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Chapter 5

Alone With My Deepest Thoughts

We all have a picture of who we are as a person. This is often made clear when we examine the roles we play out in life. This entire chapter consists of a mind exercise in which you will be asked to participate by thinking deeply about yourself: the roles you play, the interaction you have with others and the perceptions you have of yourself. Before you start this chapter make sure you have time to give it adequate thought and attention. If you are quickly reading this book on the train on the way to work and you’re not far from your station, put it away now and come back to it later when you do have time. Maybe at lunch time in the city you could go to a park or a great cathedral or a quiet church in your business district. Find a quiet pew and sit down and do the exercises unhindered by the interruptions of anyone else. Maybe this evening at home you can find some quiet spot when you can make some time to sit down and think about yourself.

All the world’s a stage

And the men and women are merely players.

– William Shakespeare

There are basically four types of roles in our life: Individual Roles, Work Roles, Personal and Family Roles, and Citizen Roles. Which roles do you play in these various parts of your life? Go through the attached list and circle the ones which apply to you. Perhaps you can think of others in the following categories.

Individual Roles.

Artist, Athlete, Musician, Creator, Discoverer, Hero/Heroine, Leader, Learner, Magician, Mediator, Sage, Saint, Warrior, Actor, Teacher, Inspirer, Adventurer, Inventor, Martyr, Persecutor, Controller, Nurturer, Carer, Rebel, Organiser, Director.

Work Roles.

Artist, Leader, Coach, Associate, Company Director, Salesperson, Colleague, Customer, Doctor, Entrepreneur, Service Provider, Student, Supervisor, Teacher, Writer, Worker, Visionary, Wage Slave, Mover and Shaker, Subordinate, Co-Worker, Lawyer, Leader, Counsellor, Delegator.

Personal and Family Roles.

Friend, Mother, Father, Son, Daughter, Sister, Brother, Acquaintance, Neighbour, Aunt, Uncle, Cousin, Grandparent, Grandchild, Niece, Nephew, Stepfather, Stepmother, Husband, Wife, Lover, Boyfriend, Girlfriend, Godparent.

Citizen Roles.

Elder, Community Activist, Crime Fighter, Politician, Advocate, Beautifier, Coach, Agent of Change, Office holder, Voter, Revolutionary, Reactionary, Neighbour, Nature Lover, Conservationist, Philanthropist, Organiser, Volunteer, Council Member, Member of Parliament, Letter Writer, Scout Leader, School Worker.