Lifeline: my story · worksheet 121
In a life, some things come back: situations, roles, reactions. Seeing them lets you keep what does you good and loosen what hems you in.
Before you start
- What it is for: To understand why some things repeat in your life, without judging yourself.
- 20-30 minutes, ideally after your lifeline (worksheet 116).
- It is about seeing, not judging yourself: a pattern has usually been useful at its time.
- Something may come up that stirs you: take your time.
Prefer paper? Download the PDF to print (with a page for psychologists).
What to do with your results
A common thread isn’t fate: it was often a protection. You can keep it where it helps you and loosen it elsewhere.
If you find it hard
If you can’t see anything, ask yourself: “What sentence do I often tell myself when things go wrong?”
For psychologists
The PDF also includes a page for the psychologist: how to run the exercise in session, points to watch and scientific references. You are free to use it with your clients.
For psychologists: aim, audience and duration
Identify the recurring themes in the life story (situations, roles, reactions, beliefs) and distinguish those worth keeping from those worth loosening.
Repetitive relationship patterns, a feeling of “always living the same thing”, work on core beliefs. Duration: 20-30 min, ideally after worksheet 116 or 117.
References
McLean, K. C., Pasupathi, M. & Pals, J. L. (2007). Selves creating stories creating selves: A process model of self-development. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 11(3), 262-278.
White, M. & Epston, D. (1990). Narrative Means to Therapeutic Ends. Norton.
McAdams, D. P. & McLean, K. C. (2013). Narrative identity. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 22(3), 233-238.
These worksheets do not replace therapy. If you are in distress or having suicidal thoughts, call your local emergency number (112 in Europe; 3114 in France, free, 24/7).
Free worksheet for non-commercial use: you may share it with credit to the author, without modifying it (Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 4.0 licence).
