Asking the right questions is often the answer.
In a recent email newsletter I wrote, “Calm your mind today. Don’t just think outside the box; think like there is no box.”
And to my surprise, 97 people quoted that line and responded with the same general question: “How?”
I’ve spent the morning thinking about how to answer their collective question in the most universal way possible, and I’ve decided that the simplest explanation I can give is this: Ask yourself better questions — questions that focus your thoughts and filter out the excess noise that’s been cluttering your mind.
The calming and healing power of a positive imagination is unleashed by constraining your focus. Constraints drive creativity and force mindful thinking. It may sound counterintuitive at first but, in a backwards way, you break out of the box by stepping into the right shackles.
And that’s exactly what the questions below can help you with — shackling the noise in your head by channeling your focus into meaningful thoughts and moments of self-refection. Let these questions shift your perspective and guide you gracefully forward…
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Please share the questions above with others who you think will benefit from them. And as always, please share your thoughts with Marc and me in the comments section below. If you’re up to it, we would love to read your response to the very first question: In one sentence, who are you?
(Also note that many of these photo-illustrated questions were initially created for our sister site, Thought Questions, but since we rarely update that site we decided to share the questions with you here instead. Finally, many of these questions have also been published in the guided journal, “The Good Morning Journal”, which was published by Penguin last year.)
For photo credits please refer to ThoughtQuestions.com
Crystal says
Absolutely love this article.
Love all the inspiring questions and the challenge to think without a “box”
I am all that God created me to be.
Weak in moments of failure yet stronger and courageous afterwards.
I am the total sum of all my mistakes that equals a wonderful discovery that I can overcome and rise above anything with God as my compass.
I am forgiven, redeemed and set free from strongholds that held me captive.
I am created on purpose with purpose for purpose.
I am a blessing (and so are you).
Nili says
Indeed
Julito Villarente says
I am loved and forgiven by God!
Alannah Hdz says
I am a child of God, a child of the magnificent Universe. 🙂
Fikru Feleke says
Thank you for the article. Thinking on the questions is really focussing my mind and giving me temporary calmed.
I was an evolutionist in thought and was stable in my way of life but recently I have a baby girl in my fourties. Then my life becomes some how different; uncertainty surrounding me.
Teddie Jane says
I am love graced with a smile.
Kingsley Arah says
Who am I?
I am the culmination of all my decisions from the start of my life until right now that I write this.
I am neither good nor bad entirely.
I am a work in progress.
Terie G says
I am a woman who loves God, her husband, her children, her grandchild, and helping people.
These questions were quite thought-provoking and a few were not easily answered. I have never asked myself or even deeply thought about who I am, which is kinda wild when I think about it.
Bryce says
What an awesome idea for an article! Asking ourselves thought-provoking questions like these can be very powerful.
#28 reminded me that I’m no longer afraid of failing to live up to other people’s expectations for me. It took me a long time to realize that most of my unhappiness and anxiety came from the fear or letting other people down. Life certainly becomes a lot easier and more enjoyable when you become indifferent to what other people think of you.
Oh, and I saw that note at the bottom of the post about your new Good Morning Journal. I’m going to get myself a copy of that for sure. Looking forward to using it for morning reflection in the weeks ahead.
Kathy says
I’m a retired wife, mother and grandmother trying to make positive memories and progress for the rest of my life.
Linda Kallok says
I am a sponge, soaking up all of life’s experiences, day by day.
Barbara Kelly says
I’m 74 years old and still learning and evolving in life .
Don Owens says
I really-really liked the questions! As a former history teacher and coach they were quite thought provoking!
Very good for self reflection! Thank you!
#1 I am a man on my own unique mission!
Michelle McCreary says
I think this may be the best blog post I have read recently! It’s different in a good way. Thank you for writing this and sharing it. Every question is thought provoking and commands attention to not only things that need improvement, but also things that give us joy and remind us of why we face each day and fight the good fight. You have a new fan in me and I look forward to reading new content going forward.
Thank you!
Eva M. says
I am human. A woman. A daughter, sister, lover and mother of a dog named Jake.
Was it supposed to be one word? Definitely not succinct.
Loquacious?
I enjoyed the exercise. Thank you!
Gracie says
To answer your question: I am a life-long work in progress!
And thank you for these inspiring questions.
Jordyn says
Yes, like Bryce said above it’s great that you put these questions in a journal too, Marc and Angel. These surely make such awesome writing prompts. THANKS!
Tokovia says
Who am I?
I am complex enchanted simplicity.
A loner who adores people.
I’m quiet courage.
I am strength.
Janine says
I am a good friend, and a worthy human, above all.
Sam says
I can’t always say for sure who I am, but certainly I am not what I think I am most of the time!
Great questions. Thank you.
Nicole says
Wonderful article! Thank you!
I am…loved.
Doreen says
As Popeye would say, “I yam what I yam an’ that’s all I yam” “That’s all I can be. I say “I’m a whole lot more”. At 66 my heart is wide open each day for whoever and whatever comes in my life but always with God’s Grace..
Bold Eagle says
I am the lone bird, carried by currents beyond my control. I feel free when I navigate this world alone. I am an introvert. This is who I am.
Peace.
Sharon McCallum says
I am someone who is always seeking answers, always curious about what is over the next hill, or around the next corner.
Gary Sanchez says
My daily challenge is to know, love, and serve God. Know Him through scripture, love Him by loving one another, serving Him, by serving one another. In this life we prepare ourselves for eternal life.
ColleenCanuck says
I am myself, built by my own past, prepared for my own future, not prepared by societal terms, this is just me.
Keep your hash tags and name tags…
I am an individual and able to share good not evil without skipping a step.
Fran says
I am what my sins have made me, therefore making amends is key to who I am today, penance being a recognition that I have a past.
Our thoughts become our words, which become our actions, then our habits, then our character, then our eternity…
I am made for eternity, as is every soul ever born…
Robyn says
I truly relate to your beautiful post x
Bronwyn says
My life is full of gratitude since leaving a toxic marriage of 14 years in 2017. I’m loving these questions. Going to write them in my journal and enjoy answering and absorbing
Paula says
A big thank you. I love reading all you put on, todays reading is brilliant. Life can be good sometimes we need a little help how to live it and all your essays certainly help me .
I’m a work in progress.
Murray Stewart says
Excellent questions thanks…
Can you please post them in a form I can print out and give to friends to put on the wall.
Pam says
Thank you for starting my day with helping me see all of my blessings when the fog is so thick.
Aleta G says
I am a searcher looking for true connection in this isolated and divided world…
Kathy says
I have written down every question. They have made me think about myself and those around me. Who am I differs greatly from those who have judged me. I am intelligent, considerate. I love deeply. I am allergic to cats and have one. I’m strong willed and am very patient. I’m also loaded with a temper, I speak the truth and let the person deal with the consequences. I don’t care that people don’t like me, you aren’t meant to be in my life. I’ll wait for those who aretrue friends. Philosophy and Quantum anthing are great subjects to talk about, anything is possible. Ideas are meant to be explored and disgussed. Life is great! Yes I have been down some really bad and scary roads but I’m here and free and settled in. Take the time to be alone, what you seek will find you.
Ursula says
I’m a 77 year young lady now living my life way before my time and commuted to always thinking positive thoughts! I now I can treasure my health and happiness!
I commit to Helping others less fortunate and gain such pleasure in seeing their happiness which subsequently allows me to feel blessed and at peace!?
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Fikru Feleke says
Thank you for the article. Thinking on the questions is really focussing my mind and giving me temporary calmed.
I was an evolutionist in thought who recently become a father of a baby doughter.
Caroline says
Crystal, your beautiful self acceptance and trust in the grace of God inspires me! Thank you:)
Yolanda says
I have just lost my beloved dog, so I am not sure what my purpose is. At the moment I feel incomplete and completely lost.
This is a wonderful article, and I will keep it and work through it when my heart is in a better place.
Would you be able to post articles that would assist with the grieving process?
Dean says
As hard as it may be, the way you feel just proves you were the best suited mom to take care of your dog & give the life that was deserved. You were chosen, & lucky enough to feel unconditional Love. We are here for but a short time & dogs unfortunately on the short end of that stick! We will see them again if that’s what you believe…Time…
joyous says
I am me, part of The Three, and therefore part of all.
Regan Devereaux says
The best article I’ve ever received from you guys and that’s saying something! But it is also the best set of questions to ask oneself, thorou engaging and it focused me instantly so all the busy that gets me nowhere pulled back and away. I want more of these! Thanks R