Reflecting & Sharing Who I Am
Reflecting on 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?
Sharing Your Story in Different Ways
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 can help ensure that your voice, identity, and what matters most to you are seen, heard, and respected.
- 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.
“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. Where you have been can be the starting point for where you are going next on your health & lifestyle journey.”
Tip
Take some time for self-reflection. Look at pictures from the past. Journal your thoughts as they arise. Ask a family member or someone you trust to help you record your life story in a way you choose.
Senior Toolbox
“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.”
Taking Charge of My Health with Mywell
Identifying Your Needs & Priorities
As you read these topics, think about which topics matter most to you right now. Then, check out the activities and tools in the Senior Health & Lifestyle pages to get started. Consider asking a family member or someone you trust to join you in this exploration.
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?
- 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?
- How has changes in my health affected my sense of intimacy or sexuality?
- What is important for me to maintain healthy rand respectful relationships.
- In which ways would I like to communicate my needs and boundaries with others?
My People Who Support Me
- Who are the people in my life who support me?
- How do I communicate my needs with others?
- What are my needs for privacy and independence?
- Who have I chosen to make decisions for me when I am not able to do so?
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?
- What resources or services are available to me?
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?
- What housing options are available to me?
Employment/Volunteering, Finances, and Cost of Living
- What is my retirement plan?
- What financial concerns, if any, do I have related to my health or daily living?
- What resources or programs would help me feel more secure?
My 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?
“Facing changes in your health or a new diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Start by reflecting on your past experiences, values, beliefs, strengths, and skills. Consider how these changes may influence your daily living, emotional well-being, relationships, sexuality, school or work, living arrangements, finances, and your plans for the future or the end of your life. Exploring these areas can help you better understand what you need and how to share your decisions with the people who support you. These topics — and many more — are included in the Senior MyWell Health pages.”
Tip
Not sure where to start? Begin with the Senior 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.
Senior Toolbox
Using Your Phone or iPad
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.
Photo app to create a photo collage/album.
Voice memos app to record what people say about your strengths and talents.
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 can 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 through the different topics and choose one to get started.
Step #2 – Put aside some time to read through the site. 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!
