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The first stage of development starts with birth and lasts about 18 months. The infant looks for a source of care and protection that they can trust. If the child finds this source to trust, they develop hope, whereas failure to find a trusted caregiver can result in anxiety and basic mistrust as they grow older.

Me personally, I had several people in my life I could rely on, such as my parents, my older brother, and my grandparents whom we lived with for most of this stage. Therefore, I believe I resolved this stage with trust and hope.

"Baby develops sense of whether world is a good or bad place" (page 11).

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The second stage lasts from 18 months till about 3 years of age. This stage can best be explained with will, more namely will-power; the will to be more independent and the mastery of many physical skills. Failure to acquire this "will" can result in low self-esteem and unhealthy dependance on others.

In my own life, I believe I resolved this stage with achieving this will. While my mother was a stay-at-home mom, she had four rambunctious boys which kept her very busy. I believe this split of her time allowed my younger self to spread their/mine wings and explore things for myself.

"Child develops a balance of independence and self-sufficiency over shame and doubt" (page 11).

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The third stage starts around age 3 and ends around age 6. This stage centers around power and control, building a strong set of interpersonal skills; that is if the child resolves this stage with purpose. Failure to resolve this stage with purpose leaves the child with strong sense of guilt, more so a fear of guilt; the child is nervous to interact with others and/or ask new questions.

For me, I struggled in this stage, I often felt as if I annoyed those around me, especially when playing group sports. I think overall, however, I still resolved this stage with purpose, even despite my poor athletic skills.

"Child develops initiative when trying new activities and is not overwhelmed by guilt" (page 11).

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The fourth stage of development begins around age 6, the child continues to develop in this stage till about age 12. In this stage, hopefully the child develops competence. Children learn social and mental skills, such as greater independence, strengthened reading, writing, and arithmetic skills, and taking pride in accomplishments. Failure to resolve with industry leads to feelings of inadequacy and constant demand.

Personally, I once again struggled here. I at the end of the day do believe I resolved this stage with industry. I had no issue with many of the mental skills listed above, but I often felt lesser because my older brother was very academically gifted.

"Child must learn skills of the culture or face feelings of incompetence" (page 11).

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The fifth stage of development takes place mostly during middle and high school ages, from ages of about 12 to 18. This stage really is summed up by identity, young people growing into who they'll be (for the most part) for the rest of their lives. Failure may lead to an identity crisis.

I went through this stage as most people do, that is with several things that I look back on now with much cringe. Nonetheless, I still managed to resolve this stage with fidelity, a strong sense and knowledge of who I am. I found myself in Jesus Christ, who is an endless fount of joy and purpose beyond anything the world or myself could bring. He saved me from my fear, doubt, insecurities, and sins; praise God for new life in Him!

"Adolescent must determine sense of self ('Who am I?') or experience confusion about roles" (page 11).

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The sixth stage of development takes place for much of early adulthood, from ages 18 to someone's mid 30s. This stage is all about relationships, whether they are strong and rich, or relationships that lend to isolation and loneliness.

I am in the middle of this stage, as I would assume most if not all of my classmates are. So far, I think I'm doing a pretty good job, and I'm sure the Lord has a wife out there for me somewhere. Other than that sort of relationship, I have strong relationships with my family and peers, and I pray that I am able to resolve this stage, whenever that is, with love.

"Person seeks to make commitments to others or may suffer from isolation and self-absorption" (page 11).

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The seventh stage of development lasts from middle to late adulthood, about 40 to 65. This stage is characterized by a strong sense to contribute, failure to resolve with the virtue of care can result in feelings of uselessness and shallow involvement in the world.

I have no doubt I will succeed in terms of feeling useful, thanks to Christ and no work of my own, I know that whatever happens will happen because God ordained it so; specifically for my good even if it doesn't seem like it at the time. God is perfect, and therefore His plan, so I will feel accomplished in Him no matter what life holds. Worldly, I would love to have a family, but I would be joyful in anything.

Mature adult is concerned with establishing and guiding next generation or else feels personal impoverishment" (page 11).

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The eighth and last stage of development begins around age 65 and ends with death. This stage is exemplified by looking back on life with senses of satisfaction and regret. According to Erikson, our lives either end with a feeling of completeness, resolving with the virtue of wisdom, or fear and despair if this wisdom is not found.

Once again, I have no doubt I will not look back on my life and be ever-thankful for the countless blessings God has given me. I could die now and be content in it, I know that once God has secured me through Jesus' saving work on the cross, He will never let me go. God is good, and death is but a Christian's final step toward eternal fulfillment free from the shackles of sin. Praise God!

"Elderly person achieves acceptance of own life, allowing acceptance of death, or else despairs over inability to relive life" (page 11).