In 100 words write an autobiography that anyone in the room will identify as you. Use chronology, physical description, values or events but tell people who you are so they will match the words with the person.
1.
I am the daughter of two farmers who raised me in South Dakota. I’m told I’m down to earth in my presentation of myself.
After high school, I began preparing for professional church work as a deaconess. I am a mom and grandmother.
My blond hair has turned gray. I’m average height for a woman. I tend to talk loudly and am willing to venture into a conversation easily.
I’m not musical. I don’t dance. But I do enjoy horses. When I was growing up, I loved to go horseback riding.
The saddest time in my life was the ending of my marriage and from that I have become a more confident and independent woman.
2.
She’s an average-looking young-old woman with curly gray hair who likes to pull weeds. A walk, especially in the woods and an opportunity to identify blooming native plants are other of her delights.
Her beloved family is highlighted by three above-average great grand children plus many cherished friendships. She treasures the experience of having lived in five different states. She wears casual comfortable clothes that allow exercise and freedom to move to varied activity.
The ready smile on her face indicates an upbeat optimism.
3.
When I am nervous walking down some trafficky area, like 46th Street near Cub, I tell myself, hey! I’m a Chicago girl, I can do this!
I’m in my eighties and haven’t lost count. Yet. I still have most of my parts, long-legged and oh-too-solid perhaps, but my mom always reminded me--this is the autobiography part--to stand up straight and pull in my stomach. No slouch, she. She was a model at 15 and was painted by Walt Otto for the Saturday Evening Post.
I have loved a lot and for that I’m grateful to those who loved me.
4.
Fortunately, my childhood was with an intact six person nuclear family in the early nuclear age. We lived in a small central Minnesota town. I am the last one alive.
My careers were varied—health care, teaching, and managing a home were the highlights. My own family of six persons is down to five, me and the four kids. My solitude is maturing as is my almost eighty-year-old body.
I believe thoughts matter, but less than actions, less than relationships and less than Spirit. I expect to be open to accepting help in my dotage. But not yet. Not today. What I want to leave behind is a smile and a story someone will read.
Invitation: You may try this exercise at home. Give yourself 15 -20 minutes. If you would like to submit it as a blog, email to Carol Masters, carolbecket@icloud.com.
The post Guess who: The Assignment appeared first on Becketwood.