A little more on Ophelia

Yesterday I posted about the book I was reading called Reviving Ophelia. I finished it today while I was waiting for the phone guy to come at our new place. Lately, I sit there in the empty room that will be my office and read for hours waiting for all these apts. They give such large windows of time and since I don't live there yet, I have to make a special effort to be there and I definitely need some quality reading material to keep me busy during all that waiting.

Anyway....towards the end of the book, the author listed this set of questions that she has her patients respond to as a way of getting to know their "authentic selves." She recommends they write the answers in a journal, or at the very least think about how they would respond, but I am going one step further....posting them on my blog!

It kind of reminds me of some "notes" I have done on facebook which have a list of questions that you respond to and then you pass it to several friends to see what they will say. If you are reading this, TAG! You're it. Try it out. If you are not comfortable to post it then just do it for yourself. If you are going to be a brave soul and post your thoughts, leave me a comment so I can check it out on your blog!

1.How do I feel right now?

Content with life in general. Anxious about some other stuff.

2. What do I think?

I am thinking about how I can be a little more outgoing in social situations and enjoy them more. I feel like my shyness/difficulty making small talk is taking its toll.

3.What do I value?

family, education, trust, sincerity, loyalty, friendship, tradition & hard work

4. How would I describe myself to myself.

smart, organized, shy, hardworking, and dedicated, but I often come across as bitchy because I don't say a lot in certain situations. I feel like I am an old soul and enjoy things that may not be the "coolest" or most popular among people my own age. Sometimes I would rather stay home and watch a movie or read a book than go out and have drinks in a large group, but I am okay with that.

5. How do I see myself in the future?

I see myself having two children, married to John, and teaching. In the future, I would like to teach at the college level in a teacher prep program.

6. What kind of work do I like?

I like to work with kids and I also like organizational work or doing things that allow me to be creative.

7. What kind of leisure do I like?

I love to read, workout, blog, write, shop, cook, bake, & be outdoors

8. When do I feel most myself?

I feel most like myself when I am with very close friends or my mom (who is a very close friend too). I do not think that I make friends easily, but to me, the quality is more important than the quantity. I am a Cancer so I also like to be at home.

9. What kinds of people do I respect?

I woud have to say that I have a great respect for hardworking people, people who have strong family values, and people who are open to differences.

10.What goals do I have for myself as a person?

To be more independent, to obtain my doctorate so I can make a different in education, to put myself in other peoples' shoes more so than I currently do, to follow the golden rule, and to be a good mother.

11.What are my strengths/weaknesses?

Strengths: very determined, intelligent, organized, thoughtful

Weaknesses: adapting to new situations, figuring things out on my own, tendency to overreact, conflicts

12. What would I be proud of on my deathbed?

Having a successful marriage and knowing that my husband always knew he was loved

Creating a family and seeing my children become successful (according to their own definitions)

Having written a children's book

Knowing that I affected the lives of children through being a teacher

Knowing that I experienced life and didn't shy away from opportunities in order to keep within my comfort zone

Now it's your turn! At least think about how you would answer. You might learn something about yourself!