The most challenging part of identifying “I” is, the “thought” produced by the mind. If we can observe the “Mind” and its “Thoughts”, identifying “I” becomes easier and happiness follows.
In the thought process, “I” is unchanged, and “Thought” changes.
Let us introspect. Does the Reader remember that when we were in preschool/kindergarten, our interest was in small things like pencils/erasers/toys/chocolates/ice cream? At that stage, everyone was unaware of their own future/life goals/financial goals, etc.
“Is the ‘I’ on that day the same as now?”
As we move on to lower-grade schooling, our priorities shift from pencils and erasers to toys, chocolates, and ice cream. Don’t they? Making friends/observing teachers/playing new games/understanding relations were the new additions. The common question was, “What do you want to become when you grow up?”. We would have given different answers. But the “I” is the same. The author wants the Reader to understand this.
Similarly, in higher-grade schooling/adolescence, the choices changed from food to wardrobes, personal relationships, and appearance. it had become partially/completely clear about future/life goals/financial goals/partners etc. Has the “I” changed from then?
Now, in job/business/family/ at work/ at the free time is the “I” changed?
The thoughts and I are different. “I” is free from thoughts. We have to identify this “I”.