Knowing and valuing our own uniqueness and being comfortable expressing our opinions are life-long skills that begin to develop in childhood. When we practice strategies to foster self-confidence, we support our understanding of who we are and hold firm to the person we believe ourselves to be, even in the face of life’s challenges and choices. We can also play a role to remind others that they matter and are valuable in their own way too. Pausing to take stock of the unique strengths and qualities in others and ourselves is an important step to maintaining healthy sense of self. In today’s Wellness Wednesday post, we are challenged to get to know ourselves more and share this with a friend or partner.
Try this:
In pairs, gather 2 pieces of paper and writing or colouring utensils (pencil, marker, crayon):
- Spend at least five minutes reflecting on who you are and how you feel.
- Create a picture to describe yourself or use words to describe what you look like and how you feel.
- With your partner, review each picture together. With appreciation for yourself and your partner, find a way to compliment your partner and compliment yourself.
- Talk about what’s the same or unique about your picture and your partner’s.
– adapted from Mindful Kids Stewart & Braun
Ask yourself, there is no wrong answer:
When you consider your identity and how you see yourself, how do you feel your uniqueness shines through?
How has this activity helped you accept you for you?
Connecting to our faith:
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” - Matthew 19:14
Further Learning:
Children’s Book:
I Don’t Want to be a Frog by Dev Petty
This is a YouTube link to the book being read aloud (3:09) https://youtu.be/Mx3SZ5-M7rU
Adult/Parenting Resource, Website:
Self-Reg Parenting Facebook Group The Mehrit Centre. The Facebook group connects parents who share Dr. Stuart Shanker’s vision of supporting kids to become calm, focused and alert because they’re developing self-regulation (not self-control)
Employees of LDCSB checkout WorkLifeHealth from EAP Provider Morneau Sheppell
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