Talking About Who I Am
Think about your past, your life experiences, your accomplishments, and who you are today. You may want to reflect on your sense of self, your values, your spiritual beliefs, your cultural traditions, your interests and hobbies, and the people or experiences that have influenced you. On your own or with support from someone, capture your thoughts in writing, using pictures/art or by recording your story. Then take a moment to share your story, what matters most to you, and how your experiences have shaped you.
Sharing My Life through Story Telling
Consider using these questions to guide your reflections and storytelling.
- How would I describe myself to someone who doesn’t know me?
- Who am I today, and how has that changed over time?
- What important moments, experiences, or milestones have shaped my life?
- What roles have I played in my life (such as parent, partner, friend, worker, or volunteer), and what have I learned from them?
- What values or beliefs are most important to me today?
- What spiritual, cultural, or family traditions matter to me?
- Who or what has had the greatest influence on my life?
- What personal qualities or strengths am I most proud of?
- What accomplishments or life experiences am I most proud of?
- What brings me joy or gives my life meaning?
- What hobbies, interests, or activities do I enjoy?
- How do I see the world at this stage of my life?
- What would I like others to understand about who I am?
Tip
Take some time for self-reflection. Look at pictures from the past. Journal your thoughts as they arise. Give yourself time to put your story together.
Sharing My Life & Values
Recording your life story matters because it helps others understand who you are beyond your health needs. Changes in health—whether gradual or sudden—can affect many parts of your life and can make it harder to communicate your values, preferences, and experiences, especially to people who may be new in your life. Sharing your story in ways that feel comfortable and meaningful helps ensure that your voice, identity, and what matters most to you are seen, heard, and respected.
Sharing Your Story in Different Ways
- Think about what you would like others to know about you beyond your health or medical needs.
- Decide how you would like to share your story. Consider face to face conversations, writing, taping or recording, photos, or art.
- Create a “Who Am I?” collage using pictures, words, and colors that represent your life, personality, and values.
- Write a personal mission statement or list your top 5 values or beliefs.
- Talk with family members or close friends and ask them to share stories, memories, or traditions that reflect who you are.
- Reflect on what feels most meaningful to you from these conversations and activities.
- Place your finished work at the front of your Mywell Health Planner so it is easy for others to find.
- Create a poster for your room as a daily reminder of who you are.
- Take a copy with you if you are hospitalized for an extended period, so new care providers can better understand and know you.
- Share your creation with people who support you, such as family members, caregivers, care partners, and health care professionals—if and when you choose.
Tip
Ask a family member or someone you trust to help you record your life story in a way you choose.
“I am a retired nurse, but one of my most important roles was being a daughter. My mother passed away first due to complications from cancer, and my father lived on his own as a widower for ten more years. His wish was to remain in his own home, so together we arranged a network of care partners to support him with grocery shopping, getting to church, gardening, clearing sidewalks, and regular visits. We also privately hired caregivers to come into his home each day.
As my father began to experience memory loss and confusion, it became increasingly important—to him and to us—that the people supporting him truly knew who he was. As part of their orientation and in getting to know both Dad and our family, we shared his background, work life, photos of his children and grandchildren, as well as his likes and dislikes. We placed pictures of the important people in his life on the refrigerator, and the first page of his Mywell Health binder was a collage of photos along with a simple list of the things he enjoyed doing each day. These small but intentional steps helped preserve his identity, dignity, and sense of connection, even as his health changed.”
Facing Changes in My Health
Think about how facing changes in your health or receiving a new diagnosis might affect how you see yourself. Begin by reflecting on your past experiences, values, beliefs, strengths, and skills. Consider how who you are may influence your daily living, emotional wellbeing, relationships, sexuality, living arrangements, finances, and end-of-life wishes. By exploring these areas, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself, communicate your needs, and share your values and priorities with those who support you. These, and many more topics are covered in the Mywell Health activities.
Identifying My Needs & Priorities
Reading through these topic areas, which have the most present meaning to you?
Values, Beliefs, and Meaning
- What values or beliefs guide my decisions and actions?
- What spiritual, cultural, or personal traditions are especially meaningful to me?
- What gives my life meaning at this stage?
- How do I want others—family, caregivers, or healthcare providers—to understand me?
Advocating for My Health
- What is most important for my health care team to know about me, my goals, and my values?
- How comfortable do I feel asking questions, sharing concerns, or speaking up about my needs?
- How well do I keep track of my health records and information.
Affecting My Day-to-Day Living
- How has my health impacted my daily routines or activities?
- What tasks or activities are now more challenging, and how do I manage them?
- What supports or tools help me live as independently as possible?
- Who can I ask to support me day-to-day including my health care decisions?
- How have changes in my health affected my mood, motivation, or outlook?
- What coping strategies help me feel calmer, happier, or more resilient?
- Who or what gives me emotional support?
Sexuality and Functioning
- How has my health affected my sense of intimacy or sexuality?
- What is important for me to maintain healthy relationships or physical closeness?
- In which ways would I like to communicate my needs and boundaries?
Where and How I Live
- Is my current living situation comfortable and supportive for me? If not, what changes would I like to make to improve my home environment?
- How do I want my living space to reflect who I am?
Employment, Finances, and Cost of Living
- How has my health affected my ability to work or volunteer?
- What financial concerns, if any, do I have related to my health or daily living?
- What resources or supports would help me feel more secure?
End-of-Life Wishes
- What are my wishes for care if I become seriously ill or near the end of my life?
- What traditions, beliefs, or rituals are important to me?
- What preferences would I like my family or caregivers to know about?
Looking Ahead
- What are my hopes or goals for the future?
- How do I want to spend my time and energy in the coming months or years?
- What legacy or impact do I hope to leave behind?
Tip
If unsure where to start your Mywell Health journey, complete the Senior’s Quick List and click on content areas of interest.
