A Short Activity for Self-discovery

by Emily (follow)

happiness (53)      self (24)     

This is an activity I once ran with a class of University students, and do myself on a semi-regular basis. I find it not only fun (and occasionally funny) but also a simple way to figure out what is going on in my own head, uncover hidden stresses, or simply make a record of myself in that moment.

Take a lined piece of paper and at the start of each line write the words ‘I am’ Make sure there are lots of lines – the more the better. Now, without pausing, without thinking, without considering what you will write from one moment to the next, start at the top of the page and fill in each line.

The key is speed. Continue writing – write anything – free yourself from what you think you ought to write. Write nonsense. Write the first thing that you think of. Write honestly. Write about you. Write and move on, pressing forward to the next line. I am – I am – I am – I am – I am. Write until you stop. Now breathe.

Make yourself a cup of tea, get cozy, and read slowly over your list. What trends can you see? What’s at the front of your mind at the moment? Is your list dominated by feelings or actions? Dreams of the future or thoughts of the past? How are you defining yourself in this moment?



I am tired
I am working
I am his girlfriend
I am chocolate
I am poised
I am spring-board
I am elevator
I am growing
I am written
I am my hands
I am ticking
I am weekend
I am sunshine
I am free

#self
#happiness

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