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In Erikson's first stage of development, it is truly clear why this stage is vital to the rest of overall development. During this stage the child should learn how to trust their caregiver or how to not trust them. Unfortunately, after speaking with my father I was told that after getting into a bad car accident with my mother and older brother when I was only 1 year old, I never trust my mother in the car or really at all. It is explained to us in the text that if trust is not established at the beginning, then the child's overall world view is affected (Martorell, 2022). This was true in my experience because as I grew older my trust for my mother faded more and more.

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Erikson's second stage or development opens the door to a child gaining more independence without feeling bad for making a decision on their own. However, it is still important the children recognize where shame and doubt are important to keep in their minds. According to Martorell shame and doubt help children be more aware of the limits the adults in their lives have set for them (Child, 2022). While talking with my dad about my childhood he explained to me that I was always independent and that when I was 3 years old my catchphrase was, "just let me do my business!" However, I never went outside the rules that my parents had set forth for me.

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The third stage of Erikson's development handles the ideas that while children want to experience so many different things, the maturing part of their brain questions the actions. We are told in the book that children who truly learn how to master these two opposing ideas will be able to pursue their goals without fear (Martorell, 2022). When I was in elementary school, I was always trying to make others laugh and causing minor disruptions, however, I did not mind getting in trouble because I was making people smile and that is what mattered more to me.

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In Erikson's fourth stage, children are shown what it means to develop a strong work ethic that will help them achieve their goals in life. Although, keeping some inferiority is important because it allows children to understand when enough work is truly enough. The text states that, " If the stage is successfully resolved, children develop a view of themselves as being able to master skills and complete tasks. (Martorell, 2022)" While growing up, I was taught that having a strong work ethic is one of the most important things to have. That is why as soon as I was old enough to have a job I started working and have enjoyed every experience since.

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Stage 5: Identity Vs. Identity Confusion

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Stage 5: Identity Vs. Identity Confusion

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Stage five of Erikson's development breaks down the early years of adulthood and how these young adults are feeling about themselves and their future plans. Our textbook, Child by Gabriela Martorell, explains that young adults must find balance within who they are, who they are attracted to and what they want to become in order to find their true identities (2022). With that being said, I struggled with this up until about a year and a half ago. I decided in the year of 2021 that it was time for me to come out as a lesbian and I have never felt better.

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Erikson's stage sixth stage of development displays how in young adulthood many people decide to settle down and find committed relationships, while some others are too afraid of commitments and are left to being alone. The book explains that some people are afraid of long-term commitments because they come from divorced parents and do not want to go through what they watched their parents endure (Martorell, 2022). However, I suffered from not being comfortable being alone for quite some time. Ever since I was old enough to be in a relationship, I remember being in one. I loved being with others and I was infatuated with the idea of love. However, I did not find true commitment until this past year when I met my partner.

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In the seventh stage of Erikson's development, we are looking forward to middle adulthood and how the world can turn you cold or you can choose to give back to others. Martorell explains that practicing positive habits early in life will then translate throughout the rest of your life (Child, 2022). Therefore, if you do not want to be stagnate and stop growing and learning: It is important to keep your brain sharp and aware. Although, I have not reached this point in my life yet, I have always been willing to help others whenever I can. I hope that this is a trait that I continue to carry with me throughout my life.

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In the final stage of Erikson's development, it is focussed on being satisfied with your life and all your choices whenever your life is starting to slow down and you can see that the end is near. The text explains that this stage is mainly about finding peace with death (Martorell, 2022). Again I say that even though I have not even come close to this part of my life, I believe that I will be more than satisfied whenever that time comes. I live my life day to day and try to make each one better than the last. I believe that this will put me at peace when I sit back and reminisce on the life that I lead.