Finding the “Self”
Our true “self” is more than physical characteristics, it is more than political and social constructs, and it defies any person’s perception of our “self”. In all actuality, only we are able to define our true “self” and it is quite apparent that this is no easy task in this society. Nevertheless, there are many activities out there that can help us discover who we are. Below are three (six) activities in which you can employ to define your “self”:
Finding the common denominator Think about who you were at age 5, 9, 13, 18, 21, 35, etc… and note any common denominators. Use the following example to get your thought process going: Did you like mixing random ingredients found in the refrigerator together when you were 9? Did you like baking cakes for the school bake sale when you were 13? Did you like cooking for your friends in college when you were 18? Are you the designated cake maker for special family occasions? Pick a Color… any color What color best describes who you are? Are you blue? Are you blue because you are free like the sky, pretentious like royal blue, fluid like aquamarine, etc…? Are you yellow like the sunny disposition you have, sad like the yellow irises of a dog in pain? What color are you? 10 , 15 or 20 things that you really like to do (actually) and briefly explain why? Do you like to read and prefer reading to talking? Do you like to cook meals on special occasions because you like to keep busy? Do you like to drive because you like
AM Experience, March 2011: Three (Technically Six) Fun Exercises to Describe Who You Are
the sense of freedom? Do you like to go hunting? Do you like to be charitable? What do you like to do? Why do you like doing it? Repeat! Ok… now that you have completed the activities above, repeat these exercises by asking a close friend and/or a family member to answer these questions on behalf of you. See if there are any commonalities between their answers and yours. This modified set of activities serves as a tool for you to confirm what you have already acknowledge about your “self”. I hope that you will find these activities empowering as you are actively, accepting and rejecting characteristics that can be applied to your “self”.
Side note! Please encourage your family and friends to answer these questions freely. Do not jump in and try to change their response by questioning them. Remember, their perception of you does not define your true “self”. Listen to what they have to say, and thank them for their time and perceptions. 7