If someone took all your stuff, what would still be you? Start your self-description there.
STILLNESS
WHAT THIS MEANS
Possessions get folded into identity without anybody deciding to allow it. Strip them out and what is left is how you treat people, what you can do, what you find funny, what you refuse to do, how you handle a bad day, and none of that can be taken off you. Starting a description of yourself there gives a far steadier answer than starting from what you own.
Write five things about yourself this week that have nothing to do with objects or results. Read them back and check whether they sound like you. Add another one whenever it occurs to you.
A QUESTION TO SIT WITH
Without any of your things, how would you describe yourself?
MORE IN SOLITUDE & SELF-KNOWLEDGE
- Ask “what do I actually want here?” before every big yes. Most regrets skip that question.
- The advice you keep hearing and keep ignoring might be the advice you most need. Think about why you resist it.
- Run errands alone sometimes. A grocery list and a quiet store are a surprisingly good place to think.
Free, with nothing to buy inside it.