This story originally appeared in the fourth edition of The Lion’s Tale (Feb. 10, 2017).

You are what you eat: a common phrase used by many, but with a hidden meaning. As humans, we each have our own qualities and ideas about life. No one person is the same as the next. This variation can be represented in many colorful and delicious ways. One such analogy relating to the aspects of humans is to compare us to donuts.

When you start to think in-depth about something as simple as someone’s name, you begin to realize how different we are from each other. Each name has its own origin and meaning. My name is Nevada because my parents were married in Las Vegas.

Names can be very common, or one-in-a-million, and everywhere in between. Most donuts are named very specifically, but a select few are named based on their origin. The Boston cream donut is the state donut of Massachusetts and very popular across America. It’s a common donut with a specific origin.

We share more similarities with donuts, far more in-depth than our names. The different colors and flavors of donuts go hand-in-hand with the varying personalities we display as individuals.

Pretend you just walked into Donut King, the fantastic donut shop on Howell Branch Road. The first thing you see is the colorful array of delectable donuts, a treat to your eyes and your tastebuds.

You can have the regular glazed donut, the go-to, as it always satisfies, just like that one friend that always knows what to do to cheer you up.

Maybe you want to spice it up and choose a Nutter Butter donut, unique and delicious in its own kind of way. It reminds you of that one guy that can always make you laugh and enjoy the moment.

If you’re always overjoyed, only a strawberry frosted donut with sprinkles can match that feeling of pure happiness.

Donuts have more to them than just what they taste like or what color they are, just like people are more complex than what they may seem at first glance.

Not all donuts are the same shape or size. Donut holes are petite but pack a punch as strong as a regular-sized donut. People small in stature are just as powerful as those that may seem bigger than them.

Apple fritter donuts, a sweet specialty, are not the least bit round. No two humans have the exact same physical appearance, and donuts are no different in their various sizes, shapes and colors.

As individuals, we would not be complete without our own ideals, morals and other beliefs. Some donuts include a jelly or cream filling that is essential to the completed donut.

Apple-filled donuts are full of goodness. They are symbolic of growth and love among people, as a common goal among many is to help others. These people are caring, giving, and selfless.

The marble chocolate-filled donut from Donut King is rich, with a savory chocolate filling. It is reminiscent of the driven people in this world that seek money and power.

Fresh donuts are the best donuts, but  certain ones can be even better under different conditions. These conditions can match up with how someone is currently feeling.

If you’re feeling mellow, a fresh red velvet cake donut has a relaxing taste that correlates with tranquility. Leave it to a cooled chocolate cake donut to help you eat your sadness away. Any warm donut will make you feel even warmer inside.

Donuts come in all sorts of flavors, shapes and sizes. There are so many variations among them that make them special–just like humans.

We are all unique in our own ways. We are all individuals. We are living, breathing, walking, talking donuts.