My Personal Compass: Journal Prompts for Self-Reflection

Take some quiet time to thoughtfully respond to the prompts below. There are no right or wrong answers, only your honest reflections.

Part 1: Exploring My Identity

1. If you had to describe your 'true self' to someone who knows nothing about you, what would you say? What core characteristics define you?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. What roles do you play in your life (e.g., student, friend, sibling, artist, athlete, leader)? How do these different roles shape your identity? Do you feel more authentic in some roles than others?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Think about a moment when you felt most truly you. What were you doing? Who were you with? What made that moment feel authentic?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. What experiences have significantly shaped who you are today? How have these experiences influenced your perspectives or beliefs?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 2: Discovering My Core Values

1. List 5-7 things that are most important to you in life. These could be ideas, feelings, people, or achievements.
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Why are these things important to you? For example, if 'family' is important, what does that mean to you specifically?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Imagine you have unlimited resources (time, money, energy). How would you spend your days? What does this tell you about your deepest values?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Have your values changed over time? If so, what do you think caused those changes?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Values Auction: What Truly Matters to You?

This activity will help you identify and prioritize your core values when faced with limited resources. Think carefully about what you truly need and want to make your life meaningful.

Instructions:

1. Receive Your Bidding Bucks: Each student will receive 100 'Bidding Bucks'. This is your budget for the auction.
2. Review the Values: Look at the list of values below. Take a moment to consider what each one means to you.
3. The Auction Begins: The teacher will present one value at a time. Bidding will start at 10 Bidding Bucks and increase in increments of 5. You can only bid with your own Bidding Bucks.
4. Winning a Value: If you are the highest bidder, you 'win' that value. Deduct the amount you bid from your total Bidding Bucks. Once a value is won, it's off the table.
5. Reflect and Choose Wisely: You won't be able to win every value. Think about which values are most important to you and allocate your Bidding Bucks accordingly. You can't go into debt!
6. Discussion: After the auction, we will discuss our choices and the insights gained.

Values Up for Auction:

• Adventure: A life filled with excitement, exploration, and new experiences.
  
  
  
  
• Creativity: The ability to imagine, innovate, and express yourself in unique ways.
  
  
  
  
• Family: Strong, supportive relationships with relatives or chosen loved ones.
  
  
  
  
• Financial Security: Having enough money to live comfortably and without worry.
  
  
  
  
• Friendship: Deep, meaningful connections with friends who support and understand you.
  
  
  
  
• Health: Physical and mental well-being, energy, and vitality.
  
  
  
  
• Humor: The ability to laugh, find joy, and bring lightness to situations.
  
  
  
  
• Impact: Making a significant positive difference in the world or in others' lives.
  
  
  
  
• Independence: The freedom to make your own choices and live life on your own terms.
  
  
  
  
• Knowledge/Learning: Continuously gaining understanding, wisdom, and skills.
  
  
  
  
• Love/Intimacy: Deep emotional connection and affection with a partner or close individual.
  
  
  
  
• Peace/Calm: A life free from stress, conflict, and anxiety.
  
  
  
  
• Personal Growth: Continuously improving yourself, learning from challenges, and striving for self-mastery.
  
  
  
  
• Recognition/Fame: Being acknowledged, admired, or well-known for your achievements.
  
  
  
  
• Spirituality: A connection to something larger than yourself, whether religious or not.
  
  
  
  
• Stability: A sense of predictability, security, and consistency in your life.

Identity Circles: Sharing Our Journeys

After reflecting on your identity and values, you'll now have the opportunity to share and listen in small groups. This is a chance to hear diverse perspectives and deepen your understanding of yourself and others.

Guidelines for Sharing:

• Listen Actively: Pay full attention when others are speaking. Avoid interrupting or planning your response.
• Share What You're Comfortable With: You do not need to share everything from your journal. Choose aspects of your identity or values that you feel comfortable discussing with your group.
• Respect Different Perspectives: Everyone's journey and values are unique. There are no right or wrong answers. Appreciate the diversity of experiences.
• Confidentiality: What is shared in the group stays in the group.
• Be Mindful of Time: Ensure everyone has an opportunity to speak.

Discussion Prompts:

Choose 2-3 of these prompts to guide your group discussion. Feel free to use your journal as a reference.

1. What was one new insight you gained about yourself (your identity or values) during the journaling activity or the Values Auction?
   
   
   
   

2. Share one value that you prioritized in the auction and explain why it is so important to you.
   
   
   
   

3. Describe a time when one of your core values was challenged or put to the test. How did you respond?
   
   
   
   

4. What's a part of your identity that you are particularly proud of? Why?
   
   
   
   

5. How do you think understanding your own values can help you make decisions about your future (e.g., career, relationships, lifestyle)?
   
   
   
   

Wrap-Up:

Be prepared to share one key takeaway from your group discussion with the whole class.