In part one of "Who am I?" I shared how four lenses paint out identity. In this sequel, I'll share some journaling questions for you to start to understand YOUR identity a little deeper.

Think about the following questions as you start to define your true identity.  And if these questions prompt other questions, that’s great.  Journal about those too.  Keep in mind there is no right or wrong answer.  This is about you and for you. 

 For each question, start a timer for 5 minutes and just keep writing.  If you think you don’t have 5 minutes of thought, just keep your pen moving until something else comes to mind.  Trust me; it will.  If, after 5 minutes, you still have things you want to write, by all means, keep going!   Don’t edit, judge, or worry about how it looks or sounds.  This is just for you! 

The first questions are broader in nature and then more specific to the lenses. Think of this as an exploration.  The intention is not for you to journal all of this in one sitting.  In fact, it’s better if you journal a little bit every day, at least 5-10 minutes a day.

• What’s your story, and how have you learned to embrace it?

• I got where I am today because I am…

• Write about a time you felt carefree.

• In this moment, I am aware that….

• What kind of impression do you tend to leave on people in a work setting? Personal?

• Think about how you describe yourself to someone who does not know you.  What lenses are you projecting yourself through?

• How much does what you do identify who you are?  How does that identity change if what you do changes?  How do you reconcile who you were with who you are?

• How does what you do bring you joy?  If it doesn’t, why not, and how have you thought about changing it?

• List out the roles you play in life. How does each of these roles define who you are?  What roles are missing from your life?

• When someone asks, “Where are you from?” how do you respond? Is your identity based on this question? How much of your culture dictates who you are?  How much do you embrace that culture?  What parts do you reject?  How can you identify yourself differently?

• What do you value?  How have those values changed over time?  How much of those values have you developed over time versus been instilled through your upbringing?

• What do you bring to others?  What values or traits do you tend to be recognized for?  Which of these do you want to be known for?  What doesn’t come to mind that you wish did?  How do you make those changes?