A Year of Writing to Uncover the Authentic Self

(9) How Others See You

1. Think of a time when you got home from a group event and felt as though you presented yourself in a less than stellar way (maybe you succumbed to some unintentional gossip that you weren't proud to partake in, etc.). Write about why you think you may have gone down that road. 2. If someone made a movie of your life, how would you be portrayed? What kind of actor would the director be looking for? Do you think the movie would be a fair portrayal of your life? 3. Think about the last time you made a judgment about someone. This can be small, such as an outfit you weren't fond of, or something larger like a generalization about someone who was different than you. Where do you think the thought came from (mine your past for clues)? Now try to understand that person's point of view -- put yourself in their shoes if you can. When you really explore the thought, do you think your opinion is the only "correct" one? Why or why not? 4. Do you prefer to present a "highlight reel" on your social media accounts, or are you more neutral? Why? 5. Do people sometimes seem to misread your intentions? If so, why do you think that might be? 6. What makes a person look interesting in your eyes? How about success? 7. How awesome are you? Serious question! List all the things, big and small, that you love about yourself. Note: try not to make this about what you've attained or achieved. Think about it more in terms of traits (confidence, wisdom, kindness, a certain chill factor, etc.)

(8) Objects

1. Look around at your belongings until you find something that sparks a strong memory (a family heirloom, a phone that delivered unexpected news, a piece of clothing that you purchased for a special night). Tell the story. 2. Is there an important object from your past that you don't have anymore? What memories does it trigger? 3. What was your most prized possession as a kid? Why did you love it? 4. What is your most prized possession now? Why is it so special? 5. If your residence were on fire, what would you make sure not to leave behind? 6. What objects do you use to enhance your life (maybe you use an antique teacup instead of a plain old mug, or have a collection of your favorite books, or perhaps a travel memento)? What is it about the object that makes it special? How does it make you feel? 7. Attempt to write a short essay from a special objects point of view. What is that item's life story?

(7) Connections

1. Think of a relationship in your past (family, romantic, friendship, professional, etc.) How would your life be different without that connection? Tell a story of this connection. 2. Who is/was your best friend? What made the connection so strong? Is there a relationship you spent "too long" in? What made you keep trying? 3. What is the favorite friendship story of your life? What makes the story great (really dig deep into what kind of connections you felt)? 4. What would a deeply connected relationship look like to you? What would your role be in that relationship? 5. What about work relationships? Can you create more connections there? 6. If you are on social media, does it make you feel more or less connected to people (there are no wrong answers here, everyone is different)? Why do you think this is? 7. Are you in a current relationship that might not be serving you? (Note: I'm not suggesting you rush out and end the relationship, just explore this in writing for now if that feels right to you).

(6) Beginnings

1. Recall a time in your life when you made a fresh start. How did your life change? 2. Tell the story of a time that you tried something new. 3. Do you feel like trying new things is harder for you than most people? If so, why do you think that is? 4. Think about how a beautiful relationship started. What was the moment it began like? 5. Do you have a favorite hobby or activity? What made you get started? 6. Can you think of a time when something bad (such as a breakup, tragedy, or job loss) ended up being the catalyst for a beautiful new beginning? Write about it. 7. Have you ever read a book, watched a movie, or had a conversation that sparked something in you that changed your life forever? Tell the story.

(5) People We’ve Lost

1. What is the first experience with grief that you remember? 2. Who is the most important person you've lost? Write about them. Recall specific memories. 3. Is there someone you've lost that you'd like to write a letter to? What would you say? 4. What is your most recent experience with grief? How is it different from earlier experiences? 5. Tell a favorite story about someone you've lost. This does not have to be someone super close to you, though it can be. 6. What have you gained through loss? This may only apply if enough time has passed to give you the needed perspective.