Activity 1.1 | Situating Self

Childhood Reflections

In this first activity of Module One, you will spend some time thinking about who you are, where you came from (family and ancestry), how you were impacted by the environment around you (e.g. economically and socially), and if spirituality impacted your core values.

Each person is unique in their experiences, even siblings who grow up in the same family with the same opportunities. Our personalities are formed from a very young age, we may be extroverted seeking lots of attention or quieter and more inward looking. The people we grew up with influenced how we view the world. We might love being outdoors, playing sports on teams, or spending time indoors, quietly reading or crafting. 

Journal Reflection

Reflecting on Childhood

In your journal, list some of the best parts of your childhood. 

• Did you have enjoyable social interactions such as going to summer camp, participating in sports or music, or going on family vacations?
• Did you have lots of relatives or family friends that visited often? 

• Did adults in your family practice spirituality?

After you complete a list of the positives in your childhood, start another list to write out a few challenges you felt impacted your childhood.  

These might include health issues, poverty, discrimination, frequent moving or traumatic incidents. Did you have resources to help you through difficulties? You may remember a kind and understanding adult who listened and helped you to feel that you matter. Try to turn some challenges into more positive experiences by considering a lesson you may have learned. Sometimes, challenges inspire people to make changes in the world.

If your journaling triggers negative feelings, take time to do something physical, such as a brisk walk, bicycle ride or aerobic exercise. You may find practicing yoga or meditation relaxing. If you have recurring negative thoughts, do not hesitate to talk to a trusted person.

Creating a Genogram

A genogram is a visual representation of you, your close relationships, such as your parents and siblings, and your ancestors, similar to a family tree. It represents your family relationships. Like a road map, it shows you where you came from and helps guide you to where you are going. It enables you to get to know yourself better, seek answers about where your ancestors came from, and discover who may be close or distant relatives. 

Often, you will find behaviour patterns in different generations of your family. Your family is like a tree. There are roots, deep or shallow; branches, strong or weak; leaves, brilliant or dull. Every family has points of strength and resilience but also imperfections. Many families choose not to talk about some relatives or events.

To begin, you need a large sheet of paper with pens or pencils. You may have access to other family records, such as photos or letters, and perhaps a person who knows much about your family history. You may also find that you know little about parts of your history, for example, you may not know much about birth parents if you are adopted or estranged. What is important is that you include what you do know and seek out gaps that you may be able to find information. Government records may take a long time to access. You may choose to include persons who have been like family and had strong influences on your development as a person.

Take some time to make your diagram in whatever form works best for you: a tree, a circle with you at the centre, boxes that include related nuclear families, or another way that mirrors your thoughts. A genogram can include symbols or colours to denote person’s professional status and accomplishments, immigration, ethnicity, divorce/remarriage, early death/health histories, mysteries of members who disappeared, as you like. This gathered information will tell your personal story. You may wish to make separate notes of questions that come up.

Keep your diagram for a further exercise later in this course.