Your Childhood Self

Step 1: Icebreaker

Group activity

1 min per member

An icebreaker is a powerful tool to help us become present with ourselves and one another. One by one, fill in the sentence below and share it with your Circle. Listen carefully as each member takes a turn and say thank you when she’s finished. Avoid the urge to slip into conversation.

• One word people used to describe me as a child was . . .

Step 2: Member Updates

Group activity

2 min per member

An icebreaker is a powerful tool to help us become present with ourselves and one another. One by one, fill in the sentence below and share it with your Circle. Listen carefully as each member takes a turn and say thank you when she’s finished. Avoid the urge to slip into conversation.

If you have a One Action Update, share that with your Circle at the same time. (A One Action is one concrete action you committed to take at your last meeting. The goal is to step outside your comfort zone or practice a new skill.)

For example, a member update might go like this: “Since our last meeting, I asked my boss for a big assignment and got it. I’m thrilled but a little nervous [personal update]. For my One Action, I asked that coworker I’ve been struggling with out for lunch. She immediately said yes, and I was surprised by how easily we got along. I can see it helping in the office, and we’re going out for lunch again next week—her invite! [One Action update].”

Step 1: Set the stage

Group activity

2 min

This activity offers an opportunity to reflect on your past and share with one another. Members’ experiences will be different—some of you will feel fortunate you are no longer that child; others will long to go back to that earlier time and place. Some will struggle to share part of their past; others will feel comfortable looking back. By being open and vulnerable, each of you will create space for others to do the same.

Before you jump into the activity, take a moment to review your commitment to confidentiality and open, honest, non-judgmental communication. Have someone read the following Circle fundamentals aloud and then have each member give a thumbs-up to indicate she agrees.

• Confidentiality—Trust is critical. What happens in our Circle should stay in our Circle.
• Communication—We commit to share openly and honestly and to listen with empathy.
• Commitment—Everyone should be invested in our Circle’s success and be fully present during this meeting.

Step 2: Reflect on your photo

Individual activity

5 min

Write. Why did you bring this particular photo?

Write. When was it taken and what’s happening in it?

Write. What would you say to the child in your photo?

Write. What would the child say to you?

Step 3: Share your photo

Group activity

5 min per member

One by one, take turns sharing and discussing your childhood photos, using the following process for each presenter. Your moderator will set the tone by going first.

Show
Hold up your photo for the group to see and then pass it around the Circle so everyone can look at it up close.

Share
As your photo is being passed around, share your responses to the prompts in step 2:

• Why did you choose this particular photo?
• When was it taken and what’s happening in it?
• What would you say to the child in your photo?
• What would the child say to you?

Discuss
After sharing your photo, have other members ask a few questions to get to know you better. It’s important to have at least one comment or question for each Circle member to ensure no one feels like they are left hanging after sharing their personal story.

This cycle repeats until you’ve all had a turn to share your photo.

Step 1: Identify the action you’re going to take

Individual activity

5 min

Write. Identify a goal that your younger self would want you to accomplish.

Write. Now, identify one thing you can do in the next month to get closer to that goal.

Step 2: Share your One Action with your Circle

Group activity

2 min or less per member

One by one, go around your Circle and complete the following statements:

• My younger self would want me to . . .
• So, before the next meeting I will . . .

Step 1: Finalize logistics of your next meeting

Group activity

10 min

Before you break, make sure you have the basics covered for your next meeting: day and time, location, food and drink. Decide what you’re going to do when you get together or who’s going to send out ideas. You may also want to talk through what worked—and what didn’t—in today’s meeting and brainstorm improvements going forward.

Step 2: Close on an energetic and inspirational note

Group activity

1 min

Spend a moment thinking of an attribute that you are glad you have maintained since childhood. One by one, go around the room and share with the group.