We are all unique. Knowing and valuing who we are is an important life-long skill. When we practice strategies to foster self-confidence, we support our understanding of ourselves. We reinforce that we matter and hold firm to the person we know we are, even in the face of life’s challenges and choices. We can also help remind other people that they matter by noticing their unique strengths and qualities. They are valuable in their own way too. These are important steps to maintaining healthy sense of self.
Today’s Wellness Wednesday helps us learn more about ourselves and share who we are with others.
Try this:
As a class, group, or family:
· Start by brainstorming examples of positive describing words (i.e., kind, smart, creative, curious, energetic, positive, athletic, helpful, multilingual, unique, etc.).
· Individually, spend a few minutes reflecting on the words that were brainstormed. Ask yourself: do any of them remind me who I am or how I feel?
· Next, hand out paper and invite everyone to create a picture or word art using the title, “This Is Me”, that describes themselves.
· As a group or in pairs, invite everyone to share what they created. Adapted from “Adjectives About Me” from School Mental Health Ontario (https://smho-smso.ca/fw/self-awareness-and-sense-of-identity/knowing-oneself/adjectives-about-me/)
Ask yourself, there is no wrong answer:
How does your uniqueness shines through?
How can this activity help you accept you for you?
Connecting to our faith:
“You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you.” (Song of Solomon 4:7)
Every life is a gift from God. Acknowledging, nurturing and giving thanks for our individual gifts helps us understand our life’s purpose as contributing members of society.
Let us pray: Dear God, may you guide each of us and our unique selves to be transformed on the inside to love the person you made us to be.
Further learning:
· EDUCATOR RESOURCE: https://smho-smso.ca/fw/self-awareness-and-sense-of-identity/knowing-oneself/
· ADULT BOOK: “The Comfort Book” by Matt Haig
· CHILDREN’S BOOK: “I Am Enough” by Grace Byers
Employees of LDCSB check out WorkLifeHealth from EAP Provider Morneau Sheppell. We welcome your feedback, click here!