. Despair comes from regret and feelings of a wasted life. An elderly person "achieves acceptance of their own live and acceptance of death, or else despairs over inability to relive life" (Martorell, p. 14). Once I reach this time in my life, I believe I will resolve into integrity. If everything goes as planned, I will have worked for several years as a teacher. I will have raised a family. I will have lived a full life with many accomplishments and contributions. This will lead me to acceptance and pride in my own life and I will not feel regret or despair.