Remember dictionaries? Let’s suppose for a moment that there was a dictionary of your life. A book of words that described the essence of who you are. What words would be in it?
We don’t often sit and think about who we are at our core, but this exercises forces us to do that. Each word choice should mean something about your life.
Here’s the dictionary of my life:
OPEN
I see myself as open to the universe, open to new concepts and ideas and in general a more inclusive person that I was as a younger person. Although I was pretty open, then. I’m also open-hearted, which has bitten me in the ass from time to time, but really, along with my sanity, I still think it’s one of my best traits.
EXPLORE
I love going into certain unknowns, mostly interior unknowns. Sometimes, learning a new skill can be daunting and I don’t do much of that any more. But I do delve deeply into concepts and bigger issues, especially those that involve spiritual matters. So maybe it would be more accurate to call me a SPIRITUAL EXPLORER.
RISK-TAKING
Bungee-jumping isn’t my thing, but I’ll definitely take some risks in the interests of new experiences. Never physical, always emotional, mental, occupational and spiritual.
HAPPY
Probably the most consistently happy person you’ll meet, that’s me, and it’s regardless of what’s going on in my life. I am a glass-half-full kind of personality. Sure, during hard times I’ve had dark moments, but I spring back quickly. I’m happy.
SPIRITUAL
It’s funny to see that word in the dictionary of my life because I’d never thought of myself in that way when I was younger. But, as it turns out, being a spiritual explorer comes naturally now that I’m closer to the end of this life than ever before.
DEEP
The surface of things is mildly interesting, but what fascinates me more is what lies beneath.
THOUGHTFUL
Yes, I’m guilty of being too much in my head. Been that way ever since I was a little girl. There’s always something going on in there, at every moment.
ANIMAL LOVER
Cats, dogs–I’ve had them both and love them both. The lowest form of humanity is a person cruel to animals. In fact, I don’t even view them as humanity at all.
SASSY
If you know me, well, you know this. I’m a sassy girl.
LAZY
During my career, I was a hard worker. But. Only my closest friends know how lazy I am in my personal life, how I hate doing any kind of housework and that I can sit and watch hours of stupid TV and feel only a little guilty. My motto has always been why do today what I can put off until tomorrow?
HONEST
To a fault.
These are a few of the key words in the dictionary of my life. How about you? What’s in yours?
“Remember dictionaries”you ask ? I wonder if the word “google-it” is in the dictionary. Would that be a conflict of interest? And who needs words anymore when we have facebook quizzes that will tell us exactly who we are and who we are not ! 🙂
What a great way to really look at ourselves. Using only one word really breaks us down to our core. Roz is correct, you did forget to use the word creative!
Oh I love this! I also love dictionaries too. I would be FUN, HAPPY, CREATIVE, SPONTANEOUS, LOVING, CARING, FUNNY, ENERGETIC, FRIENDLY, EASILY AMUSED, and so much more. I don’t know you in “real Life” but I think we have enough in common to like each other!
As a lover of words, I loved this post. What a great idea to think of the one’s life as dictionary of words…mmmm….adventuresome, persistent, tolerant …these are a few in my book.
What an innovative format for a post. I love your word choices and I feel this is a great way to get to know someone, like as an ice-breaker at a party or even a first date! How original– thank you!
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Carol the reason I always enjoy reading your work is that HAPPY component. But you left out CREATIVE!!
Thank you!
“Remember dictionaries”you ask ? I wonder if the word “google-it” is in the dictionary. Would that be a conflict of interest? And who needs words anymore when we have facebook quizzes that will tell us exactly who we are and who we are not ! 🙂
Oh those quizzes!
Happy, loving, listener, confused, artsy, quiet, shy, loyal, and honest. Also, clumsy, and open. ☺️☺️
Aww, K!
What a great way to really look at ourselves. Using only one word really breaks us down to our core. Roz is correct, you did forget to use the word creative!
You guys are so nice!
Oh I love this! I also love dictionaries too. I would be FUN, HAPPY, CREATIVE, SPONTANEOUS, LOVING, CARING, FUNNY, ENERGETIC, FRIENDLY, EASILY AMUSED, and so much more. I don’t know you in “real Life” but I think we have enough in common to like each other!
For sure!
As a lover of words, I loved this post. What a great idea to think of the one’s life as dictionary of words…mmmm….adventuresome, persistent, tolerant …these are a few in my book.
Ooh I like those!
Attentive… when you write a post;
Curious… as to what you will say?
Appreciative… you’re such a fine host;
Grateful… you have come my way.
How nice are you! 😉 thank you!
What an innovative format for a post. I love your word choices and I feel this is a great way to get to know someone, like as an ice-breaker at a party or even a first date! How original– thank you!
I fear it might scare people! LOL
Thanks for sharing about you. I’m not sure what words I’d choose for my post.