20 Questions for Personal Reflection

The ClubHouse: General Discussions - Jan -Apr. 2001: April: 20 Questions for Personal Reflection

Max

Thursday, April 19, 2001 - 04:20 pm Click here to edit this post
Just something to start a new train of thought around here. Something to think about and comment on if you like. :)

DISCLAIMER: Don't feel compelled to share your answers, this is a meditative, private exercise. If you choose to share specifics, that's fine, but be prepared for others to disagree with you (and you know how that can go around here ). This is NOT posted in reaction to any particular person or event on these boards. It's something from a Sunday School class that I found useful and thought I'd share. If you like it, great. If you don't, great.

20 questions for personal reflection:
If one wants to create mastery over one's belief system, it is essential that one know what the components of that belief system are. These questions aid in identifying core, essential beliefs, which serve as filsters through which our entire experience of the world s passed before we can act on it.
  1. Who am I?
  2. Why am I here?
  3. Is there a "God" or "Higher Power?"
  4. If the answer to #3 is "yes," describe what you think He/She/It is like.
  5. What happens when you die?
  6. Is there really "someone out there for everyone?"
  7. Are some people born to win and some to lose? Which do you consider yourself to be and why?
  8. Can the hurts of the past ever behealed? How?
  9. Doyou thik you are pre-destined to do certain things in life, or do you have free-will to pick and choose what you do? Explain.
  10. Do you believe in the statement "all persons are created equal?" Explain.
  11. Do you believe aggression (fighting) is a "natural" thing or a "learned" thing? Explain.
  12. Can people change? How?
  13. Why are the sexes so afraid of each other?
  14. Do you believe everyone has a purpose in life? What's yours?
  15. What do you think is the best way of discovering what your purpose is?
  16. What is the greatest gift anyone has given you?
  17. What is the greatest gift you have given anyone else?
  18. What is more important; how you look, or how you are?
  19. Do you really believe you can achieve your wildest secret goal?
  20. Who am I?

Resortgirl

Thursday, April 19, 2001 - 04:28 pm Click here to edit this post
1. A nice person
2. To make the world a better place.
3. yes
4. A kind, forgiving, all knowing being that I strive to be more like
5. Hopefully my friends and family will miss me.
6. Absolutely!
7. No... everyone has the capacity to be a winner... I am.

more after Survivor

Moondance

Thursday, April 19, 2001 - 04:49 pm Click here to edit this post
Rgirl said...
1. A nice person

Yes she is:)

Enbwife

Thursday, April 19, 2001 - 05:47 pm Click here to edit this post
Who am I? - A caring, reliable and loving friend to many. A useful member of society.
Why am I here? - Hopefully to make a difference in some people's lives, and to be a mommy one day.
Is there a "God" or "Higher Power?" - For me there most definitely is.
If the answer to #3 is "yes," describe what you think He/She/It is like. - This "it" is what looks out for me on a daily basis. It teaches me lessons, and helps me grow and become a better person. It helps me learn from my mistakes, and to be everything I can be.
What happens when you die? - I'm not sure.
Is there really "someone out there for everyone?" - I believe so, but there could be more than just one person.
Are some people born to win and some to lose? - I don't think so.
Which do you consider yourself to be and why? - I've always felt very fortunate in my life. Always looked after and been very lucky.
Can the hurts of the past ever behealed? How? - Yes, I believe everything happens for a reason, and the hardest times can be the ones I learn and grow the most from.
Doyou thik you are pre-destined to do certain things in life, or do you have free-will to pick and choose what you do? Explain. - I think I have free will to do what I choose. I never felt that I was heading in a particular path. Things just unfolded for me as the days went by from choices I made.
Do you believe in the statement "all persons are created equal?" Explain. - Yes, all persons are created equal, but it is the person's circumstances, upbringing, good fortune or mis-fortune that shapes them into what they will become.
Do you believe aggression (fighting) is a "natural" thing or a "learned" thing? Explain. - I think it is a learned thing, that people learn from watching others around them.
Can people change? How? - Yes, if they have the help and patience of kind people to show them how.
Why are the sexes so afraid of each other? - I don't know that they are.
Do you believe everyone has a purpose in life? - Yes.
What's yours? - To be kind and useful to my friends and to society.
What do you think is the best way of discovering what your purpose is? - Watching those around me whom I admire and respect.
What is the greatest gift anyone has given you? - Love.
What is the greatest gift you have given anyone else? - Love.
What is more important; how you look, or how you are? - Usually how I am, but on some days, how I look. :)
Do you really believe you can achieve your wildest secret goal? - Yes, if I set my mind to it.
Who am I? - Lisa. Someone I really like today. :)

Twiggyish

Thursday, April 19, 2001 - 06:16 pm Click here to edit this post
I like the question, "Why am I here?".. That one will make me think a while.

Tess

Friday, April 20, 2001 - 12:00 am Click here to edit this post
Who am I?--a good, decent, caring wife, mother, sister, friend, and responsible member of my community

2. Why am I here?--to try and make my little corner of the world a better place, to do something concrete everyday to help another person, family or charity.

3. Is there a "God" or "Higher Power?"--yes, definitely

4. If the answer to #3 is "yes," describe what you think He/She/It is like.--a loving, caring God to whom I can turn in times of sorrow and joy

5. What happens when you die?--I hope I would go to heaven to be with my loved ones forever.

6. Is there really "someone out there for everyone?"--yes, sometimes you just have to be patient and stop looking and, poof, there he is

7. Are some people born to win and some to lose?--no Which do you consider yourself to be and why?--a winner. I have a debilitating lung disease which is very rare for someone who has never smoked. I also have a very painful muscle disorder and chronic fatigue syndrome. That being said, I am definitely a winner because in spite of my illness, I am one of the luckiest people alive. I have the most wonderful husband and little SweetieCakes. I have friends who know they can count on me no matter what or when and upon whom I can rely anytime. I have my church which is central to my life and I have music in my soul. Winning is a state of mind irrespective of material wealth.

8. Can the hurts of the past ever behealed?--yes How?--time, patience, understanding, tears. Sometimes something just comes along which is more important that the original hurt and the parties are able to move on. This has happened in my own life, in my own family.

9. Do you thik you are pre-destined to do certain things in life, or do you have free-will to pick and choose what you do?--free will--Explain.--I've been puzzling this one out and have been unable to form a coherent response. I know that if I had made even the slightest difference in any of my choices along the way, my life would be very different today. I can name so many decisions which have shaped my life -- the most obvious was deciding to leave home (S.F.) and move to Minnesota on my own.

10. Do you believe in the statement "all persons are created equal?"--yes-- Explain.--I believe that it is humankind which creates the inequities.

11. Do you believe aggression (fighting) is a "natural" thing or a "learned" thing?--learned-- Explain.--I believe children see aggression all around them and being little sponges they soak it all up and spit it out. Not all aggressors are little boys. There are 2 of the most innocent little girls in our preschool class who are having the most trouble right now with anger and lashing out at others.

12. Can people change?--yes-- How?--by looking deep within themselves and through hard work; through the patience and understanding of others. People can also change in a non-positive way through abuse and/or neglect.

13. Why are the sexes so afraid of each other?-- we are??

14. Do you believe everyone has a purpose in life?--yes.-- What's yours?--this one is easy. When we were going through the adoption procedure, we were told there were no girls available. But, I saw a photo of an infant girl and fell in love instantly. I was told she was already going to another family. All the paper-work was done. They had even already named her, she just needed to be brought on the plane. I was inexplicably devistated. I cried for weeks. Then, on April 17, 1997, I got a phone call while I was doing volunteer work up at church. It was our caseworker and she had a baby for us. I was ecstactic and then over the top with excitement when I learned it was a girl. It took fully 10 minutes to understand it was the same baby whom I had been mourning all these weeks. For some unknown reason the other family suddenly changed their mind due to some emergency and this baby I had loved from all the way around the world was going to be ours. On August 7, 1997, she was placed in my arms at the airport here in Minneapolis/St. Paul. My purpose in life is to give my child the most loving home, a safe, secure life, values, a sense of responsibility, and my undying love every day of my life.

15. What do you think is the best way of discovering what your purpose is?--follow your heart and you'll never go wrong

16. What is the greatest gift anyone has given you?--unconditional love

17. What is the greatest gift you have given anyone else?--the same love in return

18. What is more important; how you look, or how you are?--thank goodnes..how I am..some days I look like heck!

19. Do you really believe you can achieve your wildest secret goal?--yes, through the grace of God and the miracles of modern medicine.

20. Who am I? Teresa, a very happy human being right now.

Twiggyish

Friday, April 20, 2001 - 04:49 am Click here to edit this post
I agree with your choice of number 11.

Willi

Friday, April 20, 2001 - 05:34 am Click here to edit this post
This falls under questions 16 & 17:
What is the greatest gift anyone has given you?
What is the greatest gift you have given anyone else?

The first thing that came to mind is the greatest gift given to me has been the opportunity to parent two wonderful people. I have learned what unconditional love means due to them and that is a precious gift.

The greatest gift I have ever given anyone would certainly be unconditional love which I have for my children but also the bond that I share with my twin sister and the gift given was also received: I was able to donate a kidney to her in May 1992. From this gift, she was able to have a child that she never thought she would be able to have. My only daughter and her only son were born just months apart.

True blessings come from true sharing.

Great questions Max! :)

Resortgirl

Friday, April 20, 2001 - 05:52 am Click here to edit this post
Thanks Moon!

Wink

Friday, April 20, 2001 - 07:14 am Click here to edit this post
Willi you really are blessed. What a great family.

Zeb

Friday, April 20, 2001 - 11:44 am Click here to edit this post
1.Who am I?

I am Zeb.


2.Why am I here?

Because I am not there.


3.Is there a "Higher Power?"

Only if you pay your electric bill.


4.If the answer to #3 is "yes," describe what you think He/She/It is like.

It is as confusing as the deregulation of the industry.


5.What happens when you die?

You become very still.


6.Is there really "someone out there for everyone?"

No, everyone is out for themselves.


7.Are some people born to win and some to lose?

Only if you play my sister in Monopoly.

Which do you consider yourself to be and why?

I'm a loser because I could never beat my sister in Monopoly.


8.Can the hurts of the past ever be healed? How?

Sure. By running away, apparrantly.


9.Do you think you are pre-destined to do certain things in life, or do you have free-will to pick and choose what you do? Explain.

I was predestined to make this post right now. It was forseen by Nostradamus.

10.Do you believe in the statement "all persons are created equal?" Explain.

No, not all persons created "Equal". I think just a few lab scientists.


11.Do you believe aggression (fighting) is a "natural" thing or a "learned" thing? Explain.

It's an "extremely high paid salary" thing. Ask Mike Tyson to explain.


12.Can people change? How?

Yes. By enduring the temporary pain.


13.Why are the sexes so afraid of each other?

Maybe Mr. and Mrs. Sexes need psychological counseling.


14.Do you believe everyone has a purpose in life? What's yours?

Yes. To win the game.


15.What do you think is the best way of discovering what your purpose is?

http://www.discoveryourpurpose.com


16.What is the greatest gift anyone has given you?

Understanding


17.What is the greatest gift you have given anyone else?

Grief


18.What is more important; how you look, or how you are?

How I make others look.


19.Do you really believe you can achieve your wildest secret goal?

Only if I use my wildest secret hockey stick.


20.Who am I?

I am me. Me, I am. I'm not Suess and I'm not spam.

Nancy091158

Tuesday, April 24, 2001 - 05:37 am Click here to edit this post
Who am I?
I am I don quixote..(kidding LOL)

Why am I here?
I am here to try to make life a little easier for people.

Is there a "God" or "Higher Power?"
Wow, that's a good one. The very last Play I saw in London was "GOD ONLY KNOWS" and it was about a man who had found an ancient document which preportedly said that Jesus of Nazareth was just an oridinary man and that his resurrection was all pre-arranged (his body removed anda look-alike used..) it was quite thought pre-voking
(especially being a catholic!) and delved into what faith truly is etc..derek jacobi was the lead in it..if anyone gets a chance do see this production ;-)

Norwican

Tuesday, April 24, 2001 - 07:06 am Click here to edit this post
Who am I?... Jane
Why am I here?... to make a difference
Is there a "God" or "Higher Power?"... yes
If the answer to #3 is "yes," describe what you think He/She/It is like... patient, forgiving, caring
What happens when you die?... don't know (but hope it's good)
Is there really "someone out there for everyone?"... no
Are some people born to win and some to lose?...no
Which do you consider yourself to be and why?...everyone is a winner sometimes and a loser sometimes
Can the hurts of the past ever be healed? How?... yes, it takes being willing and able to forgive
Do you think you are pre-destined to do certain things in life, or do you have free-will to pick and choose what you do? Explain... not sure on this one
Do you believe in the statement "all persons are created equal?" Explain... yes, but not all people have equal opportunities
Do you believe aggression (fighting) is a "natural" thing or a "learned" thing? Explain... not sure on this one... I think aggression may be natural but the acting out of aggression may not be
Can people change? How?... yes, you need to be able to be honest with yourself
Why are the sexes so afraid of each other?... I didn't know they were afraid of each other
Do you believe everyone has a purpose in life?...yes
What's yours?... to make a positive difference
What do you think is the best way of discovering what your purpose is?... I think everyone has the same purpose
What is the greatest gift anyone has given you?... honesty
What is the greatest gift you have given anyone else?... honesty
What is more important; how you look, or how you are?... how I am
Do you really believe you can achieve your wildest secret goal?... I do not set unrealistic goals... so yes
Who am I? Jane