A Self Discovery Exercise - 'I Am' Poem
Figuring out who you are, and what you are called to do in the world is a life long journey. We grow. We change. We discern. We grow and change some more. I have found that I reflect more on what I do than who I am. My success is often measured by what I do, what I complete or how much I accomplish. That is the culture we live in.
We rarely ever dig deep to figure out what is at our core. Who are we? How do we see ourselves? What sets our souls on fire? What brings me joy? What breaks my heart?
Answering questions like these can be transformative when we are starting a journey of self-discovery. Below you will find a template for an 'I Am Poem" that I have found to be a powerful tool in my own life. I will write this poem in different seasons of my life and can see how I have grown and changed.
A few tips before you get started: Don't over think it! Just start writing what comes to your mind. Not all poems have to rhyme, give yourself some flexibility. Be honest. This is for you and about you. Do not write about how you want to be seen or who you wish you were. Take an honest look into yourself. Have fun with it.
FIRST STANZA I am (2 special characteristics you have)
I wonder (something of curiosity)
I hear (an imaginary sound) I see (an imaginary sight)
I want (an actual desire)
I am (the first line of the poem repeated)
SECOND STANZA I pretend (something you actually pretend to do)
I feel (a feeling about something imaginary)
I touch (an imaginary touch)
I worry (something that bothers you)
I cry (something that makes you sad)
I am (the first line of the poem repeated)
THIRD STANZA I understand (something that is true)
I say (something you believe in)
I dream (something you dream about)
I try (something you really make an effort about)
I hope (something you actually hope for)
I am (the first line of the poem repeated)
I Am - November 2017
— Amber Lea Gray
I am brave and curious.
I wonder about people's stories.
I hear the ocean waves washing on the shore.
I see the deep blue sea stretching for miles.
I want to know others and to be known.
I am brave and curious.
I pretend like I have my life together.
I feel God calling me to something bigger.
I touch just the surface.
I worry I might miss an opportunity.
I cry when I am lonely.
I am brave and curious.
I understand I am a small part of a large plan.
I say grace always wins.
I dream of the day that love prevails.
I try to remember where I have been.
I hope I am making a difference.
I am brave and curious.