Five Nice Things About You, From You

If you watch Severance on AppleTV+, the below exercise might sound familiar, and you’ll be able to play along at an even deeper level. But don’t worry, having watched the show is not required and there won’t be any spoilers.

In the show, through some rather odd, shall we say, circumstances — a person  is told positive things about themself. They’re not all necessarily important, or unique, but they are positive.

They’re things one might not ordinarily see in themself, or something they would never reflect on, or something so silly it would never be a thing they feel pride from. 

Some examples from the show. You…

• “are generous.” 
• “are strong, and would help someone lift heavy objects.” 
• “can swim gracefully and well.” 
• “have brightened people’s days by merely smiling.” 
• “can set up a tent in under three minutes.” 

As you see, some are very genuine and heartwarming, some a bit silly. 

If you were to do the same exercise for yourself, what would you say?

If you’re open to playing along, I’d love to have you take the time right now to write these down. Or, if you’d like to share them with me, please hit reply and share what comes up for you. 

I was getting coached earlier today and I was asked questions I had never been asked before. Part of being coached is that you force yourself to try to articulate an answer, even if it doesn’t come out right, or even if you’re not sure it’s true. Being willing to answer, in and of itself, is of immense value. And, having been willing to provide an answer in the session, I can now spend the next week thinking more about what is really true for me. 

That session, plus an interaction with some friends, led me to want to ask you the above today. If you end up doing the above, whether you choose to share with me or not, I hope you let me know you’ve done so and I hope you get something out of it. I send my encouragement. 

And, I figure it’s now time to do the work myself, and see what I come up with.

• I value kindness and try to treat everyone I know with kindness. 
• I appreciate great writing, especially in biographies. 
• I am great at making breakfast foods. 
• I am learning to be more consistent with my journaling practice, and am getting a lot out of it. 
• I am in awe of those who are willing to push the bounds of their creativity. 

That’s what comes up for me, how about for you?

Sending you love and encouragement,

Calman