If I were to ask you to tell me your life story, it is likely that there would be certain moments, events, and memories that would immediately come to mind.
Often these moments are choice points, significant instances where a belief is created, or a way of navigating the world is first unconsciously decided.
Using a large piece of poster board, or expandable whiteboard on your computer make a mind map of the significant happenings in your life.
- What are the most vivid memories?
- What events stand out? What happened that was significant?
- What memories do you have of intense emotion – either positive or negative?
Map each of these events out as a mind map or a timeline of your life.
For each element ask yourself:
- How did it impact you?
- Why are you remembering it?
- Was there a choice made from that experience? What changed? How did it impact you?
- How did it form your perspective, or belief about the world?
- How did it change your experience or belief about yourself?
Is there a different story that you could tell?
- What gifts did you develop?
- What did you learn?
- Are their parts of the story that are not true in hindsight?
- How were you creative and resourceful, given the circumstances?