Thinking About Who I Am
Exploring Who You Are
- Think about how you would describe yourself. What are your strengths? What are some areas you want to work on?
- What values and beliefs are important to you? How do they help you make choices?
- Where do your values come from? (Family, culture, faith, school, friends, community, social media, or life experiences.)
- What roles do you have in your life right now? (For example: son or daughter, sibling, student, friend, employee, or team member.)
- What relationships matter to you?
- What experiences or memories have shaped how you feel about yourself—both good and challenging ones?
- What traditions, activities, or experiences influence how you see the world?
Making a Statement About Who I Am
- Make a list of your traits, roles, beliefs, and values.
- Keep a journal and notice how it changes as you grow.
- Create a “Who Am I?” collage using pictures, words, colors, or symbols that represent you.
- Write a short personal mission statement or list your “Top 5 Values.”
- Interview someone who knows you – record how they describe you and your gifts to the world.
- Talk with family members about how they see you, their stories, and family traditions. Think about what feels meaningful to you.
“Have you ever thought about who you are? Did you know it takes a lifetime to really figure that out? Every single day, you’re building your self-identity — the person you’re becoming. Your self-identity is made up of what’s unique about you — your traits, your personality, your experiences. Some things come from your family and genetics. Others come from your environment — your home, school, neighbourhood, and everything you’ve been through.
As you get started on your health and lifestyle journey – the best place to start is with you! Then you can explore the other topics and activities at your own pace.”
Tip
In a world of comparisons – take time every day for self-reflection and the gifts you bring to this world.
Youth Toolbox
Using Your Phone
Photo app to create a photo collage or album.
Voice memos app to record what people say about your strengths and talents.
Free sites and apps for meditation.
Celebrating My Strengths
Listing Your Strengths, Talents, and Passions
- Make a list of your strengths – what are you good at or proud of?
- Write down your passions – what do you enjoy doing the most?
- List your talents – things you can do well, like drawing, sports, music, or problem-solving.
- Make a list of your hobbies and activities – things you do for fun or to feel good.
- Think about how these activities make you feel – happy, confident, calm, excited?
- Pick one talent or hobby and share it with someone – a friend, family member, or teacher.
- Think about how you can use your strengths to help others – like teaching a skill, helping a team, or volunteering.
- Try something new that might be fun or challenge you – you may discover a hidden talent.
- Keep a journal or scrapbook of your strengths, talents, hobbies, and moments you feel proud – this can be on paper or in your Notes app.
- Reflect on how you can use your strengths and passions to make a difference for yourself or others.
Letting People Know the Real You!
- Share what you’re good at like art, music, sports, gaming, writing, or problem-solving.
- Show others how you think or learn best—everyone has their own way of knowing things.
- Talk about your interests first, not your health condition.
- Join clubs, teams, or groups where your skills and passions can shine.
- Help someone else by teaching them something you know or enjoy.
- Use creative ways to share your talents, like drawing, videos, music, or storytelling.
- Speak up about your ideas and opinions—they matter.
- Let people know what you can do, not just what’s hard for you.
- If you want, explain your disability or illness in your own words—but only when you’re comfortable.
- Remind yourself (and others) that your health condition is part of your life, not all of you.
- Advocate for yourself by asking for what helps you succeed.
- Share your experiences to help others understand and learn, if you choose.
- Be proud of who you are—your talents, knowledge, and experiences make you unique.
“Celebrating yourself means taking time to notice your strengths, passions, and the things that make you feel good about who you are. It’s about expressing yourself, sharing your needs, and letting others see what matters to you. When you celebrate your strengths and differences, you build confidence and learn to value yourself just as you are.”
Tip
Share what you’re good at and what you care about. Remember that your disability or health condition is only one part of who you are.
Youth Toolbox
Using Your Phone
Notes app for making your lists!
Photo app for positive image collage/album
Voice memos app to record what people say about your strengths and talents.
Taking Charge of My Health with Mywell
Identifying Your Needs & Priorities
As you read this list, think about which topics matter most to you right now. Then, check out the activities and tools in Youth Health & Lifestyle pages to get started.
Advocating for My Health & Lifestyle
- Do I know how to describe my health and diagnosed health conditions to others?
- What is most important for my health care team to know about me, my goals, and my values?
- How comfortable am I asking questions, sharing concerns, or speaking up for myself?
- How well do I keep track of my health information, appointments, and records?
My Feelings & Emotional Health
- How has my health affected my feelings or mood?
- What helps me calm down, feel happier, or handle stress?
- Who do I go to when I need emotional support?
- What are the changes in my body I am experiencing?
- How can my health condition(s), medications, and/or treatments affect my sexual development?
- What helps me have healthy and respectful relationships?
- How do I want to share my needs, feelings, and boundaries with others?
- Do I have answers to my questions about screening, genetics, contraception, and family planning.
My People Who Support Me
- Who are the people in my life who help and support me?
- How do I tell others what I need?
- What do I want to keep private about my health and lifestyle choices?
- Who do I trust to make decisions for me if I can’t make them myself?
My Day-to-Day Living
- How has my health changed my daily routine or activities?
- What things are harder for me now, and how do I manage them?
- What tools, supports, or help make it easier for me to be independent?
- How can I be more independent in driving, transportation, and getting around?
Thinking about Where I Want to Live
- As I get older, how can I find a home that I feel safe, comfortable, and supported?
- What kind of physical space and environment do I want to live in?
- What housing options are available to me?
- Have I talked to my parents or guardians about my future?
My School, Training, and Future Employment
- How has my health affected my education and schooling?
- What types of accommodations are available to me?
- What type of a career am I interested in?
- How do I explore trying out different types of jobs or volunteering?
My Financial Plans for My Future
- Do I have worries about money because of my health or daily needs?
- How will I pay for my medications and treatments after I leave home and am an adult?
- What supports or resources could help me feel more secure?
- Who can help me plan for my financial future?
My End-of-Life Wishes
- If I became very sick, what kind of care would I want?
- What beliefs, traditions, or wishes are important to me?
- What do I want my family or caregivers to know about my choices?
“Are you dealing with changes in your health, a new diagnosis, or a condition you were born with? As you become more independent, you can use your strengths, skills, values, and beliefs to face what comes next.
Take time to think about who you are and what matters most to you. Your health condition is part of your life, but it does not define who you are.
Think about how your health affects your daily life — like managing appointments or medications, handling emotions, building friendships and relationships, school or work plans, where you live, how you manage money, and your hopes for the future. These topics — and more — are explored in the Youth MyWell Health pages.”
Tip
Not sure where to start? Begin with the Youth Planning Quick List and explore the topics that interest you.Take your time — this isn’t a one-time visit. Come back to MyWell Health whenever you need it or when new questions or challenges come up.
Youth Toolbox
Using Your Phone
Notes app for making your lists of topics you want to explore.
Contacts app to think about who you want to share your health journey with.
Calendar app to book some time to do your planning.
How to Use Mywell Health
It’s really simple – just by visiting the Mywell Health website, you’ve taken the first step in your health and lifestyle planning journey. There is no set order – choose what fits your needs. Many find that starting with ‘My Health Information’ is a helpful first step if you are facing health challenges. The activities and tools in each topic will guide you in creating your health and lifestyle plan. You choose how your plan is recorded – in a written health planner binder, on your phone, computer, or iPad.
Mywell Health is created for people of all ages and for those who are supporting them through health changes or challenges. It can also be a great resource or teaching tool for professionals. It is free for everyone to use and there is no hidden sign up or fees.
Step #1 – Scroll away through the different topics and choose one to get started.
Step #2 – Put aside some time (like an hour) to really dig into one of the sections. View the reels or listen to the audios. Read through the activities and click on the tools and videos to learn more.
Step #3 – Identify your trusted support person(s). Start having those important conversations with them about what you are learning in the activities.
Step #4 – Begin recording your findings and choices. Maybe start with filling out your Health Profile? Download the fillable PDF and save it to your cloud storage platform for easy access from your phone.
Congratulate yourself for moving forward on making your wishes known and recording your health & lifestyle plan!
