express yourself essay topics

What Is Self-Expression? (20 Activities + Examples)

We all have our own unique quirks and traits, and we all have our own preferences and style for sharing pieces of ourselves with those around us.

You likely have a different level of sharing comfort with each person in your life—like a sort of security clearance in which those closest to you have a “Level 5” clearance while acquaintances have a “Level 1” clearance.

How we share and express ourselves to others forms the basis of our personality, as understood by everyone but us, and sets the tone for our entire lives. It’s a vital aspect of life to pay attention to, especially if you want to feel more understood and more in tune with the people you care about.

The way that we share ourselves is known as self-expression, and it turns out there are a lot of ways to do it. There are few “wrong” ways of expressing yourself, but there are some things you can do that give you a better chance of hearing and being heard than others.

Read on to learn how to more effectively express yourself to others, get in touch with your authentic self, and enhance your self-expression skills.

Before you read on, we thought you might like to download our three Self-Compassion Exercises for free . These detailed, science-based exercises will not only help you increase the compassion and kindness you show yourself but will also give you the tools to help your clients, students or employees show more compassion to themselves.

This Article Contains:

What is the meaning of self-expression a definition, self-expression theory in psychology, the importance of self-expression, examples of self-expression, how to improve self-expression skills, techniques for developing self-expression, activities to increase self-expression for adults, project ideas and worksheets (pdf), self-expression through photography, art, music, dance, fashion and poetry, does social media promote self-expression, books on self-expression, 13 self-expression quotes, a take-home message.

I think we all have a pretty good handle on what self-expression is, but let’s see how the experts define it:

“We define self-expression as expressing one’s thoughts and feelings, and these expressions can be accomplished through words, choices or actions.”

(Kim & Ko, 2007).

This is an intuitive definition—self-expression is, at its core, the action of expressing yourself, and it can take a wide variety of forms. You can use your words, your facial expressions, your body, your movements, clothing, actions, and possessions to express your authentic inner self .

Although the idea is simple, it seems that few fully grasp the importance of self-expression. We are all so bogged down with messages about how we should look, think, speak, and act; what we should eat and drink and study and do for fun; who we should associate with and who we should love or despise; and, indeed, who we should be deep down.

These constant missives about what we ought to do and who we ought to be can make it difficult to let go of expectations and simply be ourselves.

The last paragraph may have resonated with you—as it resonates with me—but as we’ll see later, the value we have for self-expression is not a universally shared value.

For example, Kim and Ko (2007) note that self-expression is one of the most highly-regarded and venerated values in Western civilization due to the near-deification of “the individual” in our society. Not only is self-expression a vital practice of Western culture, it is also baked into the very roots of psychology. After all, psychology is all about the study of the mind, including the self, others, and groups of people.

The way we learn about the mind is through the expression of individuals—verbally or otherwise (Kim & Ko, 2007).

While those of us in the West have embraced individualistic norms and practices, including self-expression, other cultures have upheld collectivist values and—in some cases—placed little to no value on individualism. For instance, the Arab world is less prone to individualistic views and more likely to value tradition, religion, and authority (Inglehart et al., 2014).

Self-Expression Values

The differences across cultures and countries in the values they hold are fascinating; as noted above, countries in the Middle East are generally at the opposite end of the spectrum from Western countries on the two major axes of values:

• Traditional versus secular-rational values
• Survival values versus self-expression values (Inglehart et al., 2014)

Countries in North America and Western Europe generally fall on the secular-rational end (although the US and Ireland are two outliers when it comes to religion and tradition) and the self-expression end of the spectrums.

This indicates that Western countries tend to place less importance on traditional family values, religion, and obedience and more importance on environmental protection, social justice, and tolerance of different viewpoints and ways of life (Inglehart et al., 2014).

East Asia countries generally fall in the secular-rational/survival values section (as seen below), meaning they do not place as much importance on tradition and religion, but they place great value on economic and physical security.

The Inglehart-Welzel World Cultural Map – World Values Survey 7 (2022). Source: http://www.worldvaluessurvey.org/

In some places, self-expression values might be considered “indicative of egoism and weak social capital” instead of the key to happiness and actualization that many Western countries consider them to be (Welzel, 2010). Needless to say, the value placed on self-expression varies widely across cultures and countries.

Not only are the differences in self-expression values interesting, they raise a good point: can there be a comprehensive theory of self-expression that encompasses and explains self-expression across the globe?

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Related to our discussion above, the importance of self-expression will vary depending on your location and the culture you are steeped in. As the World Values Survey showed, individualism is not highly valued in many countries. This fact makes the sentence below—a pretty tame idea by Western standards—anything from mildly strange to outright laughable in another context.

“The journey of self-discovery is the most important journey we can take”

(De la Huerta, 2014).

In many cultures, a journey of self-discovery would be considered odd, unusual, a waste of time, or even selfish; the people might say something like, “Why spend your time and effort on getting to know yourself? Just ask your family—they’ll tell you exactly who you are!”

However, given the largely Western audience of positive psychology, we’ll focus on the importance of self-expression in this context.

De la Huerta’s (2014) article provides a good brief overview of why self-expression is so important in our society. He argues that self-expression is a vital piece of the puzzle that is fulfillment in life ; it allows us to be our best selves, reach our full potential, and make valuable contributions to the world we live in.

Authentic self-expression is how we embrace who we are, all the way from the positive traits and acts we keep on the surface to the darker and less valued pieces of ourselves that we bury deep down.

“Neuroscience is teaching us that ‘self-expression’ might be one – if not the most important ways for people to connect, navigate and grow with each other.”

Judith Glaser

Research Judith Glaser agrees on the importance of self-expression; she notes that authentic self-expression not only encourages us to be the best we can be, it allows us to work effectively with others. When we open up and express ourselves, we move from what she calls a state of protection (coddling our ego and manning our inner walls to protect ourselves) to a state of partnering (being open to sharing yourself with others and vice versa).

According to Glaser, this state is where we get our best and most innovative work done. Acting in alignment with our authentic selves activates our prefrontal cortex, giving us greater access to our higher-order abilities like creative and innovative thinking, problem-solving, and planning.

Two artists and educators, Jay M. Hanes and Eleanor Weisman, agree that self-expression is not only important for our relationship with ourselves and our relationships with others, it’s also vital for our work. They propose that we learn about ourselves through expressing ourselves, reflecting on our core self and engaging in creative learning that will benefit us in all walks of life and all disciplines and industries (Hanes & Weisman, 2016).

This may sound like an exaggeration, but it’s not—people around you are expressing themselves every day in many ways, all you need to do is look for it.

Common ways that people in your life might express themselves include:

• Sharing details about their day and how it made them feel.
• Wearing an off-trend or outdated item of clothing, not to be cool and unique, but just because they like it.
• Playing guitar on the street without a hat, cup, or other container set up to take donations.
• Yelling to express their frustration about traffic or other hindrances to getting from A to B.
• Employing body language (either consciously or unconsciously) that tells you exactly how someone feels about him- or her-self, whether it’s tall and proud, slumped and defeated, or anywhere in between.

If you were so inclined, I’m sure you could come up with a list of 100 acts of expression that you saw in the last week alone. That’s probably not necessary—I’m sure you have a good grasp on what self-expression is—but it’s important to be reminded how often people share themselves with us and how often we have the opportunity to share ourselves with others in our daily lives.

Why can’t I express myself? – Rafael Eliassen

As with most skills, the best way to improve your self-expression skills is to practice them! Self-expression skills include—but are not limited to—the following:

• Body language
• Artistic endeavors (creating music, dancing, etc.)

Author and student learning guru John Ramos agrees; in an answer to the question-and-answer forum Quora, he provides the following pieces of advice (2016):

• Write (almost) everyday… It forces you to find the right words and expressions to convey your message.
• Emulate your favorite authors’ styles. (Note: you could also emulate your favorite poets, dancers, orators, musicians, etc.).
• Never lose a chance to speak in public.
• Apply winning formulas (particularly for public speaking, as there are many tricks and “secret weapons” to help you succeed).

All of the exercises, techniques, activities, and strategies listed below will give you great opportunities to practice your own self-expression skills!

Peggy Schmidt from Scholastic Parents proposes the following seven strategies (and several techniques to implement these strategies) to encourage a child to build their self-expression skills:

• Teach your child to interpret spoken and body language. a. Look at photographs of people expressing different emotions and discuss them. b. Cut out a cardboard frame to act as a “mirror” and have your child(ren) mimic your expression and identify it. c. Use everyday situations in your home to reinforce these lessons. d. Make a game of identifying the emotions that go with a particular tone of voice.
• Reinforce the concept of “personal space” by encouraging your child to: a. Stay at arm’s length when he or she is talking to someone. b. Make sure there’s space between him or her and other children when sitting together. c. Avoid hugging someone he or she doesn’t know well. d. Refrain from intruding on another child’s space by touching, pinching, or physically annoying him or her.
• Explain the meaning of idiomatic expressions (explain jokes, idioms, puns, “turns of phrases,” etc.).
• Work on the art of conversation. a. Initiate conversations with your child, particularly when there are no salient distractions around. b. When you don’t understand something your child says, ask your child what he or she means. c. Encourage your child to ask you questions and respond attentively to them. d. Make good eye contact and ask your child to do the same. e. Encourage your child to stay in control of his or her body when he is talking—no fidgeting or squirming! f. Work at having successively longer conversations as he or she gets better at self-expression. g. Have conversations with your child about things beyond routine, everyday stuff.
• Model behavior that teaches the smart way to ask for help or a favor. a. Explain what the favor is. b. Rehearse what you’re going to say when you ask for the favor. c. Have your child listen to your conversation.
• Demonstrate the power of “please” and “thank you” as more than just good manners, but excellent tools.
• Teach your child how to listen and follow directions. a. Get his or her attention through touch as well as your voice. b. Be specific about what you want him or her to do. c. Check for understanding when you ask your child to do something. d. Compliment your child on following the directions and successfully completing the task (Schmidt, 2001).

With pre-teens and teens, you may want to upgrade your techniques and make things more organic. Follow these 10 tips from the Scholastic Parents Staff to encourage self-expression in your pre-teens and teens:

• Encourage your child to dance to express him- or herself (a dance-focused video game might be helpful here).
• Help your child design a website or blog to share his or her thoughts and feelings with family and friends, or include your child in the process of writing a family newsletter.
• Do a creative and expressive craft with your child, like creating jewelry or painting something without any constraints.
• Celebrate your child’s style by allowing him or her to dress however they’d like (given that it’s age-appropriate).
• Support your child engaging in sports, whether solo sports, team sports, or both.
• Encourage your child to mentor younger children to practice their own skills and do a good deed.
• Give your child a camera and let him or her snap away!
• Get outdoors and do a nature-oriented activity together (e.g., take a walk, go for a hike, do some gardening).
• Ask your child to take you on a guided tour of his or her classroom, the library, or somewhere else he or she spends a lot of time.
• Help your child make a video documentary about him- or herself, including their current likes and dislikes, strengths , interests, and passions (Eulberg, n.d.).

If you’re looking for techniques to enhance your own self-expression skills, there are some helpful general tips that can give you some guidance. Give these six tips a try:

• Speak your truth in the moment. Instead of looking back on a conversation and wishing you had been more honest and authentic, commit to being more honest and authentic in the moment. Promise yourself to speak your truth when the opportunity arises, but make sure to speak it with love and kindness .
• Widely define yourself. As psychiatrist Thomas Szasz notes, “…the self is not something that one finds. It is something that one creates.” Make sure that your definitions aren’t overly narrow or limiting and keep yourself open to new experiences, talents, interests, passions, and opportunities.
• Engage in creative techniques. Use techniques that harness your creativity to expand your potential and enhance your life. Try keeping a daily journal in which you write about whatever comes to mind, keeping an idea book that you carry with you all the time, creating mind maps to help you problem-solve, practicing brainstorming, and creating vision boards to motivate you to follow your dreams.
• Acquire self-knowledge – Know who you are. Don’t let yourself get too caught up in all of life’s little worries; take a break from your daily grind once in a while and assess your life and your feelings about it. Use introspection and reflection to make sure you never become a stranger to yourself.
• Pursue wants and passions voraciously. If your passions and dreams have become victims to the day-to-day stressors, dedicate yourself to keeping them off the metaphorical “back burner.” Make time to pursue your dreams and feed your passions—you won’t regret it!
• Develop a keen sense of reality. Your head may venture into the clouds, but your feet should stay firmly on the ground; keep in touch with reality and face your disappointments, setbacks, and unpleasant experiences head-on (“How to Live with Full Self-Expression”, n.d.).

These are somewhat general tips, but truly committing to them will help you become the master of your own self-expression. For some more specific, practical ideas on improving your self-expression, read on.

This section includes 15 activities that you may find useful (plus a link to 70 more!).

To work on improving your capacity for self-expression and encourage your practice of being authentically you, you may find this impressively long list of 75 group activities from the Expressive Therapist website helpful. It includes activities like:

• Inner Child : Draw yourself as a child on your paper. Add images and words to give this child everything that it needs, including a supportive nurturing parent.
• Inside – Outside Bags/Boxes : Decorate a bag or box with images and words on the outside to represent the qualities you show to the world. Decorate the inside of the bag or box with images and words that represent the inner qualities that are hidden to most people.
• Inspired Poem : Think of a quote that is meaningful to you and write it at the top of a piece of paper. (A list can be found at http://www.goodreads.com/quotes ) Add your own lines below it that expand on the quote in the way you understand it – continue for the rest of the page. Find someone in the group to read your poem for you as you use movement or gesture to express the meaning of your poem.
• Four Elements of You : Discussion: Passion gives us the will to live and gives shape to our lives. Fold your paper into four sections. Label each section, The Earth of Me, The Air of Me, The Fire of Me, and The Water of Me. Use image and color to express your passion in life as symbolized by the four elements.
• Bardic Circle : Sitting in a circle, everyone takes a turn sharing something with the group, such as performing a song, a dance, a poem, a joke, or an interesting fact, or teaching a new skill. Everyone is encouraged to be supportive and attentive when others share.

If you’re working your way through addiction, rehabilitation, recovery, or perhaps even striving towards post-traumatic growth , these activities from Summit Behavioral Health (2015) might help:

• Listen to music to help you identify your feelings; if you are in a group, share out what you learned.
• Take a mindful walk (stay aware of yourself and your surroundings, make observations about your environment, and avoid judgment as much as possible).
• Write a new ending to a previous event, particularly an event that involved conflict, bad decisions, or mistakes on your part. This will help you learn how to make better choices and stay more optimistic.
• Build, create, or restore something to encourage yourself on your own journey toward a healthier, happier you.
• Create a visual journal using signs, symbols, drawings, or anything else to express your feelings aside from words.

If you’re interested in enhancing your self-expression specifically in the workplace , Judith Glaser has some great suggestions (2016):

• Consider taking on a project like Glaser’s Children’s World, in which she and her team collected stories and pictures from schoolchildren, compiled them into a book, and actually published it (side note: it included material from over 500 students!).
• Kick off a meeting by asking people to share a recent personal story and a business story that they are enthusiastic or excited about.
• Complete the “What I Respect About You and What I Need From You” exercise to get to know your team better and identify strengths, needs, likes and dislikes, and how to avoid certain pitfalls with your colleagues.
• Collect your team’s success stories and publish them in a book, pamphlet, or brochure.
• Publish your organization’s success stories on your company intranet and solicit advice and suggestions from your organization’s members on how to achieve future success.

Music is considered a universal “language of the emotions” (Cooke, 1959).

Through music, we can evoke complex emotions and create mood states that might be difficult to categorize as positive or negative by only using words. Even before a baby is born, exposing a fetus to music helps the brain develop, calms and soothes, brings up emotions of love and joy, and strengthens the mother-child relationship (UNICEF, 2022).

Scientist John Stuart Reid (2019) discovered that music can even support our bodies to heal naturally by awakening our red blood cells. An increased red blood cell amount leads to a decrease in chronic pain, high blood pressure, poor immune system, stress, depression, and traumas.

Ask your client to write down three songs that describe how they are feeling at the moment. Reflect on the following questions with your client:

• When you hear this song, what comes to your mind?
• How does this song make you feel?
• Which part of the song is the most important to you?

This exercise aims to help your clients communicate feelings and concerns by using music as a multi-dimensional medium to “translate” personal experiences. Because your client will identify and describe the upcoming emotions, emotional awareness can be further developed through this technique.

Those fond of making lists, checking boxes, drawing things out, and any other form of expression that involves using a pen and paper might find these projects and worksheets especially useful. There are also a few worksheets that you can use with your child to encourage their own capacity for self-expression. Read on to get some ideas!

Your Pet Worksheet

This worksheet encourages kids to think about how they express their thoughts and ideas. It can be used to encourage them to consider what details are important and which are superfluous, help them figure out how to best get the words into their head onto paper, and show them how to tie it all together into a clear, comprehensive narrative.

First, your child can fill in the “Main Idea” bubble in the center, writing about their pet, noting what kind of pet they have and what is most important to know about that pet.

Next, they can work on filling in the supportive details. The prompts can help them figure out what they should be writing and help them comes up with more ideas; these prompts include:

• How long have you had your pet?
• What is your pet’s name?
• Describe your pet’s personality—playful, loving, quiet, funny, loyal?
• What does your pet look like? Describe your pet.

Click here to read more about this worksheet or download it for your child (please note that a free account with Education.com is required to download some of their free resources).

All About Me Worksheet

This is another worksheet for kids that is simple, easy to complete, but helpful for your child’s writing and self-expression skills. It can also be helpful for handwriting practice, engaging in creative thinking, and breaking the ice with a new classmate.

First, the worksheet asks for just the basics:

• The child’s name
• The child’s place of birth

Next, the worksheet moves on to the more individual aspects of preferences and interests:

• Favorite colors
• Favorite hobbies
• Favorite foods to eat
• Favorite place to visit
• Favorite movie

Finally, the last three prompts are where your child can really get thoughtful, creative, and personal:

• “I laugh and smile when…”
• “I will make the world a better place by…”
• “My dream is to…”

To download this worksheet for use with your own child, click here (this worksheet is hosted on Education.com, which requires a free membership for the use of some of their resources).

What Makes Us Alike & Different

A final worksheet for kids focuses on similarities and differences between the child and others. Completing this worksheet can help your child not only learn more about other people, other cultures, and other ways of life, but it can also help him get to know himself better.

First, the worksheet explains that there are tons of people in the world, but we’re all different. We might come from different cultures, countries, or backgrounds, but we all have at least a few things in common.

Next, the child is instructed to compare him- or herself to a friend or family member and consider these questions:

• What makes you alike?
• What makes you different?

In the space below these instructions is a table split into three columns, one with each of the following headings:

• How you are alike
• What makes your friend different?

For each column, your child should think of some things that apply. How is she different from her friend? Where do the differences come from? Are they superficial, or pretty big differences?

Next, she can think about how she and her friend are alike. What do they have in common? What can they agree on or relate to one another about?

When your child has completed this worksheet, he will be more knowledgeable about different cultures, backgrounds, and lifestyles than before, and hopefully on his way to being tolerant and friendly to all.

Click here to download this worksheet from Education.com as well (like the previous worksheets, it requires a free membership to download).

Self-Expression Worksheet

This worksheet comes from SpiritSpring Coaching and offers you an opportunity to learn more about self-expression, get some suggestions on how to practice it more often, and work on engaging your self-expression muscles, so to speak. It references religion since SpiritSpring is a religious organization, but the activity itself does not require faith in any religion or spiritual being to successfully complete it.

First, you will respond to 10 statements about your current self-expression on a 3-point scale (seldom true, sometimes true, and often true). These statements are:

• I am inspired by and through authentic self-expression.
• I communicate what is in my heart.
• I express wholeness; there is no part of me or my life that is not fully embraced.
• My own words and actions reflect consciousness and clarity.
• My communication is honest, timely, and complete. I do not deceive, delay, or diminish when I speak my truth.
• I know when I am expressing myself authentically and when I’m not.
• I invite honesty and truth-telling.
• I am aware of the impact of my words and actions.
• My words and actions contribute in a positive way to myself and others.
• There is integrity between who I am, what I say and how I act.

For each statement, you will pick a response on the scale mentioned above and also provide an example of the statement in action in your life.

Next, you will answer some questions and respond to some prompts to help you get even more in touch with yourself and how you generally express yourself. These questions and prompts are:

• Describe a current situation in your life where you are being real.
• What’s at stake in that situation or relationship? What could you gain or lose?
• Describe a current situation where you have not been being real?
• What’s at stake in that situation? What could you gain or lose?
• What could you do to turn the second situation around, so that you’re being real?

By completing this worksheet, you will have discovered your approximate level of skill and practice in self-expression, identified an area in which you are best at expressing yourself and an area in which you are lagging in self-expression and come up with a plan to work on your weaknesses when it comes to expressing yourself. That’s a lot of punch to pack into one worksheet!

To give it a try, click here (clicking the link will begin a download of the worksheet).

The Five Messages Worksheet for Self-Expression and Self-Inquiry

Finally, this worksheet from The Seven Challenges Workbook is a great way to work on your self-expression skills. It covers the five main “messages” or elements of self-expression and guides you through identifying and considering each one.

The idea is that there are five “I messages” that correspond to five elements of experiencing and communicate different things to those around you.

The five elements and messages are:

1. “What actions, events, and/or sensations am I seeing, hearing, doing, remembering or otherwise sensing (the facts without evaluation)?” As I (or when I) see (hear, remember, take action about)…

2. “What basic emotions am I feeling (glad, sad, mad, delighted, frustrated, proud, sorry, ashamed, grateful, etc.) about those actions/events? …I feel (or felt)…

3. “What interpretations, evaluations, wants, hopes, needs, and/or dreams of mine help to evoke and support my feelings?” …because I…

4. “What action, information, discussion, help, or commitment do I want, would I like, and/or do I want to request now?” …and now I want (want to request)… [Something doable]

5. “What positive results or personal fulfilment do I envision that action, discussion, information, or commitment leading to?” …so that I can / so that we can / in order for me or us to…

Filling in the blanks on this worksheet will help you take a peek into your inner experience and understand it better in addition to expressing it better. At the end, you’ll have a sort of sentence describing your experience. It will look something like this, although customized to your situation:

“As I see [element 1]… I feel [element 2]… because I [element 3]… and now I want [element 4]… so that I can [element 5].”

This exercise is a great way to get in touch with your inner self and figure out what you want, what you value, your thought patterns and emotional tendencies, and discover how you can move forward.

Click here to download the worksheet (an automatic download will initiate when you click the link).

We often think of self-expression as involving speech and perhaps some actions as well—provided they are creative.

People have found wonderful outlets for self-expression through speaking and writing prose, but also through practicing photography, creating art, creating or sharing music, choreographing a dance routine (or coming up with some moves on the spot!), creating and/or wearing pieces that reflect your inner self, and crafting meaningful poems.

It’s true that creative activities are often a great way to express yourself, but don’t forget about the many other ways available to you! In truth, anytime you are behaving in accordance with your true, authentic self and doing anything other than sitting still, you are likely engaging in self-expression—although performance artists have certainly been able to express their thoughts and ideas through the act of simply sitting!

You might be thinking of another pretty obvious method we all have of expressing ourselves: social media. It is indeed one of our many options, but it could prove to be a double-edged sword.

There’s some debate about that, with persuasive arguments both for and against.

As far as research goes, researchers have studied the relationship between self-esteem , self-expression, and usage of the popular social media site Facebook, and found that social media may be seen as a valuable tool for expressing oneself for those with low self-esteem and/or social anxiety (Leighton, Legate, Lepine, Anderson, & Grahe, 2018).

However, as rapidly as social media changes, so too does our understanding of its effects on us; by 2016, social media users were likely to report that Instagram and Snapchat were useful tools for self-expression, but Facebook and Twitter were not (Leighton et al., 2018).

The bottom line? Social media certainly facilitates expression! But how much of that expression is an authentic expression of our true selves? That question has yet to be answered.

If you’re intrigued by self-expression or want to learn more about how to boost your own capacity for self-expression, you might benefit from some further reading. Take a look at these 9 books on the subject and see if any of them catch your fancy:

• Self-Expressions: Mind, Morals, and the Meaning of Life by Owen Flanagan ( Amazon )
• A Big New Free Happy Unusual Life: Self Expression and Spiritual Practice for Those Who Have Time for Neither by Nina Wise ( Amazon )
• Illness and the Art of Creative Self-Expression: Stories and Exercises from the Arts for Those with Chronic Illness by John Graham-Pole ( Amazon )
• Creative Photography Lab: 52 Fun Exercises for Developing Self-Expression with your Camera by Steve Sonheim and Carla Sonheim ( Amazon )
• Mastering the Art of Self-Expression by Laura Thoma ( Amazon )
• Self-Expression by Mitchell S. Green ( Amazon )
• Emotions Revealed: Recognizing Faces and Feelings to Improve Communication and Emotional Life by Paul Ekman ( Amazon )
• Creating Mandalas: For Insight, Healing, and Self-Expression by Susanne F. Fincher ( Amazon )
• Affirmations #1 For Health, Wealth, Relationships, and Self-Expression by Joseph Murphy ( Amazon )

17 Exercises To Foster Self-Acceptance and Compassion

Help your clients develop a kinder, more accepting relationship with themselves using these 17 Self-Compassion Exercises [PDF] that promote self-care and self-compassion.

Created by Experts. 100% Science-based.

To get motivated, inspired, or in touch with your authentic self, sometimes a good quote can help. Check out these 13 quotes below.

“Good things will come from self-expression.”

“If you have the words, there’s always a chance that you’ll find the way.”

Seamus Heaney

“Everybody is talented because everybody who is human has something to express.”

Brenda Ueland

“If there’s one theme in all my work, it’s about authenticity and self-expression. It’s the idea that some things are, in some real sense, really you—or express what you and others aren’t.”

Bernard Williams

“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost.”

Martha Graham

“No man has the right to dictate what other men should perceive, create or produce, but all should be encouraged to reveal themselves, their perceptions and emotions, and to build confidence in the creative spirit.”

Ansel Adams

“Self-expression should not be a challenge that demands extraordinary talent but should be a right accessible to all.”

Deeyah Khan

“Self-expression is always a right, but it’s still not there to be abused.”

Isaac Hayes

“If we don’t believe in freedom of expression for people we despise, we don’t believe in it at all.”

Noam Chomsky

“Everyone has their own ways of expression. I believe we all have a lot to say, but finding ways to say it is more than half the battle.”

“To the poet fated to be a poet, self-expression is as natural and as involuntary as breathing is to us ordinary mortals.”

Octavio Paz

“If you copy then it is not self-expression.”

Michael Schenker

“I want freedom for the full expression of my personality.”

Mahatma Gandhi

I hope you found this piece helpful and informative, and I hope that I successfully expressed myself and my thoughts on this subject.

If you leave with one takeaway, let it be this: there is no downside to furthering your ability to express yourself, but there are tons of potential benefits. Learning to understand yourself and more effectively share that understanding with others is a fundamental part of being human, and we’re so lucky that we have so much influence over how that process unfolds!

Take advantage of that fact and you will avoid looking back with regret when you think about all the things you should have said.

What are your thoughts on self-expression? Do you think it’s one of the most important values in our society? Is it one of the most important values to you? How do you like to express yourself? Let us know in the comments!

Thanks for reading, and best of luck in enhancing your capacity for self-expression!

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Don’t forget to download our three Self Compassion Exercises for free .

• Cooke, F. L. (1959). The value of psychological treatment in general practice. Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners, 2(3) , 231-238
• De la Huerta, C. (2014). The power of self-expression. The Huffington Post . Retrieved from https://www.huffingtonpost.com/christian-de-la-huerta/the-power-of-self-expression_b_5167635.html
• Eulberg, E. (n.d.). 10 activities to encourage self-expression in pre-teens. Scholastic Parents. Retrieved from https://www.scholastic.com/parents/family-life/social-emotional-learning/social-skills-for-kids/10-activities-to-encourage-self-expression.html
• Glaser, J. E. (2016). Self-expression: The neuroscience of co-creation. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/conversational-intelligence/201602/self-expression
• Hanes, J. M., & Weisman, E. (2016). Experience and expression. Education and Culture, 32(2), 64-79.
• “How to Live with Full Self-Expression.” (n.d.). Virtues for Life. Retrieved from http://www.virtuesforlife.com/how-to-live-with-full-self-expression/
• Inglehart, R., C. Haerpfer, A. Moreno, C. Welzel, K. Kizilova, J. Diez-Medrano, M. Lagos, P. Norris, E. Ponarin & B. Puranen et al. (Eds.). 2014. World Values Survey: Round Five – Country-Pooled Datafile Version: www.worldvaluessurvey.org/WVSDocumentationWV5.jsp. Madrid, Spain: JD Systems Institute.
• Kim, H. S., & Ko, D. (2007). Culture and self-expression. In C. Sedikides & S. Spencer (Eds.), Frontiers of social psychology: The self (pp. 325-342). New York, US: Psychology Press.
• Leighton, D. C., Legate, N., LePine, S., Anderson, S. F., & Grahe, J. (2018). Self-esteem, self-disclosure, self-expression, and connection on Facebook: A collaborative replication meta-analysis. Psi Chi Journal of Psychological Research, 23, 98-109.
• Ramos, J. (2016). Answer: How do I improve my expression skills? Quora. Retrieved from https://www.quora.com/How-do-I-improve-my-expression-skills
• Reid, J. S. (2019). Cymatics, the science of visible sound and vibration. Journal of Science and Healing, 15(4) , 262-269.
• Schmidt, P. (2001). Communication is key: Try these 7 strategies to build your child’s self-expression skills. Scholastic Parents. Retrieved from http://www.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=1439
• Summit Behavioral Health. (2016). 5 activities of self-expression to make dealing with emotions in recovery easier. Summit Addiction Recovery Blog. Retrieved from https://www.summitbehavioralhealth.com/blog/5-activities-self-expression-make-dealing-emotions-recovery-easier/
• UNICEF. (2022). The State of the World’s Children 2022: Childhood under threat. UNICEF. https://www.unicef.org/media/118821/file/SOWC-2022.pdf
• Welzel, C. (2010). How selfish are self-expression values? A civicness test. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 41 , 152-174.

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What our readers think.

A note that “e. Encourage your child to stay in control of his or her body when he is talking—no fidgeting or squirming!” is harmful – it was from an old source and it’s since become consensus that stimming is healthy self-regulating behavior and that suppressing it can cause or worsen things like anxiety, over- or understimulation, difficulty with attention, and excess energy, especially for neurodivergent people. I’d caution against teaching “d. Refrain from intruding on another child’s space by touching” too – research shows that cultures that avoid physical contact have worse wellbeing. So it’s better to teach children to keep physical contact to friendly, casual settings and people they get along with and to check in and ask others if they feel comfortable with it.

I really appreciated this well written article, especially how parents can help children. I also appreciated that you mentioned just sitting and doing nothing is a form of self- expression, or whatever you feel is a way of expressing yourself. For example, if you are inclined toward helping others, then volunteering at a food bank or for Hospice would be considered a form of self- expression. There are countless things that only require a person’s time in order to express themselves. This country is filled with people like that. We all learned that during the early days of the pandemic when we were in quarantine. We saw so many ways people were giving of their talents and their time to make life easier for all of us. If that isn’t a form of self- expression, I don’t know what is! I’ll never forget Andrew Lloyd Weber showing us all his musicals for everyone to enjoy, and inviting others to send videos of them singing his songs. Or John Krasinski starting “Some Good News,” to uplift us all. They shared their self-expression with everyone. The newscasters even gave us ideas to try something new. That greatly enhanced the self-expression of the entire country, and helped us to see how important it is in our lives, even with little or no money. We saw the highest form of self -expression; love in action. Doesn’t cost a dime. Thanks for writing this article to remind us all of that .

Thank you so much for the article. You gave us very useful information and almost everything, one needs to look for to understand self-expression. Your content, especially at the end was intended for children and parents and for adults too, which is good. I want to point out that Self-Expression in western nations is not as good as you presented since capitalism and materialistic mindset is still highly prevalent in western nations(Side note- you used all researches really well to explain).Also I would like to invite you to study Indian traditional philosophies and teachers who placed the importance of self-realization as the basis of their traditions. Thank You.

This was a beautiful article. Welldone!!

Thank you, helpful article

Thank you. This article opened a whole new space in my head

Great Article! Very helpful. I see the effort you have put into it. Congrats!

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10 Steps to Express Yourself Better in Writing

by Guest Blogger | 18 comments

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Good writers are able to fully express themselves with words.

But with so much flowing through the chambers of your mind, it is not easy to concisely find just the right words to express yourself, your idea, and your emotions.  What phrases convey exactly what you're thinking? How do you express yourself while keeping your reader following a logical description, dialogue or argument?

Even the briefest of outlines can help organize a thought process. Construction of a paragraph is worth studying.

When you're writing an essay , for example, your topic sentence needs to lead a reader into a place, followed with supporting details or explanations.

Once it is done, move on. Going into too much depth or unnecessary detail will lose a reader, or bore them, or sound redundant.

2. Write like you talk

Some writers feel the best way to get their ideas on paper is to start with an oral representation.

You might try to dictate or narrate into a recording device or software program like Dragon  to hear what you are saying and then proceed to write or have the software do it for you.

What you produce will still require your editing and proofreading, but it will help you find a language tone that is suitable for your audience.

3. Mind your tone

Your words express who you are, your character and personality. Never has this been more true than today when so much of our communication happens through writing, whether you're texting, posting on  Facebook , or writing an essay or a blog post.

Not only does your written work have to be pin-perfect in spelling and grammar, but it has to say something and leave the reader with an impression.

Ever had an email that you felt was yelling at you? Why was that? Could it have been the bold underlining and the excessive use of exclamation marks? Sometimes, additions like this are useful, and create a sense of urgency, but likewise, not using the right tone can leave your message flat and unimpressive.

Find a tone that works for the message or information you are trying to convey and test it out orally, or in print on someone objective, before publishing

4. Use Imagery

Whether you picture a place, a person or an object, your ability to describe it clearly has to transpire to your reader. Use a physical approach: describe a person top to bottom, an event in chronological order, and an object in a tactile or sensory way.

If you think your words will leave the reader with the same picture in their mind that you had in yours to begin with, you have succeeded!

5. Write Dialogue

When you write dialogue dialogue, use simple language, and keep your sentences concise, but with a peppering of emotion.

6. Share inner thoughts and voices

Sometimes the best way to express yourself is through feelings rather than concrete ideas. Novelists have an ability to take what a character is thinking and use it to further develop them and their actions.

7. Answer questions

If you can put yourself in the position of the reader, perhaps you will find that what you're writing poses certain questions. Explaining and describing the necessary information will engage your reader. However, take care to not extend beyond the concise and relevant details.

8. Change Perspectives

Often your thoughts can be developed with better with a change in perspective. Say you’re writing about… home organization. Don’t just think of yourself as the harried housewife with too much clutter, but perhaps the busy executive who walks in the door and adds to the mess every day.

Or… if you are writing about losing weight through a gluten free diet, perhaps you could consider that packaged and ready foods are marketed poorly for people with this need. Step inside the viewpoint of another to express thoughts you perhaps hadn’t explored.

9. Practice

Perhaps in high school, you might recall studying précis writing in your English classes. There is a skill to being able to take a lengthy text and rewriting it down to a concise shorter piece.

To get really good at writing with brevity, use articles from a newspaper, or content from websites to practice the art of taking lengthy pieces and finding more concise language to still convey the same message.

Use synonyms. Take out overly technical language. Use stronger words that have better meanings than lengthy phrases or descriptions. Combine thoughts into one sentence. Learn how to use the semi-colon .

10. Edit, edit … and edit again

This is nothing new. Writers review what they have written all the time. Some walk away from their work and return to it after a time lapse, to look at it with somewhat of a fresh approach. Others hand it over to a second party which can give an objective review. Regardless of the method, rarely is something publishable shortly after it is written. Writing is a craft, and craftsmanship takes time and precision to develop.

Expressing yourself in the written form is not easy. Even the greatest writers past and present have their frustrations. Learning to understand that writing is a process, always changing and moving, a living thing is some ways, is to understand that it is the form of communication that represents us when we are not there to be ourselves. Find the right words until less is more becomes your mantra.

How about you? How do you express yourself in writing?  Share in the comments section .

Find a piece you wrote months ago. Don’t worry what it was for, but choose one with some length to it. Use the various techniques above to review the piece again.

• Try reading it aloud. Does it “talk” the way people do?
• Assess its tone. Is it too harsh, or not persuasive enough?
• Close your eyes. Can you visualize the details in the way you need them to become visualized?
• Are the thoughts deep enough? Little voices in the head are worth putting into your words.
• Try cutting it down by a third. This will help you learn what is really key and essential.
• Finally… answer questions. Think of all the questions the reader could have at the end of the piece, and ensure each one leads to a degree of satisfaction.

When you're finished, share a bit about your experience in the comments section . How'd it go?

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18 Comments

I am not inspired. I don’t want to write like I speak. Creative people are all different so there is no regimentation of how people write. Some need a plan and some don’t. Yes, writing has to say something and where do we find that. Pick up 1000 books and none of them say anything. The reason to write is to make money and not tell a story. So there is no story in most books. More people are writing more than ever, writing nothing.

Len, I am so so so sorry that you don;t think people write anything any more. I am sorry that you think that the only purpose to writing is to make money. I have read so many books that touched my soul, made me think, or make me take a stance on something. How do you have the ability to write if you have no passion for it?

I get the feeling you could write confrontational creative non-fiction with a fierce antagonistic tone. Mix it up with some outrage and disappointment, drop in a few drop-kick pollies and whisk on high speed with a splash of anti-mainstream journalism. Bake until the knife comes out clean, leave to cool then dribble some vanilla ‘letters to the editor’ icing on top. And you will have a decidedly delicious and vicious best seller. At least you’ll be writing about something! 🙂

And that creative tiger of yours will find its voice and have some sweet dessert and a full belly.

Food for thought perhaps? 😉

Regards Dawn

Jessica ‘s tips are some of the best advice I have seen on this or any writing site or blog. My pet peeve is how “writers ” in the comments section write as if they are texting friends. Sometimes the grammar and especially the punctuation is not professional. My feeling is that you should write your best whenever you post or comment. What do others believe about comments on blogs and writing sites? Thank you Jessica for the opportunity to “express” myself. @ http://www.BESTBOOKSBYBETH.COM

I try to comment using grammar and sentence structure. I type exactly what flows from my head into my fingers. I get that everyone is not the best typist. I am an awful speller. I am lucky if I get everything spelled right by the time I hit post.

I agree, Helaine, and sometimes my Kindle provides autospelling and I cannot get it to stop providing words I did not wish to type. Patience is needed when we write and revise. Best wishes in your writing for pleasure or profit.

Thank you! 😉

I took the first chapter of a new novella I have started on. Reading it out loud I was able to clear some fog, add more details about the protagonist’s external environment and develop the connection between the stormy weather and her inner turmoil.

I believe there will be a curiousity to know more about this character by the end of the chapter which will unfold through the story. However I was inclined to add some tell tale details to appease some possible questions for example: the state of her hair, the style and condition of her clothes, the music playing on the radio, the pile of dishes in the sink, the crumbs clinging to her feet from unswept floors etc.

By returning to this piece of writing with posted suggestions I managed to peel back the telling and glide in to the showing of the story with some ease.

Thanks for this as I probably wouldn’t have got back to this piece of writing for several months.

Regard Dawn

These are very good tips. However (1) in imagery, you can examine to add (insert) pictures to create mood, (2) add points how to retain reader’s attention. Thanks

I write the way I tell the story, so was pleased to see those two steps listed. I also read my stories aloud. Good article.

Me too!) Thank you!

This article was a nice reminder and I really related to number 1. I did great at school essays and I think it was because i planned it out. I’m going to try to take this perspective into my writing and see how it goes! Thanks alot!

I swiped my forehead at the precipitation gathering there. Good, no wind. Less chances of the ball flaying far.

Piper examined our filed formation before calling to the kicker. “Jake, are you ready?”

Jake yelled affirmative and took a running stance. Everyone followed.

Crouching, my feet muscles flexed, my eyes locked on to the ball.

Ka-bunk! The ball rose above the tree line. My heart thumped and dipped along with the ball.

“Catch it!!” I yelled. Holding my position as blood coursed through me, inducing me to run for it. To catch it. You can’t do everything, I thought reluctantly. You have to trust your friends!

The ball gave a thump as it landed in Alex’s arms. “YES!!” I jumped with my fist in the air. “Way to go, Alex!! WOHOO!!”

– This is a whole 22 words less from the first version. Makes me proud.

I struggle In writing my thoughts in exams. I do well in assignments and essays when I have time, however when it comes to exams I bottom out….

Even if I know my information from top to bottom and see the images in my head, when time is a factor, words escape me. It is so bad that I go from getting High Distinctions in my assignments to barely passing my exams, I need help but have no idea who or where to turn to.

kind regards,o

Kim, writing for exams doesn’t have to be scary. First, read the prompt (more than once) and make sure that you understand exactly what they want. Then, complete a graphic organizer–organization is a huge factor in exam grades and a web, t-chart, or outline will help you organize your essay. Don’t forget your development–examples or quotes from the text (depending on the prompt) and how the example/text supports your thesis. Practice writing this way–we call it a “0-draft” (or original draft) and know that it will not be perfect. Good luck!

Good… first what u need to do is think precise…..if u cant able to express urself properly then u should memorize some words or phrases in order to achieve good grades

Thank you so much for sharing these 10 steps! I am sure they will help me to improve my writing skills. By the way, you should check out this free plagiarism checker . This tool is great for writers and bloggers.

Thank you so much for sharing these amazing writing tips! I am so happy I’ve found them here! They will help me to become a better writer. check for plagiarism

I’m getting out of preparation swamp and its tough but my hip waders are keeping me dry with all the muck as i’m watching out for the gators and snakes.

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Student Opinion

Over 1,000 Writing Prompts for Students

Compiled by Michael Gonchar

• April 12, 2018

Note: We have 300 new argumentative writing prompts to add to this list.

Sign up for our free Learning Network newsletter. Receive new writing prompts in your inbox every week.

Of all the resources we publish on The Learning Network, perhaps it’s our vast collection of writing prompts that is our most widely used resource for teaching and learning with The Times.

We’ve published iterations of this post in the past — 200 , 401 and even 650 prompts — but never before have we gathered all our prompts, for both personal and argument writing, into one categorized list.

Admittedly, the list is huge. In fact, there are 1,219 questions below on everything from video games and fashion to smartphones and parenting, and each prompt links to a Times article as well as to additional subquestions that can encourage deeper thinking.

To help you navigate this page, here’s an index of topics:

Technology (1-74): Social Media • Smartphones • Internet & Tech Arts & Entertainment (75-248): Music • Television • Video Games • Movies & Theater • Books & Reading • Writing • The Arts • Language & Speech School & Career (249-449): School • Learning & Studying • Education Tech • Teachers & Grading • School Rules & Student Life • College • Work & Careers Identity & Family (450-828): Parenting • Family • Childhood Memories • Growing Up • Overcoming Adversity • Your Personality • Religion & Morality • Role Models • Gender • Race & Ethnicity • Neighborhood & Home • Money & Social Class • What If... Social Life & Leisure Time (829-1,059): Friendship • Dating & Sex • Looks & Fashion • Food • Sports & Games • Travel • Holidays & Seasons • Shopping & Cars Science & Health (1,060-1,140): Science & Environment • Animals & Pets • Exercise & Health Civics & History (1,141-1,219): Guns & the Justice System • Government Policy • History & News

So dive into the hundreds of writing prompts below — and let us know in the comments how you might use them in your classroom.

Social Media

1. Is Social Media Making Us More Narcissistic? 2. Are You the Same Person on Social Media as You Are in Real Life? 3. How Young Is Too Young to Use Social Media? 4. What Advice Do You Have for Younger Kids About Navigating Social Media? 5. How Do You Use Facebook? 6. What Is Your Facebook Persona? 7. How Real Are You on Social Media? 8. What Memorable Experiences Have You Had on Facebook? 9. Does Facebook Ever Make You Feel Bad? 10. Does Facebook Need a ‘Dislike’ Button? 11. Has Facebook Lost Its Edge? 12. Would You Consider Deleting Your Facebook Account? 13. Would You Quit Social Media? 14. Do You Have ‘Instagram Envy’? 15. Who Is Your Favorite Social Media Star? 16. What’s So Great About YouTube? 17. What Has YouTube Taught You? 18. What Are Your Favorite Viral Videos? 19. What Are Your Favorite Internet Spoofs? 20. What Would You Teach the World in an Online Video? 21. Do You Ever Seek Advice on the Internet? 22. Would You Share an Embarrassing Story Online? 23. Do You Use Twitter? 24. Is Snapchat a Revolutionary Form of Social Media? 25. Why Do You Share Photos? 26. How Do You Archive Your Life? 27. What Ordinary Moments Would You Include in a Video About Your Life? 28. Are Digital Photographs Too Plentiful to Be Meaningful? 29. Do You Worry We Are Filming Too Much? 30. Have You Ever Posted, Emailed or Texted Something You Wish You Could Take Back? 31. Would You Want Your Photo or Video to Go Viral? 32. Do You Worry Colleges or Employers Might Read Your Social Media Posts Someday? 33. Will Social Media Help or Hurt Your College and Career Goals? 34. Should What You Say on Facebook Be Grounds for Getting Fired? 35. Are Anonymous Social Media Networks Dangerous? 36. Should People Be Allowed to Obscure Their Identities Online? 37. Are Parents Violating Their Children’s Privacy When They Share Photos and Videos of Them Online? 38. Would You Mind if Your Parents Blogged About You?

Smartphones

39. Are You Distracted by Your Phone? 40. Are You Distracted by Technology? 41. Does Technology Make Us More Alone? 42. Is Your Phone Love Hurting Your Relationships? 43. How Has the iPhone Affected Your Life? 44. How Young Is Too Young for an iPhone? 45. Do You Always Have Your Phone or Tablet at Your Side? 46. Do Screens Get in the Way of the Rest of Your Life? 47. Do You Experience FOMO When You Unplug? 48. How Much of Your Day is Voluntarily Spent Screen-Free? 49. Does Your Digital Life Have Side Effects? 50. Do You Think Teenagers Are Replacing Drugs With Smartphones? 51. Are You ‘Addicted’ to Texting? 52. How Many Text Messages Are Too Many? 53. Can a GIF Work Better Than Words? 54. Have You Ever Sent an Odd Message Because of Auto-Correct? 55. Do You Spend Too Much Time on Smartphones Playing ‘Stupid Games’? 56. Do Apps Help You or Just Waste Your Time? 57. What Makes HQ Trivia So Popular? 58. Is Pokémon Go a Positive Cultural Force? Or Is it Just Another Excuse for People to Stare at Their Phones?

Internet & Tech

59. Is the Internet Broken? 60. How Do You Protect Your Personal Information From Hackers? 61. How Careful Are You Online? 62. What Story Does Your Personal Data Tell? 63. Do You Worry About the Lack of Anonymity in the Digital Age? 64. Do You Wish You Had More Privacy Online? 65. Would You Be Willing to Pay for Facebook or Google in Exchange for Your Privacy? 66. Have You Ever Been Scammed? 67. Whom Would You Share Your Passwords With? 68. What Tech Tools Play the Biggest Role in Your Life? 69. What New Technologies or Tech Toys Are You Most Excited About? 70. To What Piece of Technology Would You Write a ‘Love Letter’? 71. Do Machines Represent a Threat to Humans? 72. Do You Think Recreational Drones Are Safe? 73. What Role Will Robots Play in Our Future? 74. Will Wearable Technology Ever Really Catch On?

Arts & Entertainment

75. What Songs Are on Your Favorite Playlist? 76. What Are You Listening To? 77. What Musicians or Bands Mean the Most to You? 78. What Music Inspires You? 79. Who in Your Life Introduces You to New Music? 80. Do You Think You’ve Already Forged Your Lifelong Taste in Music? 81. How Much Is Your Taste in Music Based on What Your Friends Like? 82. What Are Your Earliest Memories of Music? 83. Will Musical Training Make You More Successful? 84. What Role Does Hip-Hop Play in Your Life? 85. Which Pop Music Stars Fascinate You? 86. Who Is Your Favorite Pop Diva? 87. What’s Your Karaoke Song? 88. Which Artists Would You Like to See Team Up? 89. How Closely Do You Listen to Lyrics? 90. What Song Lyrics Do You Consider Literature? 91. What Current Musicians Do You Think Will Stand the Test of Time? 92. What Artists or Bands of Today Are Destined for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? 93. What Musician, Actor or Author Should Be a Superstar, but Hasn’t Quite Made It Yet? 94. What Artists Do You Believe Are the Future of Music? 95. What Can You Predict About the Future of the Music Industry? 96. What Artists Do You Consider ‘Sellouts’? 97. How Much Can an Artist Borrow From Earlier Musicians Before It Becomes Stealing? 98. Who Does Hip-Hop Belong To?

99. What Are Your Favorite TV Shows? 100. What Are the Best Things You’ve Watched, Read, Heard or Played This Year? 101. What Are Your TV Habits? 102. Do Your Television Viewing Habits Include ‘Binge-Watching’? 103. What Role Does Television Play in Your Life and the Life of Your Family? 104. What Television Shows Have Mattered to You? 105. How Often Do You Watch a Television Show When It Originally Airs? 106. Have You Fallen Into ‘Friends’ or Any Other Older Television Shows? 107. What Old Television Shows Would You Bring Back? 108. Why Do We Like Reality Shows So Much? 109. What Ideas Do You Have for a Reality Show? 110. What Reality TV Show Would You Want to Be a Guest Star On? 111. Should Children Be Allowed to Compete on TV? 112. What Are Your Favorite Cartoons? 113. What Are Your Favorite Commercials? 114. What Makes a Good Commercial? 115. How Much Are You Influenced by Advertising? 116. Does Reality TV Promote Dangerous Stereotypes? 117. Do TV Shows Like ‘16 and Pregnant’ Promote or Discourage Teenage Pregnancy? 118. Is ‘13 Reasons Why’ Raising Awareness About Teenage Suicide, or Glamorizing It? 119. Do You Watch Hollywood Awards Ceremonies? 120. Why Do We Like to Watch Rich People on TV and in the Movies? 121. Should the Private Lives of Famous People Be Off Limits? 122. Should We Be Privy to the Lives of Celebrities’ Children? 123. Do You Think Child Stars Have It Rough? 124. Does TV Capture the Diversity of America Yet? 125. Is TV Too White? 126. What Stereotypical Characters Make You Cringe? 127. What Makes a Good TV Show Finale?

Video Games

128. Should Video Games Be Considered a Sport? 129. What Have You Learned Playing Video Games? 130. What Are Your Favorite Video Games? 131. Do You Play Violent Video Games? 132. Should Stores Sell Violent Video Games to Minors? 133. Do Violent Video Games Make People More Violent in Real Life? 134. When Should You Feel Guilty for Killing Zombies? 135. Who Are Your Opponents in Online Gaming? 136. Do You Like Watching Other People Play Video Games? 137. How Excited Are You About the Possibilities of Virtual Reality? 138. Can a Video Game Be a Work of Art? 139. What Game Would You Like to Redesign? 140. How Sexist Is the Gaming World?

Movies & Theater

141. What Are Your Favorite Movies Ever? 142. What Were the Best Movies You Saw in the Past Year? 143. What Movies Do You Watch, or Reference, Over and Over? 144. What Movies, Shows or Books Do You Wish Had Sequels, Spinoffs or New Episodes? 145. What Have You Learned From Movies? 146. Do You Like Horror Movies? 147. Are ‘Dark’ Movies O.K. for Kids? 148. What Is Your Favorite Comedy? 149. Are There Topics That Should Be Off Limits to Comedy? 150. What Is Your Favorite Sports Movie? 151. Who Are Your Favorite Movie Stars? 152. Would You Pay Extra for a 3-D Movie? 153. Where, and How, Do You Watch Movies? 154. What Are the Best Live Theatrical Performances You’ve Ever Seen? 155. Have You Ever Stumbled Upon a Cool Public Performance? 156. Have You Ever Performed for an Audience or Shared Creative Work With Others? 157. Does Live Theater Offer Something You Just Can’t Get Watching Movies or TV? 158. Is Hollywood Becoming More Diverse? 159. What — if Anything — Does the Current Hollywood Film Industry Lack?

Books & Reading

160. What Are the Best Books You’ve Read? 161. Read Any Good Books Lately? 162. What Are Your Favorite Young Adult Novels? 163. What Do You Want to Read This Summer? 164. What Books Do You Think Every Teenager Should Read? 165. What Role Have Books Played in Your Life? 166. Do You Read for Pleasure? 167. Do You Have a Favorite Novelist? 168. To What Writer Would You Award a Prize? 169. Has a Book, Movie, Television Show, Song or Video Game Ever Inspired You to Do Something New? 170. When Have You Seen Yourself and Your Life Reflected in a Book or Other Media? 171. Who Are the Characters That Authors Should Be Writing About? 172. Do You Prefer Your Children’s Book Characters Obedient or Contrary? 173. How Much Power Do Books Have to Teach Young People Tolerance of Others? 174. Do You Read E-Books? 175. Are Paper Books Better Than E-Books? 176. Would You Trade Your Paper Books for Digital Versions? 177. Does Reading a Book Count More Than Listening to One? 178. What Childhood Classic Would You Like to See Turned Into a Movie or TV Show? 179. Are Shortened Versions of Classic Adult Literature Right for Young Children? 180. Is There Any Benefit to Reading Books You Hate? 181. Do You Read or Write Poetry? 182. What Memorable Poetry Have You Ever Read or Heard? 183. What Magazines Do You Read, and How Do You Read Them? 184. Do You Enjoy Reading Tabloid Gossip? 185. Are There Books That Should Be Banned From Your School Library? 186. Do We Still Need Libraries?

187. What Purpose Does Writing Serve in Your Life? 188. Why Do You Write? 189. Are You a Good Storyteller? 190. What’s Your Favorite Joke? 191. Do You Keep a Diary or Journal? 192. Do You Have a Blog? 193. Do You Want to Write a Book? 194. When Do You Write by Hand? 195. Do You Write in Cursive? 196. Do You Write in Your Books? 197. What Is Your Most Memorable Writing Assignment? 198. Do You Ever Write About Challenges You Face in Life? 199. What ‘Mundane Moments’ From Your Life Might Make Great Essay Material? 200. What Would You Write in a Letter to the Editor? 201. If You Had a Column in The New York Times, What Would You Write About? 202. Would You Ever Write Down a Secret and Bury It in the Ground?

203. What Is Your Favorite Type of Art? 204. What Are Your Favorite Works of Art? 205. What Work of Art Has Changed Your Life? 206. What Are the Most Memorable Works of Visual Art You Have Seen? 207. Which Photograph Stays In Your Memory? 208. What’s the Coolest Thing You’ve Ever Seen in a Museum? 209. Do We Need Art in Our Lives? 210. How Important Is Arts Education? 211. What Has Arts Education Done For You? 212. Can Graffiti Ever Be Considered Art? 213. Should Graffiti Be Protected? 214. Can You Separate Art From the Artist? 215. Is It Possible to Separate Art From the Artist Who Created It? 216. Are There Subjects That Should Be Off-Limits to Artists, or to Certain Artists in Particular? 217. Should Society Support Artists and Others Pursuing Creative Works? 218. Should Displays of Art Be Welcome in All Public Spaces? 219. Does Pop Culture Deserve Serious Study? 220. What Do You Think of the Obamas’ Portrait Choices?

Language & Speech

221. What Words Do You Hate? 222. What Words or Phrases Do You Think Are Overused? 223. How Much Slang Do You Use? What Are Your Favorite Words? 224. What Current Slang Words and Expressions Do You Think Will Endure? 225. What Words or Phrases Do You Think Are Overused? 226. What Words or Phrases Should Be Retired? 227. Why Do So Many People Say ‘Like’ and ‘Totally’ All the Time? 228. Do You Say ‘Kind of, Sort of’ More Than You Realize? 229. How Much Do You Curse? 230. Have Curse Words Become So Common They Have Lost Their Shock Value? 231. Do Laws That Ban Offensive Words Make the World a Better Place? 232. How Good Are You at Coming Up With Witty Comebacks? 233. When Did You Last Have a Great Conversation? 234. What Makes a Great Conversation? 235. How Often Do You Have ‘Deep Discussions’? 236. Do You Wish Your Conversations Were Less Small Talk and More ‘Big Talk’? 237. Are We Losing the Art of Listening? 238. How Do You Greet Your Friends and Family? 239. When Do You Choose Making a Phone Call Over Sending a Text? 240. How Much Information Is ‘Too Much Information’? 241. What Does Your Body Language Communicate? 242. Do You Sometimes ‘Hide’ Behind Irony? 243. How Good Is Your Grammar? 244. Does Punctuation in Text Messages Matter? 245. When Do You Remember Learning a New Word? 246. Where Do You Find the Meanings of Unfamiliar Words? 247. Do You Speak a Second, or Third, Language? 248. Should Everyone Learn at Least One Other Language?

School & Careers

249. Should the School Day Start Later? 250. Would a Later School Start Time Increase Student Success? 251. Is Your School Day Too Short? 252. Should Schools Cancel Summer Vacation? 253. Do You Think a Longer School Calendar Is a Good Idea? 254. Should the Dropout Age Be Raised? 255. Should We Rethink How Long Students Spend in High School? 256. Should Students Be Allowed to Skip Senior Year of High School? 257. Should Kids Head to College Early? 258. Do You Like School? 259. Are You Stressed About School? 260. Are High School Students Being Worked Too Hard? 261. What Are You Really Learning at School? 262. What Are You Looking Forward To, or Dreading, This School Year? 263. Would You Rather Attend a Public or a Private High School? 264. How Much Does It Matter to You Which High School You Attend? 265. Are Small Schools More Effective Than Large Schools? 266. Would You Want to Go to a School Like This One? 267. What Kind of Education System Do You Think Is Best? 268. How Would You Grade Your School? 269. What Can Other Schools Learn — and Copy — From Your School? 270. What Would You Miss if You Left Your School? 271. What Do You Hope to Get Out of High School? 272. Should High Schools Do More to Prepare You for Careers? 273. Would You Want to Be Home-Schooled? 274. Should Home-Schoolers Be Allowed to Play Public School Sports? 275. Should All Children Be Able to Go to Preschool? 276. What Is the Purpose of Preschool? 277. Should Kindergarten Be More About Play or Literacy?

Learning & Studying

278. Do Teachers Assign Too Much Homework? 279. Does Your Homework Help You Learn? 280. Do You Need a Homework Therapist? 281. Do You Participate in Class? 282. What Is the Right Amount of Group Work in School? 283. What Do You Think of Grouping Students by Ability in Schools? 284. Does Class Size Matter? 285. What Is Your Best Subject? 286. What’s the Most Challenging Assignment You’ve Ever Had? 287. What Is the Most Memorable Concept You’ve Learned in Science Class, and How Did You Learn It? 288. What Memorable Experiences Have You Had in Learning Science or Math? 289. Are You Afraid of Math? 290. Do We Need a Better Way to Teach Math? 291. Is Shakespeare Too Hard? 292. What Are the Best Ways to Learn About History? 293. How Would You Do on a Civics Test? 294. Does Geography Skill Make You a Better Citizen? 295. What Career or Technical Classes Do You Wish Your School Offered? 296. Does Gym Help Students Perform Better in All Their Classes? 297. Should Reading and Math Be Taught in Gym Class Too? 298. Do You Learn Better After Moving Around? 299. Do Kids Need Recess? 300. What Was Your Favorite Field Trip? 301. What Are Your Best Tips for Studying? 302. Do You Use Study Guides? 303. Is Everything You’ve Been Taught About Study Habits Wrong? 304. What Would You Like to Have Memorized? 305. Should Schools Be Teaching, and Evaluating, Social-Emotional Skills Like ‘Grit’? 306. Should Schools Teach You How to Be Happy? 307. Should Schools Teach Children How to Cook? 308. What ‘Pop-Up’ Classes Do You Wish Your School Offered? 309. Do Schools Provide Students With Enough Opportunities to Be Creative? 310. Does the Way Your Classroom Is Decorated Affect Your Learning? 311. How Much Does Your Life in School Intersect With Your Life Outside School?

Teachers & Grading

312. What Do You Wish Your Teachers Knew About You? 313. When Has a Teacher Inspired You? 314. Has a Teacher Ever Changed Your Mind-Set? 315. What Teacher Would You Like to Thank? 316. What Makes a Good Teacher? 317. Class Time + Substitute = Waste? 318. Should Students Be Able to Grade Their Teachers? 319. How Formal Should Students Be When Interacting with their Teachers and Professors? 320. Have You Ever Been Humiliated by a Teacher? How Did it Affect You? 321. Have Your Teachers or Textbooks Ever Gotten It Wrong? 322. Do You Feel Your School and Teachers Welcome Both Conservative and Liberal Points of View? 323. Do You Have a Tutor? 324. How Important Are Parent-Teacher Conferences? 325. Should Students Be Present at Parent-Teacher Conferences? 326. How Should Parents Handle a Bad Report Card? 327. Does Your School Hand Out Too Many A’s? 328. Do Girls Get Better Grades Than Boys in Your School? 329. How Well Do You Think Standardized Tests Measure Your Abilities? 330. How Seriously Should We Take Standardized Tests? 331. Do You Spend Too Much Time Preparing for Standardized Tests? 332. Should Schools Offer Cash Bonuses for Good Test Scores? 333. Do Your Test Scores Reflect How Good Your Teachers Are? 334. Should Discomfort Excuse Students From Having to Complete an Assignment? 335. Should Schools Give Students ‘Body’ Report Cards?

Education Tech

336. Are the Web Filters at Your School Too Restrictive? 337. Does Technology in the Classroom Ever Get in the Way of Learning? 338. Do Your Teachers Use Technology Well? 339. Should Tablet Computers Become the Primary Way Students Learn in Class? 340. Can Cellphones Be Educational Tools? 341. Should Students Be Barred From Taking Cellphones to School? 342. Should Teachers and Professors Ban Student Use of Laptops in Class? 343. How Do You Use Wikipedia? 344. Should There Be More Educational Video Games in School? 345. Is Online Learning as Good as Face-to-Face Learning? 346. Would You Like to Take a Class Online? 347. Is Live-Streaming Classrooms a Good Idea? 348. How Would You Feel About a Computer Grading Your Essays? 349. Who Should Be Able to See Students’ Records? 350. Does Your School Offer Enough Opportunities to Learn Computer Programming? 351. Does Your School Value Students’ Digital Skills? 352. Do You Know How to Code? Would You Like to Learn?

School Rules & Student Life

353. Are School Dress Codes a Good Idea? 354. How Does Your School Deal With Students Who Misbehave? 355. Can Students at Your School Talk Openly About Their Mental Health Issues? 356. What Role Should the Police Have in Schools? 357. What Are the Best Teaching Methods for Getting Students to Behave Well in Class? 358. Should Schools Be Allowed to Use Corporal Punishment? 359. Is Cheating Getting Worse? 360. Do You Know People Who Cheat on High-Stakes Tests? 361. Is a ‘Regret Clause’ a Good Idea for Cases of Academic Dishonesty? 362. Should Schools Put Tracking Devices in Students’ ID Cards? 363. How Should Schools Handle Unvaccinated Students? 364. How Big a Problem Is Bullying or Cyberbullying in Your School or Community? 365. How Should Schools Address Bullying? 366. How Should Schools Address Cyberbullying? 367. What Should the Punishment Be for Acts of Cyberbullying? 368. When Do Pranks Cross the Line to Become Bullying? 369. How Should Schools Respond to Hazing Incidents? 370. How Do You Feel About Proms? 371. Is Prom Worth It? 372. Do You Want to Be ‘Promposed’ To? 373. Is Prom Just an Excuse to Drink? 374. What’s the Best Party You’ve Ever Been To? 375. What Role Do School Clubs and Teams Play in Your Life? 376. Should All Students Get Equal Space in a Yearbook? 377. Should Yearbooks Include Political News? 378. Should School Newspapers Be Subject to Prior Review? 379. Should More Student Journalists Have Independent Editorial Control? 380. What Are Your Thoughts on Riding the School Bus?

381. How Necessary Is a College Education? 382. Is College Overrated? 383. How Prepared Are You For College? How Well Do You Think You’ll Do? 384. What Worries Do You Have About College? 385. Where Do You Want to Go to College? 386. Does It Matter Where You Go to College? 387. Do College Rankings Really Matter? 388. Do Other People Care Too Much About Your Post-High School Plans? 389. What Are Your Sources for Information About Colleges and Universities? 390. Should Colleges Find a Better Way to Admit Students? 391. Is the College Admissions Process Fair? 392. Should Colleges Use Admissions Criteria Other Than SAT Scores and Grades? 393. Do You Support Affirmative Action in College Admissions? 394. Are Early-Decision Programs Unfair? Should Colleges Do Away With Them? 395. What Criteria Should Be Used in Awarding Scholarships for College? 396. Should Engineers Pay Less for College Than English Majors? 397. What Is the Perfect Number of College Applications to Send? 398. What Role Has Community College Played in Your Life or the Life of Someone You Know? 399. How Much Do You Worry About Taking the SAT or ACT? 400. What Personal Essay Topic Would You Assign to College Applicants? 401. What Qualities Would You Look For in a College Roommate? 402. Would You Want to Take a Gap Year After High School? 403. What Specialty College Would You Create? 404. What Makes a Graduation Ceremony Memorable? 405. Should a College Education be Free? 406. Is Student Debt Worth It? 407. Are Lavish Amenities on College Campuses Useful or Frivolous? 408. Do Fraternities Promote Misogyny? 409. Should Fraternities Be Abolished? 410. Is a Sorority a Good Place for a Feminist? 411. Should Colleges Offer Degrees in Sports? 412. Should ‘Despised Dissenters’ Be Allowed to Speak on College Campuses?

Work & Careers

413. What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up? 414. Do You Have a Life Calling? 415. What’s Your Dream Job? 416. What Jobs Are You Most Curious About? 417. What Are Your Longtime Interests or Passions? 418. Do You Think You Will Have a Career That You Love? 419. How Can You Ensure That Your Future Career is Right for You? 420. What Do You Want More From a Career: Happiness or Wealth? 421. What Investment Are You Willing to Make to Get Your Dream Job? 422. Would You Consider Moving Overseas for a Job? 423. What Do You Hope to Be Doing the Year After You Graduate From College? 424. What Would You Choose to Do If You Had Unlimited Free Time and No Restrictions? 425. Is ‘Doing Nothing’ a Good Use of Your Time? 426. Where Do You See Yourself in 10 Years? 427. Would You Like to Be Famous? 428. Would You Consider a Nontraditional Occupation? 429. Would You Rather Work From Home or in an Office? 430. Would You Want to Be a Teacher? 431. Would You Like to Be a Fashion Model? 432. What Hidden Talents Might You Have? 433. What ‘Back-to-the-Land’ Skills Do You Have, or Wish You Had? 434. Would You Like to Be a Farmer? 435. What Skill Could You Teach in Two Minutes? 436. What Have You Made Yourself? 437. What Would You Like to Learn to Make by Hand? 438. What Idea Do You Have That Is Ahead of Its Time? 439. Do You Have an Idea for a Business or App? 440. What Would You Create if You Had Funding? 441. How Did You Start Doing Something You Love? 442. Did You Ever Take a Break From Doing Something You Love? 443. What Have You Done to Earn Money? 444. Do You Have a Job? 445. Is It O.K. to Use Family Connections to Get a Job? 446. Should All High School Students Be Able to Get a Summer Job if They Want One? 447. Would You Quit if Your Values Did Not Match Your Employer’s? 448. Should Employers Be Able to Review Job Applicants’ SAT Scores? 449. How Important Is Related Experience in Doing a Job?

Identity & Family

450. How Close Are You to Your Parents? 451. How Are You and Your Parents Alike and Different? 452. Will You Follow in Your Parents’ Footsteps? 453. Are You Being Raised to Pursue Your Dreams? 454. Do You Have Helicopter Parents? 455. Do Your Parents Spy on You? 456. How Permissive Are Your Parents? 457. How Much Freedom Have Your Parents Given You? 458. At What Age Should Children Be Allowed to Go Places Without Adult Supervision? 459. Should Children Be Allowed to Wear Whatever They Want? 460. How Do Your Parents Teach You to Behave? 461. How, and by Whom, Should Children Be Taught Appropriate Behavior? 462. How Should Parents Discipline Their Kids? 463. When Does Discipline Become Child Abuse? 464. Should Parents Bribe Their Children? 465. Should Parents Make Their Children Clean Their Room? 466. How Do You Make Parenting Difficult for Your Parents? 467. How Often Do You Fight With Your Parents? 468. What Advice Would You Give to Your Mom, Dad or Guardian on How to Be a Better Parent? 469. Do Your Parents Try Too Hard to Be Cool? 470. Do You Ever Feel Embarrassed by Your Parents? 471. Do Your Parents Support Your Learning? 472. Do You Talk About Report Cards With Your Parents? 473. Do You Want Your Parents to Stop Asking You ‘How Was School?’ 474. How Much Do Your Parents Help With Your Homework? 475. Have Your Parents and Teachers Given You Room to Create? 476. How Closely Do Your Parents Monitor Your App Use? 477. Should Parents Limit How Much Time Children Spend on Tech Devices?

478. Who Is Your Family? 479. How Do You Define ‘Family’? 480. What Have You and Your Family Accomplished Together? 481. What Events Have Brought You Closer to Your Family? 482. How Has Your Family Helped or Hindered Your Transition to a New School? 483. What’s Your Role in Your Family? 484. Have You Ever Changed a Family Member’s Mind? 485. How Well Do You Get Along With Your Siblings? 486. Is Your Family Stressed, Tired and Rushed? 487. What Are Your Family Stories of Sacrifice? 488. What Possessions Does Your Family Treasure? 489. What Hobbies Have Been Passed Down in Your Family? 490. What’s the Story Behind Your Name? 491. What Are Your Favorite Names? 492. How Have You Paid Tribute to Loved Ones? 493. What Does the World Need to Know About an Important Person in Your Life? 494. What Do You Know About Your Family’s History? 495. Did Your Parents Have a Life Before They Had Kids? 496. What Family Traditions Do You Want to Carry On When You Get Older?

Childhood Memories

497. What Is Your Earliest Memory? 498. What Was Your Most Precious Childhood Possession? 499. What Is Your Most Prized Possession? 500. What Objects Tell the Story of Your Life? 501. What Do You Collect? 502. What Were Your Favorite Childhood Shows and Characters? 503. Do You Have Childhood Memories of Being Read Aloud To? 504. What Were Your Favorite Picture Books When You Were Little? 505. What Things Did You Create When You Were a Child? 506. What Places Do You Remember Fondly From Childhood? 507. What Food or Flavor Do You Remember Tasting for the First Time? 508. What Do You Wish You Could See, Hear, Read or Experience for the First Time All Over Again? 509. What Childhood Rules Did You Break? 510. Have You Ever Felt Embarrassed by Things You Used to Like? 511. Do You Wish You Could Return to Moments From Your Past? 512. Was There a Toy You Wanted as a Child but Never Got? 513. What’s the Best Gift You’ve Ever Given or Received? 514. Have You Ever Given, or Received, a Perfect Gift? 515. What’s the Most Memorable Thing You Ever Got in the Mail? 516. Have You Ever Lost (or Found) Something Valuable? 517. What Nicknames Have You Ever Gotten or Given? 518. What Are Your Best Sleepover Memories? 519. What Old, Worn Out Thing Can You Just Not Part With?

520. Is It Harder to Grow Up in the 21st Century Than It Was in the Past? 521. Is Modern Culture Ruining Childhood? 522. Are Adults Hurting Young Children by Pushing Them to Achieve? 523. Is Childhood Today Too Risk-Free? 524. Do We Give Children Too Many Trophies? 525. What Have You Learned in Your Teens? 526. What Do You Remember Best About Being 12? 527. What Personal Achievements Make You Proud? 528. What Are You Grateful For? 529. What Are Some Recent Moments of Happiness in Your Life? 530. What Rites of Passage Have You Participated In? 531. What Advice Would You Give Younger Kids About Middle or High School? 532. What Have You Learned From Older People? 533. What Have You Learned From a Younger Person — and What Have You Taught An Older Person? 534. What Can Older People Learn From Your Generation? 535. What Do Older Generations Misunderstand About Yours? 536. Do You Recognize Yourself in Descriptions of ‘Generation Z’? 537. What Should We Call Your Generation? 538. When Do You Become an Adult? 539. Do You Have ‘Emerging Adult’ Skills? 540. When You Are Old Enough to Vote, Will You? 541. When Should You Be Able to Buy Cigarettes, Drink Alcohol, Vote, Drive and Fight in Wars? 542. Does Your Generation Have Too Much Self-Esteem? 543. Is Your Generation More Self-Centered Than Earlier Generations? 544. Do You Think Anxiety Is A Serious Problem Among Young People? 545. Is Our Culture of Online Shaming Out of Control? 546. Do ‘Shame and Blame’ Work to Change Teenage Behavior? 547. Do You Think Teenagers Can Make a Difference in the World?

Overcoming Adversity

548. What Challenges Have You Overcome? 549. What Are Your Secret Survival Strategies? 550. What Do You Do When You Encounter Obstacles to Success? 551. When Have You Failed? What Did You Learn From It? 552. When Have You Ever Succeeded When You Thought You Might Fail? 553. What Life Lessons Has Adversity Taught You? 554. Does Suffering Make Us Stronger and Lead to Success? 555. Which Is More Important: Talent or Hard Work? 556. Are You Hopeful About the Future? 557. When Have You Reinvented Yourself? 558. What Work Went Into Reaching Your Most Difficult Goals? 559. Is Struggle Essential to Happiness? 560. How Often Do You Leave Your ‘Comfort Zone’? 561. What Do You Gain From Pursuing Something You Do Really, Really Badly? 562. When Was the Last Time You Did Something That Scared or Challenged You? 563. What Are You Afraid Of? 564. What Are Your Fears and Phobias? 565. What Are Your Personal Superstitions? 566. Do You Like Being Alone? 567. How Often Do You Cry? 568. Do You Ever Feel Overlooked and Underappreciated? 569. How Have You Handled Being the ‘New Kid’? 570. How Do You Deal With Haters? 571. How Do You React When Provoked? 572. What Good Can Come from Disagreements? 573. When Should You Compromise? 574. Have You Ever Changed Your Mind About a Hot-Button Issue? 575. What Role Does Stress Play in Your Life? 576. Does Stress Affect Your Ability to Make Good Decisions? 577. How Do You Relieve Stress? 578. How Important Is Keeping Your Cool? 579. Is ‘Be Yourself’ Bad Advice? 580. Do People Complain Too Much? 581. What’s Your Favorite Mood Booster? 582. How Do You Find Peace in Your Life? 583. Does Your Life Leave You Enough Time to Relax? 584. Do You Set Rules for Yourself About How You Use Your Time? 585. What Did You Once Hate but Now Like? 586. What Kind of Feedback Helps You Improve? 587. Is Trying Too Hard to Be Happy Making You Sad? 588. Does Achieving Success Always Include Being Happy? 589. Do Adults Who Are ‘Only Trying to Help’ Sometimes Make Things Worse? 590. Have You Ever Felt Pressured by Family or Others in Making an Important Decision About Your Future?

Your Personality

591. What Makes You Happy? 592. What Motivates You? 593. What Are You Good At? 594. What Is Your Personal Credo? 595. When in Your Life Have You Been a Leader? 596. Are You More of a Leader or a Follower? 597. Do Great Leaders Have to Be Outgoing? 598. How Well Do You Perform Under Pressure? 599. How Well Do You Take Criticism? 600. Are You Hard or Easy on Yourself? 601. How Full Is Your Glass? 602. Do You Have a Hard Time Making Decisions? 603. How Much Self-Control Do You Have? 604. How Good Are You at Waiting for What You Really Want? 605. What Role Does Procrastination Play in Your Life? 606. How Good Are You at Time Management? 607. What Kind of Time Management Skills Are You Learning from the Adults in Your Life? 608. How Do You Remember What You Need to Remember? 609. How Productive and Organized Are You? 610. Under What Conditions Do You Do Your Best Work? 611. How Do You Express Yourself Creatively? 612. Can Creativity Be Scheduled? 613. Are You a Good Listener? 614. When and For What Reasons Do You Seek Silence? 615. Are You a Perfectionist? 616. How Competitive Are You? 617. Do You Perform Better When You’re Competing or When You’re Collaborating? 618. Has Modesty Ever Prevented You From Celebrating an Achievement? 619. How Emotionally Intelligent Are You? 620. How Stoic Are You? 621. How Do You Cope With Grief? 622. How Good Are You at Saying Goodbye? 623. Do You Take More Risks When You Are Around Your Friends? 624. Do You Unknowingly Submit to Peer Pressure? 625. Have You Ever Felt Pressured to Betray Your Beliefs? 626. How Easy — or Hard — Is It for You to Say No When You Want To? 627. How Do You Handle Fear? 628. Do You Think You’re Brave? 629. How Much of a Daredevil Are You? 630. What Activities Make You Feel Most Alive? 631. What Pranks, Jokes, Hoaxes or Tricks Have You Ever Fallen For or Perpetrated? 632. How Impulsive Are You? 633. Are You a Novelty-Seeker? 634. How Do You Deal With Boredom? 635. How Often Do You Talk to Yourself? 636. What Annoys You? 637. Do You Apologize Too Much? 638. Do You Know How to Say ‘I’m Sorry?’ 639. Do You Have Good Manners? 640. How Materialistic Are You? 641. Are You a Saver or a Tosser? 642. Are You a Hoarder or a Minimalist? 643. Are You an Introvert or an Extrovert? 644. Are You Popular, Quirky or Conformist? 645. Are You a Nerd or a Geek? 646. What Would Your Personal Mascot Be? 647. What Assumptions Do People Make About You? 648. How Strong Is Your Sense of Smell? 649. What Animal Are You Most Like?

Religion & Morality

650. What Is the Role of Religion or Spirituality in Your Life? 651. How Important Is Your Spiritual Life? 652. Do You Believe That Everything Happens for a Reason? 653. How Much Control Do You Think You Have Over Your Fate? 654. Can You Be Good Without God? 655. Are You Less Religious Than Your Parents? 656. Can You Pass a Basic Religion Test? 657. What Can You Learn From Other Religions? 658. Do You Believe That Everything Happens for a Reason? 659. How Important Do You Think It Is to Marry Someone With the Same Religion? 660. How Trustworthy Are You? 661. How Comfortable Are You With Lying? 662. When Do You Lie? 663. Have You Ever Lied to Your Parents or Done Something Behind Their Backs? 664. Can You Spot a Liar? 665. What Ethical Dilemmas Have You Faced? 666. Have You Ever Had to Make a Sacrifice to Help Someone You Care About? 667. Have You Ever Donated Your Time, Talents, Possessions or Money to Support Anyone in Need? 668. When Is the Last Time You Did Something Nice for a Stranger? 669. Do Bystanders Have a Responsibility to Intervene When There is Trouble? 670. Do Leaders Have Moral Obligations? 671. Have You Ever ‘Paid It Forward’? 672. Can Kindness Become Cool? 673. What Acts of Kindness Have You Witnessed or Participated In? 674. Is Teenage ‘Voluntourism’ Wrong? 675. Have You Ever Taken Something You Weren’t Supposed To? 676. When Is Looting Morally O.K.? 677. Do You Ever Eavesdrop? 678. How Much Do You Gossip?

Role Models

679. Who Are the People – Famous or Not – You Admire Most? 680. Who Are Your Heroes? 681. What Is a Hero? 682. Do We Need More Diverse Superheroes? 683. Who Is Your Role Model? 684. Who Inspires You? 685. What Makes Someone a Great Leader? 686. What Acts of Bravery Have You Witnessed? 687. What’s the Best Advice You’ve Gotten? 688. What Are Some ‘Words of Wisdom’ That Guide Your Life? 689. Who Outside Your Family Has Made a Difference in Your Life? 690. If You Had Your Own Talk Show, Whom Would You Want to Interview? 691. To Whom, or What, Would You Like to Write a Thank-You Note? 692. What Leader Would You Invite to Speak at Your School? 693. What Six People, Living or Dead, Would You Invite to Dinner? 694. Who’s Your ‘Outsider Role Model’?

695. Have You Ever Been Told You Couldn’t Do Something Because of Your Gender? 696. Do Parents Have Different Hopes and Standards for Their Sons Than for Their Daughters? 697. How Do Your Parents Share the Responsibilities of Parenting? 698. How Do Male and Female Roles Differ in Your Family? 699. Do You Consider Yourself a Feminist? 700. What Does Feminism Mean to You? 701. What Have You Learned From the Women in Your Life? 702. What Experiences Have You Had With Gender Bias in School? 703. Is School Designed More for Girls Than Boys? 704. Why Do Boys Lag Behind Girls in Reading? 705. Does Separating Boys and Girls Help Students Perform Better in School? 706. Is Single-Sex Education Still Useful? 707. What Does it Mean to Be ‘a Real Man’? 708. Do We Need to Teach Boys and Men to Be More Emotionally Honest? 709. What Have Been Your Experiences With Catcalling or Other Kinds of Street Harassment? 710. What Should We Do to Fight Sexual Violence Against Young Women? 711. How Should the Problem of Sexual Assault on Campuses Be Addressed? 712. What Is Your Reaction to the #MeToo Movement? 713. Why Aren’t There More Girls in Leadership Roles? 714. Do Professional Women Need a ‘Girls’ Lounge’? 715. Why Aren’t More Girls Choosing to Pursue Careers in Math and Science? 716. Why Aren’t More Girls Pursuing Careers in Computing and Tech Fields? 717. Now That Women Can Serve in All Combat Roles in the U.S. Military, Should They Also Be Required to Register for the Draft? 718. Do Female Athletes Get Short Shrift? 719. Should Sports Be Coed? 720. Should the Boy Scouts Be Coed? 721. Do You Believe in Equal Rights for Women and Men? 722. Does the U.S. Constitution Need an Equal Rights Amendment? 723. Is It Harder Being a Girl? 724. Do We Need New Ways to Identify Gender and Sexuality? 725. Should Toys Be More Gender-Neutral? 726. Should There Be More Boy Dolls? 727. What Rules Should Apply to Transgender Athletes When They Compete? 728. Are Women Better at Compromising and Collaborating? 729. Do Boys Have Less Intense Friendships Than Girls?

Race & Ethnicity

730. Is America ‘Backsliding’ on Race? 731. Why Is Race So Hard to Talk About? 732. How Often Do You Interact With People of Another Race or Ethnicity? 733. Do You Ever Talk About Issues of Race and Class With Your Friends? 734. What Is Your Racial and Ethnic Identity? 735. Have You Ever Tried to Hide Your Racial or Ethnic Identity? 736. Have You Experienced Racism or Other Kinds of Discrimination in School? 737. Is Your Generation Really ‘Postracial’? 738. What’s the Racial Makeup of Your School? 739. Does Your School Seem Integrated? 740. Should Schools Strive for Racial Diversity Among Teachers? 741. How Should Parents Teach Their Children About Race and Racism? 742. Is ‘Black Panther’ a ‘Defining Moment’ for the United States — and Particularly for Black America?

Your Neighborhood & Home

743. How Much Does Your Neighborhood Define Who You Are? 744. What’s Special About Your Hometown? 745. What Marketing Slogan Would You Use for Your Town or City? 746. What Would You Name Your Neighborhood? 747. Who Are the ‘Characters’ That Make Your Town Interesting? 748. Who Is the ‘Mayor’ of Your School or Neighborhood? 749. What Do the Types of Dogs in Your Neighborhood Say About Where You Live? 750. What Would a TV Show About Your Town Spoof? 751. What ‘Urban Legends’ Are There About Places in Your Area? 752. Do You Know Your Way Around Your City or Town? 753. How Well Do You Know Your Neighbors? 754. What Is Your Favorite Place? 755. What’s Your Favorite Neighborhood Joint? 756. What Is Your Favorite Street? 757. Do You Hang Out in the Park? 758. How Much Time Do You Spend in Nature? 759. How Do You Get Your Nature Fix? 760. What Small Things Have You Seen and Taken Note Of Today? 761. What Buildings Do You Love? What Buildings Do You Hate? 762. What Are the Sounds That Make Up the Background Noise in Your Life? 763. What Sounds Annoy You? 764. What Public Behavior Annoys You Most? 765. Have You Ever Interacted With the Police? 766. What Local Problems Do You Think Your Mayor Should Try to Solve? 767. What Ideas Do You Have for Enhancing Your Community? 768. Where Do You Think You Will Live When You Are an Adult? 769. Do You Think That in Your 20s You Will Live in a City? 770. Would You Most Want to Live in a City, a Suburb or the Country? 771. Do You Think You Might Like Communal Living When You’re an Adult? 772. What Would Your Ideal City Look Like? 773. What City or Town Most Captures Your Imagination? 774. Would You Want a Bike Share Program for Your Community? 775. Is Your Bedroom a Nightmare? 776. What is Your Favorite Place in Your House? 777. What’s Your Favorite Room? 778. How Important Is Keeping a Clean House? 779. Do You Need to De-Clutter Your Life? 780. Does Keeping a Messy Desk Make People More Creative? 781. Do You Plan on Saving Any of Your Belongings for the Future? 782. With Your Home in Danger, What Would You Try to Save? 783. What Would You Grab in a Fire? 784. What Would You Put in Your Emergency ‘Go-Bag’? 785. Who Lived Long Ago Where You Live Now? 786. What Would Your Dream Home Be Like?

Money & Social Class

787. What Are Your Expectations About Earning, Saving and Spending Money? 788. What Choices Do You Make About Money Every Day? 789. Are You a Saver or a Spender? 790. What Have Your Parents Taught You About Money? 791. Do You Expect Your Parents to Give You Money? 792. How Much Financial Help Do You Expect From Your Parents in the Future? 793. How Important a Role Has Money, Work or Social Class Played in Your Life? 794. Do You See Great Disparities of Wealth in Your Community? 895. Is It Possible to Start Out Poor in This Country, Work Hard and Become Well-Off? 896. Should Rich People Have to Pay More Taxes? 897. Do We Need a Higher Minimum Wage? 898. Can Money Buy You Happiness? 899. Does Buying and Accumulating More and More Stuff Make Us Happier? 800. What Are the Best Things in Life and Are They Free? 801. What Causes Should Philanthropic Groups Finance? 802. Should Charities Focus More on America? 803. What Organizations Do You Think People Should Give to This Holiday Season? 804. Whom, or What, Would You Want to Help With a Crowdfunding Campaign? 805. Do Poor People ‘Have It Easy’? 806. Should People Give Money to Panhandlers? 8

807. What Would You Do if You Won the Lottery? 808. What Superpower Do You Wish You Had? 809. What Era Do You Wish You Had Lived In? 810. Would You Want to Be a Tween or Teen Star? 811. Would You Want to Be a Child Prodigy? 812. Would You Want to Grow Up in the Public Eye? 813. What Kind of Robot Would You Want? 814. What Fantasy Invention Would You Want to Exist in Reality? 815. What Would You Outsource if You Could? 816. What Would You Like to Learn on Your Own? 817. What Would You Be Willing to Wait in a Really Long Line For? 818. If You Were a Super Rich Philanthropist, What Causes Would You Support? 819. What Would You Do if You Were President? 820. What Famous Person Would You Like to Visit Your School? 821 Who Would Be the Ideal Celebrity Neighbor? 822. What Do You Want to Be Doing When You’re 80? 823. Do You Want to Live to 100? 824. What Do You Want Your Obituary to Say? 825. What Do You Want to Be Known for After Your Death? 826. Would You Like to Be Cryogenically Preserved (Frozen!) Upon Your Death? 827. If the World Was Ending, What Would You Want to Say? 828. What Items Would You Place in a Time Capsule for Future Generations?

Social Life & Leisure Time

829. Do You Spend Enough Time With Other People? 830. How Often Do You Spend One-on-One Time With Your Closest Friends? 831. Do You Have a Best Friend? 832. Do You Find It Easier to Make New Friends Online or In Person? 833. How Good a Friend Are You? 834. Do You Like Your Friends? 835. What Fads Are You and Your Friends Into Right Now? 836. How Have You Helped a Friend in a Time of Need? 837. Do You Have Any Unlikely Friendships? 838. How Do You Feel About Introducing Friends from Different Parts of Your Life? 839. Do You Ever ‘Mix It Up’ and Socialize With Different People at School? 840. Is Competitiveness an Obstacle to Making or Keeping Friendships? 841. How Should You Handle the End of a Friendship? 842. Have You Ever Felt Left Out?

Dating & Sex

843. Have You Ever Been in Love? 844. What Advice Would You Give to Somebody Who Just Started Dating? 845. Are You Allowed to Date? 846. Is Dating a Thing of the Past? 847. How Do You Think Technology Affects Dating? 848. What Are the Basic ‘Rules’ for Handling Breakups? 849. What’s the Best Way to Get Over a Breakup? 850. What’s the Best Way to Heal a Broken Heart? 851. What Are the Most Meaningful Relationships in Your Life? 852. What Are Your Beliefs About Marriage? 853. Should Couples Live Together Before Marriage? 854. Should Your Significant Other Be Your Best Friend? 855. Could Following These Directions Make You Fall in Love With a Stranger? 856. How Should Children Be Taught About Puberty and Sex? 857. Is Hookup Culture Leaving Your Generation Unhappy and Unprepared for Love? 858. Are Affirmative Consent Rules a Good Idea? 859. Should Birth Control Pills Be Available to Teenage Girls Without a Prescription? 860. Should the Morning-After Pill Be Sold Over the Counter to People Under 17? 861. How Big of a Problem Is Sexting? 862. What Advice Should Parents and Counselors Give Teenagers About Sexting? 863. How Should Parents Address Internet Pornography? 864. Do You Think Porn Influences the Way Teenagers Think About Sex? 865. How Did You Learn About Sex?

Looks & Fashion

866. Are Models Too Skinny? 867. Is There Too Much Pressure on Girls to Have ‘Perfect’ Bodies? 868. How Much Pressure Do Boys Face to Have the Perfect Body? 869. Have You Inherited Your Parents’ Attitudes Toward Their Looks? 870. Has Anyone Ever Said That You Look Like Someone Famous? 871. What Is Your All-Time Favorite Piece of Clothing? 872. Do You Have a Signature Clothing Item? 873. What’s Your Favorite T-Shirt? 874. Do You Care What You Wear? 875. Does What You Wear Say Anything About You as a Person? 876. Should You Always Have the Right to Wear What You Want? 877. What Does Your Hairstyle Say About You? 878. What’s on Your Fashion Shopping List? 879. Are You a Sneaker Head? 880. How Far Would You Go for Fashion? 881. Should You Care About the Health and Safety of Those Making Your Clothing? 882. What Are the Hot Fashion Trends at Your School Right Now? 883. What Current Trends Annoy You? 884. Do ‘Saggy Pants’ Mean Disrespect? 885. Would You Ever Consider Getting a Tattoo? 886. Who Should Decide Whether a Teenager Can Get a Tattoo or Piercing? 887. What Are Your Opinions on Cosmetic Surgery? 888. Do Photoshopped Images Make You Feel Bad About Your Own Looks? 889. Doctored Photos: O.K. or Not? 890. How Important Is It to Be Attractive in Our Society?

Meals & Food

891. What Foods Bring Up Special Memories for You? 892. What Are the Most Memorable Meals You’ve Ever Had? 893. What’s Your Favorite Holiday Food Memory? 894. What’s Your Comfort Food? 895. What Are Your Favorite Junk Foods? 896. What’s Your Favorite Candy? 897. What’s Your Favorite Sandwich? 898. What Convenience Foods Make You Happy? 899. Are You Now, or Have You Ever Been, a Picky Eater? 900. What Are Your ‘Food Rules’? 901. What Messages About Food and Eating Have You Learned From Your Family? 902. How Often Does Your Family Eat Together? 903. How Much Food Does Your Family Waste? 904. Have You Ever Experienced Food Insecurity? 905. Is Breakfast Really the Most Important Meal of the Day? 906. Do You Prefer Your Tacos ‘Authentic’ or ‘Appropriated’? 907. What Food Would You Like to Judge in a Taste-Off? 908. Do You Cook? 909. What Would You Most Like to Learn to Cook or Bake? 910. What Do You Eat During the School Day? 911. Do You Eat Cafeteria Food? 912. Is School Lunch Really All That Bad? 913. Do You Think a Healthier School Lunch Program Is a Lost Cause? 914. Should French Fries and Pizza Sauce Count as Vegetables? 915. Are Your Eating Habits Healthy? 916. How Concerned Are You About Where Your Food Comes From? 917. Is It Ethical to Eat Meat? 918. Do You Pay Attention to Calorie Counts for Food? 919. Do You Pay Attention to Nutrition Labels on Food? 920. Should Sugary Drinks Be Taxed? 921. Should the Government Limit the Size of Sugary Drinks? 922. Should Teenagers Think Twice Before Downing Energy Drinks? 923. Do You Eat Too Quickly? 924. Are Manners Important? 925. What Are Your Favorite Restaurants? 926. What Restaurant Would You Most Like to Review? 927. How Long Is It O.K. to Linger in a Cafe or Restaurant? 928. Should Restaurants Do Away With Tipping?

Sports & Games

929. What’s the Most Impressive Sports Moment You’ve Seen? 930. Who Is Your Favorite Athlete, and Why? 931. Who Are Your Sports Heroes? 932. What Sports Teams Do You Root For? 933. When Has a Sports Team Most Disappointed You? 934. Do You Participate in March Madness? 935. Does Being a Fan Help Define Who You Are? 936. How Far Would You Go to Express Loyalty to Your Favorite Teams? 937. How Much Should Fans Be Allowed to Distract Opposing Teams? 938. What Fan Memorabilia Would You Pay Big Bucks For? 939. Are You a Fair-Weather Fan? 940. Are You a Football Fan? 941. Do You Watch the Super Bowl? 942. Should Parents Let Their Children Play Football? 943. Should High Schools Drop Football Because Too Many Players Are Getting Injured? 944. If Football Is So Dangerous to Players, Should We Be Watching It? 945. Are Some Youth Sports Too Intense? 946. Does a Championship Game Always Need to Have a Winner (and a Loser)? 947. Should There Be Stricter Rules About How Coaches Treat Their Players? 948. Do Fans Put Too Much Pressure on Their Favorite Professional Athletes? 949. Does Better Sports Equipment Unfairly Improve Athletic Ability? 950. Should Technology in Sports Be Limited? 951. What Extreme Sports Interest You Most? 952. Are Some Extreme Sports Too Extreme? 953. Is Cheerleading a Sport? 954. Should Cheerleading Be an Olympic Sport? 955. Has Baseball Lost Its Cool? 956. Do Sports Teams Have a Responsibility to Hold Players to a Standard for Their Personal Conduct? 957. Should Athletes Who Dope Have to Forfeit Their Titles and Medals? 958. How Big a Deal Is It That an N.B.A. Player Came Out as Gay? 959. Should Women’s Basketball Lower the Rims? 960. Should College Football Players Get Paid? 961. Should Colleges Fund Wellness Programs Instead of Sports? 962. Where Should Colleges and Sports Teams Draw the Line in Selling Naming Rights? 963. Is ‘Redskins’ an Offensive Name for a Team? 964. Is It Offensive for Sports Teams to Use Native American Names and Mascots? 965. What Are Your Thoughts on Sports Betting? 966. Should Sports Betting Be Legal Everywhere? 967. How Young Is Too Young to Climb Mount Everest? 968. Should Girls and Boys Sports Teams Compete in the Same League? 969. Why Do You Play Sports? 970. What Kinds of Games and Puzzles Do You Like? 971. Do You Enjoy Playing Games or Solving Puzzles? 972. What Are Your Favorite Board Games? 973. What Are Your Favorite Games? 974. What Rules Would You Like to See Changed in Your Favorite Sports? 975. How Would You Change Your Favorite Sport? 976. What Game Would You Like to Redesign?

977. Where Do You Want to Travel? 978. What Is Your Fantasy Vacation? 979. What Would Your Fantasy Road Trip Be Like? 980. What Crazy Adventure Would You Want to Take? 981. What Local ‘Microadventures’ Would You Like to Go On? 982. How Would You Spend Your Ideal Family Vacation? 983. How Has Travel Affected You? 984. What Kind of Tourist Are You? 985. What Are the Best Souvenirs You’ve Ever Collected While Traveling? 986. What Famous Landmarks Have You Visited? 987. What’s the Coolest Thing You’ve Ever Seen in Nature? 988. What Do You Think You Would Learn From Traveling to All 50 States? 989. How Much Do You Know About the Rest of the World? 990. Would You Like to Live in Another Country? 991. Would You Want to Be a Space Tourist? 992. If You Could Time-Travel, Where Would You Go? 993. How Good Is Your Sense of Direction?

Holidays & Seasons

994. How Do You Celebrate Your Birthday? 995. Should the United States Celebrate Columbus Day? 996. A Short Fall Break, but What Should We Call It? 997. Will You Be Wearing a Halloween Costume This Year? 998. When Does a Halloween Costume Cross the Line? 999. Should Halloween Costumes Portray Only ‘Positive Images’? 1,000. Dressing Up Like Creepy Clowns: Freedom of Expression or Public Nuisance? 1,001. Do You Like Scary Movies and Books? 1,002. What Is the Scariest Story You Have Ever Heard? 1,003. Do You Believe in Ghosts? 1,004. Do You Believe in Astrology? 1,005. What Are Your Thanksgiving Traditions? 1,006. Will Your Family Members Disagree With Each Other About Politics This Thanksgiving? 1,007. What Has Been Your Most Memorable Thanksgiving? 1,008. What Do You Look Forward to Most – and Least – During the Holiday Season? 1,009. What Are Your Tips for Enjoying the Holiday Season? 1,010. How Will You Spend the Holiday Break? 1,011. What Does Santa Claus Mean to You? 1,012. Do You Look Forward to New Year’s Eve? 1,013. Do You Make New Year’s Resolutions? 1,014. How Do You Fight the Winter Blues? 1,015. What Would You Do on a Snow Day? 1,016. What Are Your Experiences With Severe Weather? 1,017. How Do You Feel About Valentine’s Day? 1,018. How Do You Celebrate Spring? 1,019. What Would Your Fantasy Spring Break Be Like? 1,020. What Are You Looking Forward to This Summer? 1,021. What Would Your Ideal Summer Camp Be Like? 1,022. What Are Your Favorite Summer Hangouts? 1,023. What’s Your Favorite Summer Food? 1,024. What Is Your Favorite Summer Movie? 1,025. What’s on Your Summer Reading List? 1,026. Do You Have a Summer Job? 1,027. What Did This Summer Teach You? 1,028. Do You Choose Summer Activities to Look Good on Applications? 1,029. What Are the Best Things You Did This Summer? 1,030. How Do You Prepare to Go Back to School? 1,031. How Can People Make the Most of Long Holiday Weekends? 1,032. What’s Your Sunday Routine? 1,033. What Work, Sport or Pastime Do You Like to Do at Night? 1,034. Would Life Be Better Without Time Zones?

Shopping & Cars

1,035. Do You Ever Hang Out at the Mall? 1,036. How Would You Make Over Your Mall? 1,037. Do You Shop at Locally Owned Businesses? 1,038. What’s Your Favorite Store? 1,039. To What Company Would You Write a Letter of Complaint or Admiration? 1,040. To What Business Would You Like to Give Advice? 1,041. Do Politics Ever Influence How or Where You Shop? 1,042. Do Companies Have a Responsibility to Contribute Positively to Society? 1,043. Should We Think Twice Before Buying Online? 1,044. Is Amazon Becoming Too Powerful? 1,045. How Much Do You Trust Online Reviews? 1,046. Should Companies Collect Information About You? 1,047. Could You Stop Shopping for an Entire Year? 1,048. What Are the Best Things You’ve Acquired Secondhand? 1,049. Did You Take Part in Any Post-Thanksgiving Shopping? 1,050. What Time Should Black Friday Sales Start? 1,051. How Important Is It to Have a Driver’s License? 1,052. Are You a Good Driver? 1,053. Do You Have a Dream Car? 1,054. Would You Like to Ride in a Car That Drives Itself? 1,055. Should Distracted Driving Be Punished Like Drinking and Driving? 1,056. Should Texting While Driving Be Illegal in Every State? 1,057. Is Drinking and Driving Still a Problem for Teenagers? 1,058. If Teenagers Are Such Bad Drivers, Should They Be Allowed to Drive? 1,059. Are Self-Driving Vehicles the Wave of the Future?

Science & Health

Science & Environment

1,060. How Green Are You? 1,061. How Do You Try to Reduce Your Impact on the Environment? 1,062. Do You Ever Feel Guilty About What, or How Much, You Throw Away? 1,063. What Could You Live Without? 1,064. Should Single-Use Plastic Shopping Bags Be Banned? 1,065. What Are Your Thoughts About Wind Power? 1,066. Do We Crank Up the A.C. Too High? 1,067. How Concerned Are You About Climate Change? 1,068. How Should Nations and Individuals Address Climate Change? 1,069. If You Were President, What Would You Do About Climate Change? 1,070. Should Schools Teach About Climate Change? 1,071. How Do You Celebrate Earth Day? 1,072. Should Developers Be Allowed to Build in and Near the Grand Canyon? 1,073. Should Scientists Try to Help People Beat Old Age So We Can Live Longer Lives? 1,074. Should Extinct Animals Be Resurrected? If So, Which Ones? 1,075. How Do You Think Dinosaurs Went Extinct? 1,076. Given Unlimited Resources, What Scientific or Medical Problem Would You Investigate? 1,077. What Are the Five Greatest Inventions of All Time? 1,078. What Would You Invent to Make the World a Better Place? 1,079. When Is It O.K. to Replace Human Limbs With Technology? 1,080. Should Fertilized Eggs Be Given Legal ‘Personhood’? 1,081. Do You Think Life Exists — or Has Ever Existed — Somewhere Besides Earth? 1,082. Do You Believe in Intelligent Alien Life? 1,083. Will Humans Live on Mars Someday? 1,084. Would You Want to Be a Space Tourist? 1,085. What Would You Name a New Star or Planet?

Animals & Pets

1,086. How Do You Feel About Zoos? 1,087. Do Gorillas Belong in Zoos? 1,088. Is It Unethical for a Zoo to Kill a Healthy Giraffe? 1,089. Should Farm Animals Have More Legal Protections? 1,090. Is It Wrong to Focus on Animal Welfare When Humans Are Suffering? 1,091. Is It Ethical to Genetically Engineer Animals? 1,092. When Is Animal Testing Justified? 1,093. Should Certain Animals Have Some of the Same Legal Rights As People? 1,094. Should Circuses Be Animal Free? 1,095. Is This Exhibit Animal Cruelty or Art? 1,096. Should You Go to Jail for Kicking a Cat? 1,097. Should You Feel Guilty About Killing Spiders, Ants or Other Bugs? 1,098. Should Emotional Support Animals Be Allowed on College Campuses? 1,099. Are Emotional-Support Animals a Scam? 1,100. What Are the Animals in Your Life? 1,101. What’s Your Relationship Like With Your Pet? 1,102. How Well Do You Know Your Pet? 1,103. Should We Be Concerned With Where We Get Our Pets? 1,104. What Does a President’s Choice of Pet — or Choice Not to Have a Pet at All — Say About Him? 1,105. What Have You Learned From Animals? 1,106. What Are Your Thoughts on Cats? 1,107. Would You Want to Hang Out at a Cat Cafe? 1,108. Why Do We Love Watching Animal Videos So Much? 1,109. What Are Your Most Memorable Stories About Wildlife?

Exercise & Health

1,110. Do You Like to Exercise? 1,111. Do You Get Enough Exercise? 1,112. How Has Exercise Changed Your Health, Your Body or Your Life? 1,113. How Much Do You Think About Your Weight? 1,114. How Often Do You Engage in ‘Fat Talk’? 1,115. What Are Your Healthy Habits? 1,116. What Health Tips Have Worked for You? 1,117. What Rules Do You Have for Staying Healthy? 1,118. What Habits Do You Have, and Have You Ever Tried to Change Them? 1,119. Do You Have Any Bad Health Habits? 1,120. How Careful Are You in the Sun? 1,121. Do We Worry Too Much About Germs? 1,122. How Well Do You Sleep? 1,123. What Are Your Sleep Habits? 1,124. How Much of a Priority Do You Make Sleep? 1,125. Do You Get Enough Sleep? 1,126. Should the Drinking Age Be Lowered? 1,127. Should the Legal Age to Purchase Tobacco Be Raised From 18 to 21? 1,128. Should E-Cigarettes Be Banned for Teenagers? 1,129. Do You Vape? Is Smoking Still a Problem Among Teenagers? 1,130. Are Antismoking Ads Effective? 1,131. Should Marijuana Be Legal? 1,132. Should Students Be Required to Take Drug Tests? 1,133. Should Middle School Students Be Drug Tested? 1,134. How Common Is Drug Use in Your School? 1,135. If You Drink or Use Drugs, Do Your Parents Know? 1,136. Is Your School a ‘Party School’? 1,137. Have You Been To Parties That Have Gotten Out of Control? 1,138. Why Is Binge Drinking So Common Among Young People in the United States? 1,139. Should Universities Work to Curtail Student Drinking? 1,140. Would You Ever Go Through Hazing to Be Part of a Group?

Civics & History

Guns & the Justice System

1,141. What Are Some Answers to America’s Gun Violence? 1,142. What Should Lawmakers Do About Guns and Gun Violence? 1,143. Can High School Students Make a Real Impact on the Problem of Gun Violence in the United States? 1,144. What Do You Think of the #WalkUpNotOut Movement? 1,145. How Should We Prevent Future Mass Shootings? 1,146. Are We Becoming ‘Numb’ to School Shootings? 1,147. Would You Feel Safer With Armed Guards Patrolling Your School? 1,148. Should Teachers Be Armed With Guns? 1,149. Should Guns Be Permitted on College Campuses? 1,150. Would Arming College Students Help Prevent Sexual Assaults on Campus? 1,151. Where Do You Stand on Unconcealed Handguns? 1,152. What Is Your Relationship With Guns? 1,153. What Should Be the Purpose of Prison? 1,154. Should Prisons Offer Incarcerated People Education Opportunities? 1,155. Should Felons Be Allowed to Vote After They Have Served Their Time? 1,156. Should the United States Stop Using the Death Penalty? 1,157. What Do You Think of the Police Tactic of Stop-and-Frisk? 1,158. When Should Juvenile Offenders Receive Life Sentences? 1,159. Do Rich People Get Off Easier When They Break the Law? 1,160. Should All Police Officers Wear Body Cameras? 1,161. Should Prostitution Be Legal? 1,162. Should Physician-Assisted Suicide Be Legal in Every State? 1,163. Should Terminally Ill Patients Be Allowed to Die on Their Own Terms?

Government Policy

1,164. How Strong Is Your Faith in American Democracy? 1,165. Is America Headed in the Right Direction? 1,166. What Do American Values Mean to You? 1,167. Do You Think It Is Important for Teenagers to Participate in Political Activism? 1,168. How Would You Like to Help Our World? 1,169. What Cause Would Get You Into the Streets? 1,170. Have Your Ever Taken Part in a Protest? 1,171. What Would You Risk Your Life For? 1,172. When Have You Spoken Out About Something You Felt Had to Change? 1,173. Should the Voting Age Be Lowered to 16? 1,174. Should Voting Be Mandatory? 1,175. Does Voting for a Third-Party Candidate Mean Throwing Away Your Vote? 1,176. Do You Consider Yourself a Republican, Democrat or Independent? 1,177. If You Were Governor of Your State, How Would You Spend a Budget Surplus? 1,178. What Local Problems Do You Think Your Mayor Should Try to Solve? 1,179. Should the United States Care That It’s Not No. 1? 1,180. Do You Trust Your Government? 1,181. What Do You Think of President Trump’s Use of Twitter? 1,182. What Do You Think the Role of the First Lady — or First Spouse — Should Be Today? 1,183. What Is More Important: Our Privacy or National Security? 1,184. When Is the Use of Military Force Justified? 1,185. When Should Countries Negotiate With Their Traditional Enemies? 1,186. Should the U.S. Be Spying on Its Friends? 1,187. Should Countries Pay Ransoms to Free Hostages Held by Terrorists? 1,188. What Responsibility Do We Have to Take In Refugees From Global Humanitarian Crises? 1,189. Should Millions of Undocumented Immigrants Be Allowed to Live in the U.S. Without Fear of Getting Deported? 1,190. Should the Government Allow ‘Dreamers’ to Stay in the U.S. Without Fear of Being Deported? 1,191. Are Children of Illegal Immigrants Entitled to a Public Education? 1,192. What Do We Owe Our Veterans?

History & News

1,193. What Event in the Past Do You Wish You Could Have Witnessed? 1,194. What Are the Most Important Changes, in Your Life and in the World, in the Last Decade? 1,195. What National or International Events That You Lived Through Do You Remember Best? 1,196. What Famous Figure From the Past Fascinates You Most? 1,197. What Does Dr. King’s Legacy Mean to You? 1,198. Who Do You Think Has Been ‘Overlooked’ By History? 1,199. What Recent Events Will Most Likely Be Featured in History Museums Someday? 1,200. Why Should We Care About Events in Other Parts of the World? 1,201. What News Stories Are You Following? 1,202. How Do You Get Your News? 1,203. Are You Having More Conversations With Friends and Family About Politics? 1,204. What Is Your Reaction to the Recent Flood of Breaking Political News? 1,205. Do You Ever Get the ‘Bad News Blues’? 1,206. Are We Being Bad Citizens If We Don’t Keep Up With the News? 1,207. Is Your Online World Just a ‘Filter Bubble’ of People With the Same Opinions? 1,208. Do Your Friends on Social Media All Have the Same Political Opinions You Do? 1,209. How Do You Know if What You Read Online Is True? 1,210. Do You Think You Can Tell When Something Is ‘Fake News’? 1,211. Do You Believe in Online Conspiracy Theories? 1,212. What Are Your Experiences With Internet-Based Urban Legends? 1,213. Are Political Memes Dangerous to Democracy? 1,214. Should National Monuments Be Protected by the Government? 1,215. Should Confederate Statues Be Removed or Remain in Place? 1,216. What Supreme Court Cases, Now or in the Past, Interest You Most? 1,217. Should Free Speech Protections Include Self Expression That Discriminates? 1,218. Is It O.K. to Refuse to Serve Same-Sex Couples Based on Religious Beliefs? 1,219. What Will You Remember About President Obama and His Legacy?

Many of the questions above are still open to comment, though not all.

A few questions have been removed from this list since it was originally published.

Teachers, please let us know in the comments how you use this list, or any of our previous prompts lists, in your classes.

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Top 50 Personal Essay Topics

You might be set a personal essay as a criterion for your admission to college or it might be set at any time during your academic career. A personal essay is essentially a form of self-expression. It draws on other essay formats – like a narrative essay – but of all academic assignments it is the loosest and least dogmatic. It can be more prosaic than other more technical formats demand. Whatever form, at its core is the presentation of your experience or emotions. It is a time when you can find your muse and really express yourself in the written word.

• I went to college to say thank you to my parents
• How being bullied made me the person I am today
• William Blake is the poet I most admire
• My spirit of adventure
• How I propose to spend the long vacation
• Why I am taking a gap year
• What the “art of conversation” means to me
• Why I left Facebook
• I want to be able to drink legally before I’m 21
• How being in a band helped my leadership skills
• Why I chose a career in the medical field (or any other field)
• My first experience as a babysitter
• Becoming an older sister (or brother)
• I will be a lifelong learner
• My father (mother) is my hero
• Life skills I learned in college
• Why I love the Golden Age of Hollywood
• Chocolate is my comfort food
• The reasons I keep a food diary
• The bravest thing I have ever done
• The one thing I would change about the world
• I will never forget the day that …
• The advice I would give to a new high school student
• My siblings and childhood
• How I would spend $1 million
• The place I would most like to live
• The proudest moment of my life so far
• Did I feel pressured into going to college?
• Why I joined an online dating site
• I wish I had looked after my teeth
• The things I learned from my grandmother (father)
• I’m proud to be a Millennial
• The way I deal with my allergies
• Why opera moves me so much
• My love of Shakespeare
• I will never prefer eBooks over printed books
• Why pole dancing is my favorite form of exercise
• I wasn’t allowed a pet as a child. Today I have 5 pets.
• Why marine pollution breaks my heart
• I took a gap year but wish I had traveled more
• Why I plant a new tree every year
• I do not use social media
• I wish my mother had taught me to cook
• Visiting museums has taught me a great deal
• Monet and Van Gogh are my favorite artists
• An eclectic music taste makes me interesting
• I want to enter local politics in my 40s
• It’s time I learned to appreciate my Irish roots
• There was a time when …
• If I ruled the world …

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How to Masterfully Describe Your Personality in an Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide 2023

Introduction

Step 1: self-reflection and introspection, step 2: identifying core values and beliefs, step 3: gathering evidence and examples.

• Step 4: Show, don't tell

Step 5: Structuring your essay effectively

Step 6: balancing self-awareness and humility, step 7: seeking feedback and editing.

Describing your personality in an essay is not simply an exercise in self-expression; it is a transformative process that allows you to artfully communicate and convey the intricate nuances of your character to the reader. By delving into the depths of your self-awareness, personal growth, and the values that serve as the compass guiding your actions and decisions, you embark on a journey of self-discovery and introspection. In this comprehensive step-by-step guide , we will navigate the intricacies of crafting a compelling personality description in your essay, providing you with the necessary tools to masterfully articulate your unique qualities, experiences, and perspectives.

At its core, the act of describing your personality in an essay is an opportunity to authentically showcase who you are. It is a platform to illuminate the multifaceted nature of your being, unveiling the layers that make you distinct and individual. Through self-reflection and introspection , you delve into the recesses of your soul, gaining a deeper understanding of your own personality traits and characteristics. This process of self-exploration allows you to unearth the strengths that define you and the weaknesses that provide opportunities for growth.

Identifying your core values and beliefs is another essential step in effectively describing your personality. By exploring your fundamental principles and ideals, you gain insight into the motivations behind your actions and the driving force behind your decisions . These values serve as the undercurrent that weaves together the fabric of your personality, giving coherence and purpose to your thoughts and behaviors. Understanding how your personality traits align with your core values enables you to articulate a more comprehensive and authentic depiction of yourself.

To breathe life into your personality description, it is crucial to gather evidence and examples that showcase your traits in action. Recall specific instances where your personality has manifested itself, and examine the behaviors, thoughts, and emotions that were present. By drawing on these concrete examples, you provide tangible proof of your personality claims, allowing the reader to envision your character in vivid detail.

However, it is not enough to simply tell the reader about your personality traits; you must show them through vivid and descriptive language. By employing sensory details and evocative storytelling, you paint a vibrant picture that engages the reader’s imagination. It is through this artful depiction that your personality comes to life on the page, leaving a lasting impression.

Crafting an effective structure for your essay is also paramount to conveying your personality in a coherent and engaging manner. A well-structured essay captivates the reader from the outset with an engaging introduction that sets the tone and grabs their attention. Organizing your essay around key personality traits or themes creates a logical progression of ideas, enabling a seamless flow from one aspect of your personality to the next. This careful structuring enhances the readability and impact of your essay, allowing the reader to follow your journey of self-expression with ease.

In describing your personality, it is essential to strike a delicate balance between self-awareness and humility. While it is important to acknowledge your strengths and accomplishments, it is equally crucial to avoid sounding arrogant. Honesty about your weaknesse s and areas for growth demonstrates humility and a willingness to learn from experiences, fostering personal growth and development.

Also, seeking feedback and diligently editing your essay play a vital role in refining your personality description. Sharing your work with trusted individuals allows for constructive criticism, providing valuable insights into how effectively your personality is being portrayed. By carefully incorporating this feedback and paying attention to grammar, punctuation, and clarity, you can ensure that your essay is polished and ready to make a lasting impression . Below are the step by step guide on how to masterfully describe your personality in an essay

Before diving into writing, take the time to deeply understand your own personality traits and characteristics. Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses , considering how they have influenced your actions and interactions with others. Additionally, contemplate significant life experiences that have shaped your personality, providing valuable insights into who you are today.

Your core values and beliefs are the guiding principles that define your character. Explore what truly matters to you and the ideals that drive your decisions . By connecting your personality traits to these fundamental values, you create a more comprehensive understanding of yourself, providing a solid foundation for your essay.

To effectively describe your personality, draw upon specific instances where your traits were on display. Recall experiences that highlight your behavior, thoughts, and emotions. By utilizing concrete examples, you lend credibility to your claims about your personality, allowing the reader to envision your character in action.

Step 4: Show, don’t tell

Avoid falling into the trap of generic and vague descriptions. Instead, use vivid language and sensory details to bring your personality to life. Engage the reader’s imagination by painting a clear picture through storytelling. Let them experience your traits firsthand, making your essay more engaging and memorable.

Crafting a well-structured essay is crucial for conveying your personality in a coherent and engaging manner. Begin with an attention-grabbing introduction that captivates the reader’s interest. Organize your essay around key personality traits or themes, ensuring a logical progression of ideas. Maintain a smooth flow between paragraphs, enhancing the overall readability of your essay.

While it’s essential to highlight your strengths, be careful not to come across as arrogant. Emphasize your accomplishments and positive attributes without boasting. Simultaneously, be honest about your weaknesses and areas for growth , demonstrating humility and a willingness to learn from experiences. This balance showcases maturity and self-awareness.

Sharing your essay with trusted individuals can provide valuable perspectives and constructive criticism. Seek feedback from mentors, teachers, or friends who can offer insights into your essay’s strengths and areas that need improvement. Revise and refine your essay based on this feedback, paying close attention to grammar, punctuation, and clarity.

Incorporating these steps and techniques will allow you to masterfully describe your personality in an essay, capturing the essence of who you are in a compelling and authentic manner. Whether you are writing personality essays, an essay about personalities, or an essay on personality, the introduction of your personality essay should create a strong impression. It serves as a gateway for the reader to delve into your unique characteristics and perspectives. By effectively integrating these steps and maintaining a balanced approach, you can create a personality essay introduction that sets the stage for a captivating exploration of your individuality. So, how would you describe yourself? Use these guidelines and examples to express your personality with confidence and authenticity in your essay.

Mastering the art of describing your personality in an essay allows you to authentically express yourself and connect with readers on a deeper level. By embracing self-reflection and emphasizing personal growth, you create a c ompelling narrative that showcases your unique qualities. So, embark on this journey of self-expression and let your personality shine through your writing. Embrace authenticity, as it is through effective self-expression that personal growth and understanding can flourish.

If you’re looking for professional essay writing and editing services, GradeSmiths is here to help. With a team of experienced writers and editors, GradeSmiths offers reliable and high-quality assistance to students in need of essay support. Whether you need help with essay writing, editing, proofreading, or refining your content, GradeSmiths can provide the expertise you require. Their dedicated team is committed to delivering well-crafted essays that meet academic standards and showcase your unique ideas and voice. With GradeSmiths, you can trust that your essay will receive the attention and care it deserves.

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10 Steps to Express Yourself Better in Writing - The Ready Writers

Good writers are able to fully express themselves with words.

But with so much flowing through the chambers of your mind, it is not easy to concisely find just the right words to express yourself, your idea, and your emotions. What phrases convey exactly what you’re thinking? How do you express yourself while keeping your reader following a logical description, dialogue or argument?

Even the briefest of outlines can help organize a thought process. Construction of a paragraph is worth studying.

When you’re writing an essay , for example, your topic sentence needs to lead a reader into a place, followed with supporting details or explanations.

Once it is done, move on. Going into too much depth or unnecessary detail will lose a reader, or bore them, or sound redundant.

2. Write like you talk

Some writers feel the best way to get their ideas on paper is to start with an oral representation.

You might try to dictate or narrate into a recording device or software program like Dragon  to hear what you are saying and then proceed to write or have the software do it for you.

What you produce will still require your editing and proofreading, but it will help you find a language tone that is suitable for your audience.

3. Mind your tone

Your words express who you are, your character and personality. Never has this been more true than today when so much of our communication happens through writing, whether you’re texting, posting on  Facebook , or writing an essay or a blog post.

Not only does your written work have to be pin-perfect in spelling and grammar, but it has to say something and leave the reader with an impression.

Ever had an email that you felt was yelling at you? Why was that? Could it have been the bold underlining and the excessive use of exclamation marks? Sometimes, additions like this are useful, and create a sense of urgency, but likewise, not using the right tone can leave your message flat and unimpressive.

Find a tone that works for the message or information you are trying to convey and test it out orally, or in print on someone objective, before publishing

4. Use Imagery

Whether you picture a place, a person or an object, your ability to describe it clearly has to transpire to your reader. Use a physical approach: describe a person top to bottom, an event in chronological order, and an object in a tactile or sensory way.

If you think your words will leave the reader with the same picture in their mind that you had in yours to begin with, you have succeeded!

5. Write Dialogue

When you write dialogue dialogue, use simple language, and keep your sentences concise, but with a peppering of emotion.

6. Share inner thoughts and voices

Sometimes the best way to express yourself is through feelings rather than concrete ideas. Novelists have an ability to take what a character is thinking and use it to further develop them and their actions.

7. Answer questions

If you can put yourself in the position of the reader, perhaps you will find that what you’re writing poses certain questions. Explaining and describing the necessary information will engage your reader. However, take care to not extend beyond the concise and relevant details.

8. Change Perspectives

Often your thoughts can be developed with better with a change in perspective. Say you’re writing about… home organization. Don’t just think of yourself as the harried housewife with too much clutter, but perhaps the busy executive who walks in the door and adds to the mess every day.

Or… if you are writing about losing weight through a gluten free diet, perhaps you could consider that packaged and ready foods are marketed poorly for people with this need. Step inside the viewpoint of another to express thoughts you perhaps hadn’t explored.

9. Practice

Perhaps in high school, you might recall studying précis writing in your English classes. There is a skill to being able to take a lengthy text and rewriting it down to a concise shorter piece.

To get really good at writing with brevity, use articles from a newspaper, or content from websites to practice the art of taking lengthy pieces and finding more concise language to still convey the same message.

Use synonyms. Take out overly technical language. Use stronger words that have better meanings than lengthy phrases or descriptions. Combine thoughts into one sentence. Learn how to use the semi-colon .

10. Edit, edit … and edit again

This is nothing new. Writers review what they have written all the time. Some walk away from their work and return to it after a time lapse, to look at it with somewhat of a fresh approach. Others hand it over to a second party which can give an objective review. Regardless of the method, rarely is something publishable shortly after it is written. Writing is a craft, and craftsmanship takes time and precision to develop.

Expressing yourself in the written form is not easy. Even the greatest writers past and present have their frustrations. Learning to understand that writing is a process, always changing and moving, a living thing is some ways, is to understand that it is the form of communication that represents us when we are not there to be ourselves. Find the right words until less is more becomes your mantra.

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Self-Expression in Creative Writing

by Melissa Donovan | Aug 6, 2020 | Creative Writing | 4 comments

Do you use creative writing to express yourself?

A lot of people first come to creative writing because they want to express themselves. Emotions are running high, ideas are flying, and opinions are in full supply. What better way to get it all off your chest than writing it down?

Self-expression is the act of giving form to our thoughts, ideas, experiences, and emotions, and it’s the heart and soul of all forms of art.

Creative writing is one of the most flexible and accessible mediums for self-expression. We can put our feelings into abstract poetry or share our real-life experiences in personal essays. We can explore the human condition by writing fiction. And of course, we can delve into our own inner workings by keeping a journal.

The Benefits of Self-Expression

“I write entirely to find out what I’m thinking, what I’m looking at, what I see and what it means. What I want and what I fear.” ―  Joan Didion

There are numerous benefits to self-expression, and the benefits are different for everyone. Some people use morning pages (three pages of handwritten stream-of-consciousness every morning) to purge the clutter from their minds, which can enhance concentration and focus, while others use storytelling to understand sociological and humanitarian issues. Here’s a look at a few common benefits of self-expression:

• Therapeutic: Through writing, we can better understand our problems, focus on fixing them, and find the solutions we need.
• Self-Development: Journaling is encouraged in many fields of self-development, from fitness to career growth. Writing allows us to articulate our goals and track our progress toward achieving them.
• Liberating: It’s liberating to give yourself a personal writing space that isn’t influenced by the possibility of someone else reading what you’ve written. There’s freedom in writing without inhibition.
• Discovery: The act of writing forces you to articulate your thoughts, which often leads to new discoveries. You might discover forgiveness through writing, or you might unearth viewpoints that you didn’t realize you held.
• Catharsis:  Creativity, in general, is cathartic. There’s something thrilling about creating something. But there’s also catharsis in expressing bottled-up feelings and suppressed thoughts, and freeing the mind of its clutter.
• Relationship-building: We cannot forge a relationship of any kind without communication that includes self-expression. Each of us needs to feel understood and heard. By sharing our self-expressive writings with others, we build connections, but it’s just as important to have a healthy relationship with oneself.
• Sharing: Our self-expressions can include knowledge or experiences that we share to benefit others. Our writing could make someone else feel less alone or offer valuable information or wisdom that helps people.
• Validating: Even if we don’t publish or share our written self-expressions, putting our thoughts and feelings down in words can help us acknowledge them and feel validated. Although we might share our writing with others and get a sense of validation from their reception, we don’t need external validation; it’s more powerful if it comes from within.
• Relief: Holding in difficult thoughts and emotions is not healthy. We certainly don’t want to obsess over them and write incessantly about negativity — but it’s healthy to explore these feelings and then find a way to heal and move on. The act of writing about our challenges can be a relief, especially when dealing with private matters that we might not want to share with others.

Best Practices for Self-Expression with Creative Writing

Self-expression can be an exercise in exploring our beliefs, sharing our values, or offering our experiences. You might also want to turn your self-expressions into poems, stories, or essays that people will read. Or maybe you just want to keep a journal that nobody except you ever sees. As you pursue self-expression through creative writing, here are some best practices that you can apply:

Identify a purpose. If you’ve decided to use creative writing for self-expression, take some time to consider your purpose. Are you working through feelings? Sorting out your thoughts? Creating stories and poems that contain your beliefs or values? Are you journaling for self-development or for therapeutic reasons? It always helps to know why you’re doing something and what you hope the results will be.

Be creative. Journals are by far the most common creative writing tool for self-expression. But most types of creative writing contain self-expression, so consider writing essays and poems and stories.

Establish boundaries.  Are you writing for yourself? If you don’t want to share your writing with others, or if you just want to keep it private, take steps to ensure that others don’t have access to your writings. Create a password-protected digital journal or create a burn journal (a notebook you burn when you’re done with it).

Be reflective: If you’re writing about your lived experiences, include your thoughts and feelings about those experiences.

Honesty is the best policy: The best writing is full of truth. Even fiction and poetry, however abstract or fantastical, contain a kind of honesty that comes from the writer being forthright. That means we must embrace who we are. We have to be ourselves. Don’t write what you think people want to hear and don’t hold back your personal truths.

Don’t hold back:  When writing material that is self-expressive, let your truth flow. If your writing is so personal that you’d never want anyone to read it, you can always burn it afterward. If you want to share it, you can always revise it to clean it up for publication. But feeling open and free to express yourself during the initial writing often results in a more cathartic experience.

Acknowledge and appreciate the experience: With self-expression, the act of writing is its own experience. It feels good to let it all out! This is why honesty is the best policy and you shouldn’t hold back. Sometimes it’s painful, other times it’s thrilling, but it’s always a ride. So be present for the experience and take it all in.

How Do You Express Yourself in Writing?

Do you practice self-expression in creative writing? What do you write? Do you keep a diary or journal? Do you write personal essays or poems? Have you ever burned (or otherwise destroyed) a piece of writing that you didn’t want anyone to read? Have you ever produced a self-expressive piece that you wanted to share or publish? Share your thoughts and experiences with self-expression in writing by leaving a comment, and keep writing.

Hello Melissa

You wrote a very interesting article about expressing yourself through your writing.

I am not a great speaker, but I can express myself much better through my writing.

I like writing fiction stories because I have an overactive imagination.

Thank you for this helpful article.

R.G. Ramsey

Thanks for your kind words, R.G. I think a lot of writers are more comfortable with written expression. I’ve thought about this a lot over the years…writing forces us to sort through our thoughts and feelings, which allows us to communicate more clearly and make sure we’re expressing ourselves accurately. Thanks again!

Oh let me count the ways! I have been away from doing any writing to speak outside of intermittent journaling. I scrapbook, but haven’t been able to go to my usual getaways thanks to COVID, and when I am home from work, household duties and appointments interfere with any “brainwork”. But reading this is sparking some of the old desire to put pen to paper. (That requires “butt in chair,” and I sit all day in my paying job, so I like to be more mobile!)

COVID has many of us discombobulated. I’ve lost count of articles from writers saying they haven’t written or they’ve lost their flow or discipline. I’m a bit torn on this: Sometimes I think it’s best to push ourselves and stick with our plans and routines–even in difficult times, doing so can keep us grounded. But other times, world events are just so overwhelming, it’s unreasonable to expect ourselves to be unaffected. We all must find our own balance. The most important thing, of course, is to make sure we’re taking care of ourselves and our loved ones.

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Personal Essay Topics

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• Writing Essays
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A personal essay is an essay about your life, thoughts, or experiences. This type of essay will give readers a glimpse into your most intimate life experiences and life lessons. There are many reasons you may need to write a personal essay , from a simple class assignment to a college application requirement . You can use the list below for inspiration. Consider each statement a starting point, and write about a memorable moment that the prompt brings to mind.

• Your bravest moment
• How you met your best friend
• What makes your mom or dad special
• How you overcame a fear
• Why you will succeed
• Why you made a difficult choice
• A special place
• A place you try to avoid
• When a friend let you down
• An event that changed your life
• A special encounter with an animal
• A time when you felt out of place
• An odd experience that didn't make sense at the time
• Words of wisdom that hit home and changed your way of thinking
• A person that you do not like
• A time when you disappointed someone
• Your fondest memory
• A time when you saw your parent cry
• The moment when you knew you were grown up
• Your earliest memory of holiday celebrations in your home
• Times when you should have made a better choice
• A time when you dodged a dangerous situation
• A person you will think about at the end of your life
• Your favorite time period
• A failure you've experienced
• A disappointment you've experienced
• A surprising turn of events
• What you would do with power
• What superpower you would choose
• If you could switch lives with someone
• How money matters in your life
• Your biggest loss
• A time when you felt you did the wrong thing
• A proud moment when you did the right thing
• An experience that you've never shared with another person
• A special place that you shared with a childhood friend
• A first encounter with a stranger
• Your first handshake
• Where you go to hide
• If you had a do-over
• A book that changed your life
• Words that stung
• When you had the desire to run
• When you had the urge to crawl into a hole
• Words that prompted hope
• When a child taught you a lesson
• Your proudest moment
• If your dog could talk
• Your favorite time with family
• If you could live in another country
• If you could invent something
• The world a hundred years from now
• If you had lived a hundred years earlier
• The animal you'd like to be
• One thing you'd change at your school
• The greatest movie moment
• The type of teacher you would be
• If you could be a building
• A statue you'd like to see
• If you could live anywhere
• The greatest discovery
• If you could change one thing about yourself
• An animal that could be in charge
• Something you can do that robots could never do
• Your most unfortunate day
• Your secret talent
• Your secret love
• The most beautiful thing you've ever seen
• The ugliest thing you've seen
• Something you've witnessed
• An accident that changed everything
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• A secret place
• Something you can't resist
• A hard lesson
• A visitor you'll never forget
• An unexplained event
• Your longest minute
• An awkward social moment
• An experience with death
• Why you'll never tell a lie
• If your mom knew, she'd kill you
• A kiss that meant a lot
• When you needed a hug
• The hardest news you've had to deliver
• A special morning
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50 Engaging Narrative Essay Topics for High Schoolers

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What’s Covered:

Narrative essays vs. analytical essays, how to pick the right narrative essay topic, elements of a strong narrative essay, engaging narrative essay topics for high schoolers, where to get your narrative essay edited for free.

Narrative essays are an extensive form of writing that gives readers the opportunity to follow along as a person goes through a journey or sets of experiences. Rather than providing analytic insight, narrative essays simply share a story and offer a first-person account. These essays may seem easy to write at first, but it takes a certain finesse to write a narrative essay that is interesting, cohesive, and well-researched. Whether you’re looking for a unique topic to write about, or just want some new inspiration, CollegeVine is here to help! These 50 narrative essay topics are engaging, unique and will have you writing in no time.

A narrative essay is a great way to express your personal experiences and opinions, but it is important to remember that this type of essay is different from an analytical paper. In a narrative essay, you do not need to provide background information or explain your thoughts and feelings; instead, you simply tell a story. It’s important to avoid too much telling in your writing; instead, use creative details and vivid imagery to make readers feel as if they are actually right there with you.

Where You Will Encounter Narrative Essays

This type of essay is typically encountered in high school, where students may be required to write personal statements to prepare for their Common App essay . Narrative essays are also commonly seen in AP Language and Composition. Therefore, it’s important you are aware of the style because you are bound to have a narrative essay assignment.  

Of course, before you start writing, it is important to pick the right essay topic. There are many factors involved in the process of picking the perfect narrative essay topic for your story.

You should always choose a topic that you are passionate about, since writing on something you care about will make the process much easier. Not only will it be more interesting to create your paper around something that truly interests you, but it will also allow you to fully express yourself in your essay. You also want to be sure that the topic has enough material to work with. If your chosen topic is too short, you will not have enough content to write a complete paper. For example, if you are writing about your experience getting lost at the mall, make sure that you have enough information to work with to craft an engaging narrative. 

The best topic for an engaging narrative essay is one that focuses on showing versus telling, has a clear structure, and provides a dialogue. These elements come together to form an engaging narrative essay. Regardless of what subject you pick, any topic may be turned into a fascinating, A+ worthy narrative using the tips below.

Show, Don’t Tell

To write a good narrative essay, it’s important to show, not tell. Instead of simply informing your audience, show them what you mean. For example, instead of saying “I was nervous,” you could say “My heart began to race and my stomach filled with butterflies.” Also make sure to use sensory details, such as sights, sounds and tastes, and include a personal reflection at the end of your narrative. 

Begin with a Strong Opening Line

A good narrative essay will begin with an attention-grabbing opening line. But make sure to avoid common clichés, such as “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Instead, come up with something original and specific to you and your situation. For example: “My pre-calc teacher was obsessed with circles. I mean, he even used circular note cards.” Or, “It all started the day my mom brought home a guinea pig.”

Follows a Three-Act Structure

A strong narrative essay follows the same three-act structure as other essays. But in order to make it interesting, you’ll need to come up with a creative way to break things down into sections. For example, using the guinea pig example from above, you could write the following:

• Act 1 – Introduction: The day my mom brought home a guinea pig.
• Act 2 – Conflict: The day I had to say goodbye to my beloved pet.
• Act 3 – Conclusion: Looking back at how much I miss him now that he’s gone.

Conclude with Personal Reflection

To conclude your narrative essay, you’ll want to explain what this specific experience taught you or how you’ve changed. For example, upon realizing that her pre-calc teacher was obsessed with circles, the writer of the previous example begins to notice circular shapes everywhere. Another way to conclude your narrative essay is by touching on how this experience impacted you emotionally. For example, after losing his guinea pig, the writer explains how much he missed it.

Use Dialogue

Include a conversation in your essay to make it come alive. For example, instead of simply saying that you met a new friend, talk about how you introduced yourselves or what they were wearing when you met them.

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The following list of 50 narrative essay topics is divided into categories. This will make it easier to find a topic that fits your writing style.

1. What is a childhood song that still sticks with you today?

2. Your first day of Kindergarten

3. Talk about a time when you’re siblings looked up to you

4. Describe the best birthday party you’ve ever had

5. Talk about the best day you ever spent with a childhood friend

6. Explain your first childhood hobby

7. Describe your first halloween costume

8. A family vacation gone wrong

9. Your first family reunion

10. Describe a tradition that is unique to your family

11. Describe your family to a person who’s never met them before

12. What frustrates you most about your family

13. If you could only keep one memory of your family, what would it be and why?

14. Describe a time your family embarrassed you in public

15. The most beautiful place in the world

16. Your favorite season and why

17. If you were a part of nature, what element would you be? Why?

18. When you go outside, which of your senses are you most thankful to have?

19. Describe the first time you witnessed a tornado 

20. Write a poem about your favorite season

21. Describe yourself as one of the four seasons

22. Describe a time in which you felt connected with nature

23. Describe the first time you played an instrument and how you felt

24. What major event would be much worse if music was removed, and why?

25. If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

26. What would a life without music look like?

27. If you could master one instrument, what would it be and why?

Relationships

28. What if you had never met your best friend?

29. Describe a time when you fixed a broken relationship

30. Talk about a movie that defined a relationship for you

31. Describe your first date

32. Describe the first time you made a friend

33. Describe your relationship with your parents

Self Reflection

34. Have you ever fooled someone? If so, describe what happened and how you felt about it

35. What is the worst thing you’ve done to someone else?

36. Write about the difference between how things seem and how they really are. 

37. Have you ever been embarrassed in some way? If so, describe the situation and how it affected you as well as those around you

38. Have you ever witnessed something really beautiful? Describe it

39. Is your glass half empty or half full?

Overcoming Adversity 

40. Have you ever been very afraid of something but tried your hardest to appear fearless? If so, describe that experience

41. When have you ever succeeded when you thought you might fail

42. What are your secret survival strategies?

43. Describe the last time you were stressed and why?

44. Describe a time when you were discriminated against

45. The most memorable class you’ve had and why

46. Your favorite study abroad memory

47. Describe your kindergarten classroom

48. Describe your first teacher

49. The first time you experienced detention

50. Your first field trip

Hopefully these topics will get you thinking about a personal experience that could make for a thoughtful and engaging narrative essay. Remember, a strong narrative essay must contain relatable details and a clear flow that keeps the reader entertained and engaged to read all the way to the end.

If you need some additional guidance on your narrative essay, use CollegeVine’s free peer review essay tool to get feedback for free!

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Expressive Writing

What's on your mind and in your heart.

Posted August 15, 2012 | Reviewed by Matt Huston

Express Yourself!

Expressive writing is a cornerstone of wellness and writing connections. If you are not familiar with it, you may be asking: "Just what is expressive writing, and how is that related to my wellness?"

Expressive writing comes from our core. It is personal and emotional writing without regard to form or other writing conventions, like spelling, punctuation, and verb agreement. Turn off your resident Dr. Comma Splice. Expressive writing pays no attention to propriety: it simply expresses what is on your mind and in your heart.

Expressive writing pays more attention to feelings than the events, memories, objects, or people in the contents of a narrative. Like narrative writing, expressive writing may have the arc of a story: beginning, middle, and end. Sometimes expressive writing behaves like a story that swells to crest and resolves itself on firm ground. But often, expressive writing is turbulent and unpredictable, and that is OK. Expressive writing is not so much what happened as it is how you feel about what happened or is happening.

The connection between expressive writing and wellness has been notably explored by Dr. James Pennebaker at the University of Texas at Austin. 1 In his landmark research project, Pennebaker developed an expressive writing prompt to uncover the potential health benefits of writing about emotional upheaval. Pennebaker's research project has been replicated many times with positive outcomes. The prompt and subsequent studies are often referred to as the Pennebaker Paradigm.

Become Your Own Researcher

To help you get a better understanding of expressive writing and what it can do for you, I am asking you to become your own researcher. Try out this exercise and report on your findings by commenting on this blog post.

Please read these general instructions completely before you begin writing. 2

1. Time: Write a minimum of 20 minutes per day for four consecutive days.

2. Topic: What you choose to write about should be extremely personal and important to you.

3. Write continuously: Do not worry about punctuation, spelling, and grammar. If you run out of things to say, draw a line or repeat what you have already written. Keep pen on paper.

4. Write only for yourself: You may plan to destroy or hide what you are writing. Do not turn this exercise into a letter. This exercise is for your eyes only.

5. Observe the Flip-out Rule: If you get into the writing, and you feel that you cannot write about a certain event because it will push you over the edge, STOP writing!

6. Expect heavy boots: Many people briefly feel a bit saddened or down after expressive writing, especially on the first day or so. Usually this feeling goes away completely in an hour or two.

The Pennebaker Writing Prompt (Write for 20 minutes)

In your writing, I would like you to really let go and explore your very deepest emotions and thoughts about the most traumatic experience in your entire life. You might tie this trauma to other parts of your life: your childhood , your relationships with others, including parents, lovers, friends, relatives, or other people important to you. You might link your writing to your future and who you would like to become in your future, or to who you have been, or who you are now. Not everyone has had a single trauma, but all of us have had major conflicts or stressors, and you can write about these as well. All your writing is confidential. There will be no sharing of content. Do not worry about form or style, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, or grammar.

Your Results

Give yourself some time after writing to reflect on what you have written and to be compassionate with yourself. If you are worried about someone else seeing what you wrote, put your writing in a safe place, or simply tear it up or shred it. But if you are not concerned that someone may read what you wrote, you may want to keep your writing, so you can come back to it after you have completed the four-day exercise.

A week or two after you have completed the four days of expressive writing, you may want to reflect on what you notice in your life, how you feel, and how you behave. And perhaps you will share what you discovered with our readers.

1) James Pennebaker's Web Site: http://homepage.psy.utexas.edu/homepage/faculty/pennebaker/Home2000/JWP…

2) Pennebaker, JW. (2004) Writing to Heal: A Guided Journal for Recovering from Trauma and Emotional Upheaval. (18-26)

John F. Evans, Ed.D. , is a writer, scholar, and workshop facilitator, as well as the founder and executive director of Wellness & Writing Connections.

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Finding Your Unique Path: Exploring the Importance of Self-Expression

Are you ever left feeling confined by the inability to truly express yourself? Research shows that self-expression is  crucial for mental health  and  overall well-being . In this article, we’ll delve into what self-expression is and why it’s important, explore  various forms it can take , and offer techniques to help enhance your authentic expression.

Ready to  unleash the power of self-expression ? Let’s  dive in !

Key Takeaways

• Self  – expression is the  ability to convey thoughts, feelings, and identity through communication  and different forms like art, writing, or physical movement.
• Self-expression is  important for mental health  as it helps clear our minds, lower stress, boost self-esteem, and foster connections with others.
• Different forms of self  – expression include physical (using your body), intellectual (expressing thoughts and ideas), creative (through art or music), emotional (authentic expression of emotions), and relational (showing who we are in relationships).
• Overcoming challenges like self-doubt, fear of judgment, and societal expectations is crucial for authentic self-expression. Techniques such as making a list of personal interests/passions, paying attention to language/communication, and tuning into senses can help build authentic self-expression.

What is Self-Expression and Why is it Important?

Self-expression is the ability to convey our thoughts, feelings, and identity through various forms of communication, and it plays a crucial role in supporting our mental health and fostering connection with others.

What self-expression is not

Self-expression isn’t about mimicking others or following someone else’s lead. True self-expression comes from within and reflects an individual’s unique thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. It is not about manipulation, control, or seeking popularity. Authentic self-expression is not driven by external factors or the desire to persuade others; instead, it is a genuine representation of one’s inner self. When self-expression is influenced by external factors or motivations, it loses its authenticity and may not accurately convey the individual’s true identity

Importance for mental health

Being true to your feelings is good for your mind.   Saying what you feel helps clear your head.   It can lower stress and make you happy.   Holding in feelings can hurt your mental health.

But  sharing them in a healthy way helps keep the brain well-balanced.   Creative acts like art, dance or writing help too.  They let you show how you feel without words. This boosts self-esteem and fights off sadness and worry.

So, expressing yourself is key to staying mentally strong and happy.

Connection and belonging

Feeling you fit in is key to self-expression. This need creates a  bond between people . It allows us to share our thoughts and feelings with others. This link helps us feel safe and loved.

Self-expression plays a big role here.

Expressing your true self attracts those who value it most. People build strong links when they show their authentic selves without fear of judgment. Then, fitting in doesn’t mean blending in the crowd but standing out as yourself! It means  being seen for who you are  and  feeling accepted .

The importance of Self-Expression

Self-expression allows individuals to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and opinions in a meaningful way, fostering a deeper understanding of themselves and their emotions. Engaging in creative activities can lead to a more positive outlook on life, improved problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and a deeper understanding of oneself.

The mental health benefits of self-expression are well-documented. Research has shown that self-expression in the arts positively affects mood, function, cognition, and behavior. Creative self-expression can reduce stress, increase a sense of well-being, and promote healing and resilience. Furthermore, self-expression plays a significant role in developing our capacity to relate to others and engage in deep relationships.

Incorporating self-expression into one’s daily life can lead to numerous benefits, including improved mood, boosted self-esteem, and enhanced cognitive function. By embracing a creative mindset and fostering an environment that encourages self-expression, individuals can unlock their full potential and experience personal growth.

Different Forms of Self-Expression

There are  various forms of self-expression , including physical, intellectual, creative, emotional, and relational self-expression.

Physical self-expression

Physical self-expression is all about  using your body . You use it to tell others what you think or feel. Dance, moves, faces and hand signs are part of this. Even  how you stand shows something .

Words can’t say everything, but our bodies can help us out. Dancing or showing feelings with our face make us feel good about ourselves.

Intellectual self-expression

Intellectual self-expression is all about expressing your thoughts, ideas, and beliefs in a clear and meaningful way. It’s  using language and critical thinking skills  to communicate what you understand and think about things.

This can include  writing, speaking in public, debating, or having intellectual discussions . When we engage in intellectual self-expression, we share knowledge and perspectives with others.

It helps us grow intellectually by  encouraging creativity, critical thinking, personal development, self-confidence, and self-esteem . So whether it’s through writing an essay or participating in a debate, intellectual self-expression is important for our growth as individuals.

Creative self-expression

Creative self-expression is a way for individuals to express their thoughts, emotions, and ideas in  unique and artistic ways . It allows people to tap into their creativity and use different forms of art, such as  painting, writing, or music , to communicate what words alone may not be able to convey.

Through creative self-expression, individuals can explore their inner selves and share their experiences with others in a meaningful way. This form of expression can have numerous benefits including  stress relief ,  improved communication skills , increased self-confidence, and personal growth.

Additionally, recognizing and appreciating the creative self-expression of others can also enhance our own understanding of self-expression and help us connect with diverse perspectives.

Emotional self-expression

Emotional self-expression is all about expressing your emotions and feelings in an  authentic way . It’s an important way to  communicate with others  and  connect on a deeper level . Whether it’s through writing, art, music, or dance, finding ways to express your emotions can be incredibly therapeutic and beneficial for your mental health.

Research shows that emotional self-expression can help improve our well-being and enhance our ability to relate to others. By being open and honest about how we feel, we  create space for genuine connections and meaningful relationships .

So don’t hold back – let those emotions out!

Relational self-expression

Relational self-expression  is a way to express ourselves through our relationships with others. It involves  showing who we truly are  and what we value in our  interactions with friends, family, and partners .

When we engage in relational self-expression, we can share our thoughts, feelings, and experiences authentically. This form of self-expression allows us to connect on a deeper level with those around us and  foster meaningful relationships .

By being true to ourselves in our interactions, we can create an environment that encourages others to do the same, leading to  greater understanding and connection .

Choosing the right method to express your feelings

Expressing your feelings is important, and there are different ways to do it. Here are some methods you can choose from:

• Talking to someone you trust
• Writing in a journal or diary
• Creating art, such as painting or drawing
• Dancing or moving your body
• Playing a musical instrument or singing
• Taking part in sports or physical activities
• Cooking or baking
• Engaging in hobbies like knitting or woodworking

Challenges in Authentic Self-Expression

Overcoming self-doubt , conquering the fear of judgment, and defying societal expectations are all hurdles in achieving authentic self-expression.

Overcoming self-doubt

Self-doubt can  hold us back  from expressing ourselves authentically. It’s that nagging feeling of  uncertainty and negativity  towards ourselves that stops us from  believing in our abilities and worth .

However, we have the power to overcome self-doubt and unlock our full potential. By  challenging negative thoughts , setting realistic goals, surrounding ourselves with supportive people, practicing self-compassion, and seeking professional help if needed, we can build self-confidence and embrace who we truly are.

Remember, overcoming self-doubt is a journey, but with the right strategies and mindset, it is possible to break free from its grip and express ourselves confidently.

Fear of judgment

Many people struggle with self-expression because they are afraid of being judged by others. This fear can stem from societal pressures and the worry of not fitting in. It’s common for individuals to avoid expressing themselves fully, even in their closest relationships, out of  fear of being dismissed or shamed .

The fear of judgment can be paralyzing and prevent people from standing out or doing things differently. In fact, research shows that  65% of UK adults find it challenging to express themselves due to this fear .

Overcoming the fear of judgment often requires seeking guidance from an expert or therapist who can provide support and help individuals build their confidence in expressing themselves authentically.

Societal expectations

Societal expectations can greatly influence how we express ourselves. Many people feel pressured to  conform to certain standards  and present a specific image on social media. This pressure can make it difficult for individuals to authentically express their true thoughts and feelings.

However, prioritizing authenticity in self-expression on social media has been shown to lead to  positive outcomes in terms of need satisfaction and well-being . It’s important to overcome these  societal expectations  by  embracing our true selves  and expressing genuine emotions, both online and offline.

Techniques for Building Authentic Self-Expression

To build authentic self expression, make a list of your interests and passions. Pay attention to how you communicate and use language. Tune into your senses to explore and express your emotions.

Read more about these techniques here [link].

Making a list of personal interests and passions

Making a list of your  personal interests and passions  can help you express yourself authentically. It gives you a starting point to explore what genuinely excites and inspires you. Here are some steps to get you started:

• Take out a pen and paper or open a document on your computer.
• Set aside some uninterrupted time to  reflect on your likes, dislikes, and hobbies .
• Think about activities that bring you joy or make you lose track of time.
• Consider your childhood interests or any dreams you’ve always wanted to pursue.
• Write down anything that comes to mind, no matter how big or small.
• Don’t worry about judgment or practicality  – this is about  discovering what truly matters to you .

Paying attention to language and communication

Language and communication are  powerful tools  that we use every day to  express ourselves  and  connect with others . The words we choose and the way we communicate can have a big impact on our relationships and interactions.

It’s important to pay attention to language and communication because it helps us  convey our thoughts, feelings, and ideas effectively . Nonverbal cues such as body language also play a significant role in building better connections with others.

By being mindful of how we speak and listen, we can  improve our communication skills  and foster stronger relationships in various settings, including social care environments where effective communication is essential for providing support and understanding to others.

Tuning into senses to explore emotions

Exploring emotions can be done by tuning into our senses. Our senses, such as taste, touch, sight, smell, and hearing, play a crucial role in helping us understand and express our feelings.

For example, listening to music or engaging in creative activities like painting or dancing can evoke different emotions within us. Research has shown that music-making and artistic expression can be effective ways for individuals to understand and convey their emotions.

By paying attention to our senses and engaging in activities that stimulate them, we can gain a deeper understanding of our emotions and find healthier ways to express them.

Counseling for Self-Expression

Find the right counselor or therapist to guide you on your journey of self-expression and experience the benefits of professional guidance.

Finding the right counselor or therapist

Finding the right counselor or therapist is an  important step  in your journey towards self-expression. Start by exploring  local resources , apps, organizations, and reliable online therapy options that can connect you with professionals who specialize in helping individuals express their thoughts and feelings.

Look for therapists who prioritize self-care and seek personal support to maintain their professional well-being. Remember that  self-disclosure in counseling  can help establish trust and strengthen the bond between therapist and client, but it should be used cautiously as there can be  risks associated with sharing personal information .

Take your time to find a therapist who  aligns with your values  and makes you feel comfortable opening up about your authentic self.

Benefits of professional guidance

Professional guidance through counseling or therapy can have numerous benefits when it comes to self-expression. Counselors help individuals  understand themselves better  in a  safe, non-judgmental environment .

By exploring thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that may be holding them back, individuals can  break free from patterns of self-defeat  and develop healthier ways of expressing themselves.

Additionally, counseling can  improve communication skills  and  enhance interpersonal relationships . It allows for greater self-acceptance and higher self-esteem. Studies show that satisfaction with personal support, including counseling, is linked to increased psychological adaptation and professional growth.

How to foster a culture of self-expression

Creating an environment that encourages self-expression can be achieved by teaching children the  importance of self-expression , breaking free from the fear of judgment, and embracing self-expression as a form of empowerment.

Teaching children the importance of self-expression

It is crucial to teach children the importance of self-expression. By encouraging and supporting their ability to express themselves, we  empower them to explore their imagination and creativity .

Self-expression allows children to  communicate their wants, needs, thoughts, and feelings  in a meaningful way. It also plays a role in  developing their self-esteem and confidence . Art is particularly valuable as it provides an outlet for emotional expression.

By teaching children about self-expression from a young age, we can help them  develop essential skills  that will  benefit them throughout their lives .

Creating an environment that encourages self-expression

To create an environment that encourages self-expression, it’s important to  foster a culture of acceptance and support . This can be done by  actively listening to others without judgment  and respecting their thoughts and feelings.

Encourage open communication and provide opportunities for individuals to share their ideas, whether through regular group meetings or platforms like an intranet where people can express themselves freely.

By  valuing each person’s unique perspective , you create a safe space where self-expression is welcomed.

Studies have shown that when people feel free to express themselves authentically, it improves their mental health and overall wellbeing. Additionally,  promoting creativity through activities like art therapy or creative problem-solving exercises  can also spark self-expression.

Emphasize the importance of embracing diverse ways of expression so that everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas in different forms, such as writing, speaking, or artistic expression.

Breaking free from the fear of judgment in self-expression

The  fear of judgment  can hold us back from expressing our true selves. It’s important to break free from this fear in order to fully embrace authentic self-expression. When we let go of worrying about what others might think, we open ourselves up to the possibility of true self-discovery and personal growth.

Additionally, research shows that practicing self-expression without judgment has a positive impact on our mental health and overall well-being. By recognizing the value and importance of our own thoughts and feelings, we can navigate through life with confidence and connect with others on a deeper level.

Breaking free from the fear of judgment allows us to express ourselves more authentically, leading to  greater happiness and fulfillment  in life.

Embracing self-expression as a form of empowerment

Self-expression is a  powerful tool  that enables individuals to embrace their true selves and feel empowered. By expressing our thoughts, feelings, and ideas through words, actions, or choices, we can assert our identity and show the world who we are.

Embracing self-expression allows us to  break free from societal expectations  and fear of judgment, enabling us to live authentic lives. When we express ourselves authentically, we  inspire others  to do the same and foster a culture of acceptance and understanding.

Self-acceptance and embracing our authentic selves can lead to  increased confidence and resilience  in the face of criticism.

The role of self-expression in personal and professional relationships

Self-expression plays a crucial role in both personal and professional relationships. When we express ourselves authentically, it allows others to understand us better and creates a deeper sense of connection.

In personal relationships, self-expression helps build trust and strengthens emotional bonds. It enables us to share our thoughts, feelings, and opinions openly, fostering  meaningful communication .

In professional settings, self-expression is essential for  effective teamwork and collaboration . It allows individuals to contribute their unique perspectives and ideas, leading to innovation and success.

In conclusion, self-expression is a  powerful tool  that allows us to  be true to ourselves  and share our thoughts and feelings with the world. It plays an important role in our  mental health , helps us  connect with others , and fosters a  sense of belonging .

By embracing authentic self-expression, we can overcome challenges, build healthier relationships, and  unleash our full potential . So go ahead, express yourself confidently and let your unique voice be heard!

Q: What is self-expression?

A: Self-expression is the act of expressing oneself, one’s thoughts, emotions, and ideas, in a way that is unique to each individual.

Q: Why is self-expression important?

A: Self-expression is important because it allows us to communicate our true selves, our unique perspectives, and our individual values to the world. It helps us to understand ourselves better and create meaningful connections with others.

Q: What are the ways to express oneself?

A: There are numerous ways to express oneself, including through art, writing, music, dance, fashion, body language, and even through verbal communication.

Q: What are the benefits of self-expression?

A: Self-expression can have several benefits, such as boosting self-confidence, reducing stress, promoting personal growth and self-awareness, fostering creativity, and facilitating authentic relationships.

Q: How can self-expression values impact individuals?

A: Self-expression values can have a significant impact on individuals, as they shape their beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. They can influence how individuals choose to express themselves and what they prioritize in their lives.

Q: Can self-expression be unhealthy?

A: While self-expression is generally seen as a positive form of self-discovery and communication, there can be instances where self-expression becomes unhealthy, such as when it involves harmful behaviors or infringes upon the rights and well-being of others.

Q: How can self-expression be taught?

A: Self-expression is a personal journey, but it can be nurtured and encouraged through various means, including education, creative outlets, therapy, supportive environments, and opportunities for self-reflection and self-exploration.

Q: Are people’s ideas of self-expression the same?

A: People’s ideas of self-expression can vary greatly. Each individual has their unique ways of expressing themselves based on their personal experiences, cultural background, and individual values.

Q: What are some outlets for self-expression?

A: There are numerous outlets for self-expression, such as art galleries, performance spaces, social media platforms, personal blogs, journals, public speaking, and even everyday conversations and interactions with others.

Q: How does self-expression contribute to success?

A: Self-expression can contribute to success by allowing individuals to fully express their talents, passions, and ideas. It can help individuals stand out, build meaningful connections, and navigate their chosen paths with authenticity and confidence.

MindOwl Founder – My own struggles in life have led me to this path of understanding the human condition. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy before completing a master’s degree in psychology at Regent’s University London.  I then completed a postgraduate diploma in philosophical counselling before being trained in ACT (Acceptance and commitment therapy). I’ve spent the last eight years studying the encounter of meditative practices with modern psychology.

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How to Express Yourself

Last Updated: May 16, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Rahti Gorfien, PCC . Rahti Gorfien is a Life Coach and the Founder of Creative Calling Coaching, LLC. She specializes in working with artists, entrepreneurs, and college students in creative fields. Rahti is accredited as a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) by the International Coach Federation, an ACCG Accredited ADHD Coach by the ADD Coach Academy, and a Career Specialty Services Provider (CSS). In addition, she has personal experience in the fields she coaches - she is an alumnus of the New York University Graduate Acting program and has been a working theater artist for over 30 years. She was voted one of the 15 Best Life Coaches in New York City by Expertise in 2018. There are 21 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 597,407 times.

Learning how to express yourself in a healthy way can be a wonderful way to live an authentic, more fulfilling life. Practicing expressing yourself and being true to who you are is essential to becoming strong in believing in yourself, releasing emotions, and creating the life that you want. [1] X Research source Baird, Robert. The Responsible Self: An Interpretation of Jean-Paul Sartre. Philosophy in the Contemporary World. Spring 2007, Vol. 14, Issue 1, p 144-152

Laying the Groundwork

• For example, your friend forgets that you are supposed to hang out and doesn't show up or call you. It is okay to feel angry and upset about this situation. Acknowledge that your emotions of anger and sadness are valid and understandable. Do not belittle your feelings, even if she apologizes. You had a right to feel them and legitimize them.
• Getting closer to your emotions will get you more in touch with who you really are. The closer you feel to your authentic self, the less anxiety, depression, and overall dissatisfaction you may feel in your life in general. [5] X Research source Physiological and cognitive effects of expressive dissonance. By: Robinson, Jennifer L.; Demaree, Heath A. Brain & Cognition. Feb 2007, Vol. 63, Issue 1, p70-78.

• Notice what parts of your body become tense, what happens to your breathing, and what happens in your abdomen or stomach.

wikiHow Quiz: What Human Emotion Am I?

Choose a group of colors:.

Amethyst, fuchsia, blush.

Navy, cerulean, eggshell.

Gold, clementine, sage.

Crimson, pale yellow, grey.

Writing Down How You Feel

• Try to stay out of your thoughts as your create your feelings journal and stay focused on your body's response. This will help you start to become more connected to how you really feel instead of just brushing emotions aside. [7] X Research source Kever, Anne; Grynberg, Delphine; Eeckhout, Coralie; Mermillod, Martial; Fantini, Carole; and Vermeulen, Nicolas. The Body Language: The Spontaneous Influence of Congruent Bodily Arousal on the Awareness of Emotional Words. Journal of Experimental Psychology. Human Perception & Performance. Jun2015, Vol. 41 Issue 3, p582-589

• For example, write things like, "Today at work my boss made me really angry." Validate that anger and write about why you were angry. Do this for all the emotions you feel each day. You may be surprised at the rich emotional landscape you actually have inside of you once you start paying attention.
• Humans are naturally emotional beings, and it is easy in a fast-paced world to become disconnected from how you really feel. [9] X Research source Koole, Sander L. The psychology of emotion regulation: An integrative review. Cognition & Emotion. Jan2009, Vol. 23 Issue 1, p4-41

• If you saw something that day that made you sad, such as someone in distress or a lost animal, write out your uncensored sadness in your journal. Also continue to notice how your body physically responds. [11] X Research source Segal, Daniel L.; Tucker, Heather C.; Coolidge, Frederick L. A Comparison of Positive Versus Negative Emotional Expression in a Written Disclosure Study Among Distressed Students. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma. Jun 2009, Vol. 18 Issue 4, p367-381

Expressing Yourself Verbally

• For example, instead of screaming at someone and telling them you hate them, use your journal to write down different ways of expressing this that won’t have negative consequences on your life. Write phrases in your journal such as, "When my boss does this, I feel angry." or "When my parents yell at me, I feel angry." You are giving yourself the power to feel your emotions without letting your emotions have power over you.
• This works for other emotions as well. [13] X Research source Wang, Yu and Kong, Feng. The Role of Emotional Intelligence in the Impact of Mindfulness on Life Satisfaction and Mental Distress. Social Indicators Research. May 2014, Vol. 116, Issue 3, p843-852

• For example, employers can be very frustrating. However, you have to ask yourself in any given situation what the benefit will be to you. Will your boss hear you? Will your boss understand? Would it be healthier to express your anger at home, writing about it in your journal than to engage in confrontation? You want to make sure you are true to your emotions and act on the right form of expression. [14] X Research source Betzler, Monika. Making Sense of Actions Expressing Emotions. Dialectica: International Journal of Philosophy & Official Organ of the ESAP. Sep 2007, Vol. 61, Issue 3, p447-466
• Most people haven’t been shown healthy examples of how to express emotions, and these basic emotional tools have been absent from our lives. Expressing emotions is an essential part of living an emotionally healthy life, setting boundaries in you relationships, feeling validated and getting your emotional needs met. [15] X Research source Nogueira, Ana Lúcia Horta. Emotional experience, meaning, and sense production: Interweaving concepts to dialogue with the funds of identity approach. Culture & Psychology. Mar2014, Vol. 20 Issue 1, p49-58.

• This way, you are taking full responsibility for yourself, your emotions, and expressing how you feel. [17] X Research source Betzler, Monika. Making Sense of Actions Expressing Emotions. Dialectica: International Journal of Philosophy & Official Organ of the ESAP. Sep 2007, Vol. 61, Issue 3, p447-466

• Exploring your authentic self and learning to express yourself is not easy. However, living an authentic life and feeling as though you are honoring yourself as well as validating your emotions will result in a richer, deeper, and more humanly authentic life experience. [18] X Research source Kahn, Jeffrey H. and Garrison, Angela M. Emotional Self-Disclosure and Emotional Avoidance: Relations with Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety. Journal of Counseling Psychology, Oct 2009, v56, n4, p573-584

Expressing Yourself Creatively

• Get a sketch book that is unlined and try drawing or sketching, tuning in to how you feel inside. Many art schools and museums offer free drawing sessions if you want to start off in a more structured environment.
• Allow your inner self and inner emotions to guide you as you create. Taking time to sit and paint or draw can also be relaxing. Don’t judge your abilities. Expressing yourself creatively is not about becoming the next Leonardo da Vinci, it’s about the act of creating. Learning to express yourself means learning to get to know yourself. Unleashing the creative side of yourself can be a surprising and fulfilling way to get a handle on who you really are inside. [20] X Research source van den Akker, José. Art-based learning: painting the journey of self-realisation. Reflective Practice. Dec2014, Vol. 15 Issue 6, p751-765

• Don’t limit yourself to just cardboard. Collage the cover of your emotion journal or sketchbook. Decorate an old box, a folder, or anything you might have laying around that you want to express yourself on. Express how you feel politically, spiritually, globally, or make it personal to your life. [22] X Research source van den Akker, José. Art-based learning: painting the journey of self-realisation. Reflective Practice. Dec2014, Vol. 15 Issue 6, p751-765

• If you are angry, put on some music that reflects that anger and let your body move. Do the same thing is you feel happy, sad, or afraid. Try dancing to music that will help change your mood, such as dance to music that makes you feel empowered if you are afraid or to happy music if you are sad.
• Also try classes if you want to dance in a more structured environment. There are dance studios that offer programs for beginners that don’t require a huge time commitment. Take a beginner class in hip hop, jazz, or ballet class, as long as it fits you and your personality best. [24] X Research source Strassel, Juliane K.; Cherkin, Daniel C.; Steuten, Lotte; Sherman, Karen J. and Vrijhoef, Hubertus J. M. A Systematic Review of the Evidence for the Effectiveness of Dance Therapy. Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine. May/Jun2011, Vol. 17 Issue 3, p50-59

• Freeing yourself by writing can be extraordinarily illuminating and give you rich insights into thoughts and feelings you may not even be aware you had inside you. [25] X Research source Chavis, Geri Giebel. Looking out and looking in: Journeys to self-awareness and empathy through creative juxtapositions. By: Journal of Poetry Therapy. Sep 2013, Vol. 26, Issue 3, p159-167

• Sing songs that honor your feelings, such as sadness, loss, anger, love, and happiness. Allow yourself to be yourself through song.
• If singing is something that really makes you feel like you, you can take it out in the real world as well. Try karaoke or join a community singing group. Connect with music that makes you feel like you are expressing your life, your feelings, and yourself. [27] X Research source Saarikallio, Suvi. Music as Emotional Self-Regulation throughout Adulthood. Psychology of Music, Jul 2011, v39, n3 p307-327

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• ↑ Baird, Robert. The Responsible Self: An Interpretation of Jean-Paul Sartre. Philosophy in the Contemporary World. Spring 2007, Vol. 14, Issue 1, p 144-152
• ↑ Pfaffenberger, Angela H. Optimal Adult Development: An Inquiry Into The Dynamics Of Growth. Journal of Humanistic Psychology. Summer 2005, Vol. 45, Issue 3, p279-301
• ↑ https://www.mhanational.org/helpful-vs-harmful-ways-manage-emotions
• ↑ Kahn, Jeffrey H. and Garrison, Angela M. Emotional Self-Disclosure and Emotional Avoidance: Relations with Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety. Journal of Counseling Psychology. Oct 2009. v56, n4 p573-584
• ↑ Physiological and cognitive effects of expressive dissonance. By: Robinson, Jennifer L.; Demaree, Heath A. Brain & Cognition. Feb 2007, Vol. 63, Issue 1, p70-78.
• ↑ https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentID=4552&ContentTypeID=1
• ↑ Kever, Anne; Grynberg, Delphine; Eeckhout, Coralie; Mermillod, Martial; Fantini, Carole; and Vermeulen, Nicolas. The Body Language: The Spontaneous Influence of Congruent Bodily Arousal on the Awareness of Emotional Words. Journal of Experimental Psychology. Human Perception & Performance. Jun2015, Vol. 41 Issue 3, p582-589
• ↑ https://mhanational.org/owning-your-feelings
• ↑ Koole, Sander L. The psychology of emotion regulation: An integrative review. Cognition & Emotion. Jan2009, Vol. 23 Issue 1, p4-41
• ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/03/learning/how-do-you-express-yourself-creatively.html
• ↑ Segal, Daniel L.; Tucker, Heather C.; Coolidge, Frederick L. A Comparison of Positive Versus Negative Emotional Expression in a Written Disclosure Study Among Distressed Students. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma. Jun 2009, Vol. 18 Issue 4, p367-381
• ↑ https://mhanational.org/10-healthy-ways-release-rage
• ↑ Wang, Yu and Kong, Feng. The Role of Emotional Intelligence in the Impact of Mindfulness on Life Satisfaction and Mental Distress. Social Indicators Research. May 2014, Vol. 116, Issue 3, p843-852
• ↑ Betzler, Monika. Making Sense of Actions Expressing Emotions. Dialectica: International Journal of Philosophy & Official Organ of the ESAP. Sep 2007, Vol. 61, Issue 3, p447-466
• ↑ Nogueira, Ana Lúcia Horta. Emotional experience, meaning, and sense production: Interweaving concepts to dialogue with the funds of identity approach. Culture & Psychology. Mar2014, Vol. 20 Issue 1, p49-58.
• ↑ https://www.bumc.bu.edu/facdev-medicine/files/2011/08/I-messages-handout.pdf
• ↑ Kahn, Jeffrey H. and Garrison, Angela M. Emotional Self-Disclosure and Emotional Avoidance: Relations with Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety. Journal of Counseling Psychology, Oct 2009, v56, n4, p573-584
• ↑ van den Akker, José. Art-based learning: painting the journey of self-realisation. Reflective Practice. Dec2014, Vol. 15 Issue 6, p751-765
• ↑ Strassel, Juliane K.; Cherkin, Daniel C.; Steuten, Lotte; Sherman, Karen J. and Vrijhoef, Hubertus J. M. A Systematic Review of the Evidence for the Effectiveness of Dance Therapy. Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine. May/Jun2011, Vol. 17 Issue 3, p50-59
• ↑ Chavis, Geri Giebel. Looking out and looking in: Journeys to self-awareness and empathy through creative juxtapositions. By: Journal of Poetry Therapy. Sep 2013, Vol. 26, Issue 3, p159-167
• ↑ Saarikallio, Suvi. Music as Emotional Self-Regulation throughout Adulthood. Psychology of Music, Jul 2011, v39, n3 p307-327

About This Article

To express yourself, explore different ways of letting your inner self into the open through creative activities. If you’re drawn to art, try carrying a sketchbook with you and draw as a way to relax. If you love to sing, consider joining a singling group, or even just trying karaoke. Physical movement is also a great way to express yourself, so try dancing alone or with a friend to express different emotions. To learn more from our Social Worker, like how to express how you feel verbally to others, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Essay Topics: 450+ Awesome Picks

Ever wondered about the magic behind an essay that grabs your attention and won't let go? Let's spice up your writing journey with some cool topics! Imagine exploring time travel, digging into the stories of your favorite characters, or debating the future of tech. How about pouring your heart into a letter to your dream destination or uncovering the mysteries of history? Excited to make your essays stand out? Come along as we dive into these college essay topic ideas and take your writing to the next level!

Struggling to find the perfect essay topic? EssayPro offers a plethora of choices to spark your creativity. From academic to personal, we have topics that will ignite your writing passion and help you produce exceptional essays.

How to Choose a Topic for an Essay

Selecting the right topic is like the secret sauce to crafting a standout essay, and it's surprising how many students breeze past this crucial step. Your essay's quality often hinges on the topic you choose, making it the make-or-break moment in your writing journey. Fear not, though! Our college paper writing service is here to make this process a breeze, offering some pro tips to ensure your essay topics are as remarkable as your writing.

• Tap into Current Affairs: Keep your finger on the pulse of current events. Choose a topic that relates to contemporary issues or ongoing debates. Not only does this make your essay timely and relevant, but it also showcases your awareness of the world around you.
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• Test the Waters: Before committing to a topic, test it out. Write a brief outline or a paragraph to see how comfortable and excited you are about exploring it further. This preliminary step helps you gauge your interest and ensures you have enough material to develop a compelling essay.

Ideas for Essay by Category

In the diverse landscape of academic writing, your study area might throw various essay types your way. However, let's zero in on four common categories that could very well become your writing companions, especially as you navigate through your undergraduate coursework.

Persuasive Writing

Imagine you're on a mission to persuade others. That's the essence of persuasive essays. Here, the goal is crystal clear—to sway your reader. It's a challenge that demands not just compelling arguments but also a touch of reason. Unlike expository essays, where facts reign supreme, persuasive essay topics thrive on opinion-based writing, allowing you to craft a narrative that hinges less on specific facts and more on convincing rhetoric.

Expository Writing

Switch gears to expository essays, where facts take the lead. These essays ask you to dig into research, analyze a topic, and present a position based on factual data without adding your personal opinions. Expository essay topics become a platform for showcasing your logical thinking and navigating through scientific articles.

Descriptive Writing

Now, picture yourself creating a vivid image with words. That's what descriptive writing is all about. When working on descriptive essay topics, you'll dive into your subject, using lots of descriptive words. It could be a person, a place, an event, or even a feeling – your goal is to vividly convey it without using first-person language.

Narrative Writing

For those drawn to the allure of storytelling, narrative essays beckon. These essays aim not just to inform but to captivate by weaving a tale spun from personal experiences. Following the standard essay structure of introduction, body, and conclusion, narrative essay topics introduce characters, describe actions, and always have a central theme.

Now that we've covered these essay types, get ready for a bunch of cool essay topic ideas coming your way to spark inspiration for your next writing assignment.

Topics for Technology Essay

In today's environment, technology is the driving force. Both cultural changes and technological improvements have significantly influenced the growth of human civilization. Thus, picking good essay topics about technology will provide you with plenty of material to draw on. Let's explore some effective essay topics recommended by our custom essay writing service.

• The Ethical Implications of Quantum Computing: A New Era in Information Security.
• Neuromorphic Engineering: Mimicking the Human Brain in Silicon.
• The Role of 5G in Revolutionizing Telemedicine and Remote Healthcare.
• The Environmental Impact of Cryptocurrency Mining: Beyond Energy Consumption.
• Bioinformatics and the Future of Personalized Medicine.
• Blockchain and the Decentralization of Social Media Platforms.
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• Space Debris: Challenges and Solutions for Managing Earth's Orbital Junkyard.
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• The Rise of Drone Swarms: Applications and Ethical Concerns.
• The Impact of 3D Holography in Education and Training.
• Bioluminescent Technology: Illuminating the Path to Sustainable Lighting.
• The Evolution of Self-Replicating Nanobots in Medicine and Industry.
• Innovations in Sound Technology: From Bone Conduction to Sonic Weapons.
• Quantum Cryptography: Unhackable Communication for the Digital Age.
• The Future of Food Tech: Lab-Grown Meat and Sustainable Agriculture.
• Machine Learning in Judicial Systems: Bias, Fairness, and Accountability.
• Cryonics and Digital Immortality: Freezing Bodies and Uploading Consciousness.
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Cause and Effect Essay Ideas

To write on cause and effect essay topics, you should primarily identify a situation in which an action has effects or consequences. The next step is for you to describe what happened. If you're having trouble coming up with interesting essay topics, have a look through this list.

• The Ripple Effect of Kindness: How Small Acts Can Create Lasting Changes.
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• From Pixels to Insomnia: How Screen Blue Light Affects Sleep Patterns.
• The 'IKEA Effect': Psychological Causes and Economic Consequences of DIY Furniture Assembly.
• Antibiotic Overuse: Creating Resistant Superbugs and Impacts on Human Health.
• Lost in Light: How Light Pollution Affects Astronomy and Biodiversity.
• The Influence of Social Media on Political Polarization: Causes and Effects.
• Urban Sprawl: Causes, Consequences, and the Decline of Green Spaces.
• The Domino Effect of Misinformation: From Social Media to Real-World Consequences.
• The Butterfly Effect of Climate Change: Small Actions with Global Consequences.
• The Psychology of Color in Marketing: How Hues Impact Consumer Choices.
• The 'Joy of Missing Out' (JOMO): Causes and Effects in the Age of FOMO.
• The 'Viral' Effect of Social Media Challenges: Causes and Impacts on Youth Behavior.
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Problem Solution Essay Topics

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• Revitalizing Dying Rural Communities: Strategies for Economic Growth and Well-Being.
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Informative Essay Topics

You may demonstrate your knowledge by writing informative essays. They all focus on educating the reader without attempting to convince or express an opinion. Let's look at some good essay topics catering to all age groups and preferences.

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Research Essay Topics

You may not be aware of the sheer volume of responsibilities you will likely have throughout college. When it comes to delivering research papers on time, it could leave you feeling overloaded and drained. Thankfully, our dissertation writing help provided you with excellent research essay topics.

• The Impact of Microplastics on Human Health: A Comprehensive Study.
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• The Mystery of the Voynich Manuscript: A Multidisciplinary Approach.
• The Origins of the Universe: Big Bang Theory and Alternatives.
• The Cognitive Science of Language Evolution: How Did Language Begin?
• AI in Healthcare: Diagnosing Diseases and Predicting Outcomes.
• Quantum Computing and Cryptography: The Threats and Safeguards.
• The Ecology of Urban Rooftop Gardens: Benefits and Sustainability.
• Deep Learning in Autonomous Vehicles: Challenges and Innovations.
• The Pale Blue Dot: Prospects for Human Colonization of Mars.
• The Psychology of Decision-Making: Cognitive Biases and Rationality.
• The Interplay of Music and Memory: How Does Music Affect Recall?
• The Connection Between Sleep and Memory Consolidation: Neurological Insights.
• Synthetic Biology and the Creation of Artificial Life Forms.
• The Socioeconomic Impact of Universal Basic Income: Case Studies.
• Digital Privacy in the Age of Social Media: Risks and Protections.
• The Archaeology of Shipwrecks: Discoveries, Preservation, and Insights.
• The Evolution of Human Consciousness: Theories and Neuroscientific Findings.
• The Use of CRISPR Technology in Gene Editing: Ethical and Legal Issues.
• Predictive Policing and Crime Prevention: Efficacy and Ethical Concerns.
• The Mathematics of Fractals: Application in Natural Phenomena.
• The Global Impact of Rare Earth Elements: Mining and Sustainability.
• Brain-Computer Interfaces and the Future of Human-Machine Interaction.

Education Essay Topics

Certain themes always seem to come up while writing an essay on education. Some people find the constant discussion about education and schools to be a bit much, and when you're engaged in a topic, it may be challenging to come up with the ideal essay topic. Yet, to assist you in your quest for knowledge, we have compiled a list of ideas because of the importance of educational essay writing.

Good College Essay Topics

• The Art of Resilience: How Overcoming Challenges Shaped My Perspective.
• My Curious Connection with Quantum Physics: A Journey of Discovery.
• Embracing the Imperfections: Lessons from a Quirky Hobby.
• Exploring Hidden Histories: Uncovering Forgotten Voices in Local Archives.
• Discovering Cultural Identity: Navigating My Heritage in a Global World.
• Dive into the Underwater World: Lessons from My Scuba Adventures.
• Through the Lens of a Microscope: My Fascination with the Minuscule.
• The Puzzle of Language: How Learning Mandarin Opened Doors.
• Lost in Translation: Navigating Cross-Cultural Misunderstandings.
• Journey of Empathy: My Experiences Volunteering with Refugees.
• Living off the Grid: A Year of Sustainability and Self-Reliance.
• The Soundtrack of My Life: How Music Has Shaped My Identity.
• Finding Beauty in the Mundane: Photography as a Personal Journey.
• The Science of Gastronomy: Exploring Food as a Cultural Experience.
• The Written Universe: My Love Affair with Literature and Storytelling.

Essay On School

• Fostering Critical Thinking: How Schools Can Encourage Independent Thought.
• Beyond Grades: Rethinking Assessment Methods in Modern Education.
• The Influence of School Architecture on Learning and Creativity.
• The Psychology of Bullying: Understanding and Preventing School Bullying.
• Cultivating Digital Citizenship: Teaching Responsibility in the Internet Age.

Student Life Essay

• Exploring the Impact of Student-Teacher Relationships on Academic Success.
• The Art of Time Management: Balancing Study, Work, and Social Life.
• Navigating Campus Diversity: Building Bridges and Fostering Inclusivity.
• The Power of Mentorship: How Student Mentorship Programs Shape Futures.
• The Digital Student: How Technology Is Reshaping Learning and Socializing.
• Facing the Freshman Fears: Overcoming Anxiety and Adjusting to College Life.
• Living Off-Campus: The Pros and Cons of Commuting vs. On-Campus Housing.
• Student Activism: Channeling Passion into Social and Political Change.
• Learning Beyond the Classroom: The Role of Student Clubs and Organizations.
• The Art of Self-Care: Prioritizing Mental and Physical Well-Being in Student Life.

Personal essay topics explore your lifestyle, ideas, and encounters. Readers will gain insight into your most private life events and thoughts from this kind of paper. The secret to success is to try to merge viewpoints and storytelling. The ideas listed below might serve as inspiration for you.

Essay About YourselfEssay About Yourself

• The Unexpected Influences: People and Experiences That Shaped My Identity.
• The Art of Self-Reflection: Discovering My Strengths and Weaknesses.
• Beyond the Comfort Zone: How Challenging Experiences Define Me.
• My Multifaceted Passions: Exploring the Diverse Hobbies That Make Me Who I Am.
• My Personal Growth Journey: Transformative Moments and Lessons Learned.
• My Cultural Mosaic: How My Background and Heritage Influence My Life.
• The Soundtrack of My Life: Songs and Lyrics That Speak to My Soul.
• My Creative Universe: Exploring My Artistic Expression and Inspirations.
• From Words to Worlds: How Writing Has Shaped My Thoughts and Perspective.
• The Road Less Traveled: My Unique Travel Experiences and Their Impact.

My Hobby Essay

• Exploring the Art of Watercolor Painting: A Creative Escape.
• Percussion Passion: How Drum Circles Became My Rhythm of Life.
• History Unearthed: Metal Detecting for Hidden Treasures and Stories.
• Wild at Heart: Bird Watching and the World of Ornithology.
• The Zen of Bonsai: Cultivating Miniature Trees as a Relaxing Hobby.
• Culinary Adventures: The Joy of Experimental Cooking and Food Exploration.
• My Green Sanctuary: Urban Gardening and Cultivating a Miniature Oasis.
• The Dance of Words: How Poetry Became My Expressive Outlet.
• Beyond the Lens: Capturing Moments and Emotions Through Photography.
• Riding the Waves: Surfing as a Lifestyle and Connection with Nature.

Childhood Memories

• The Magic of My Childhood Hideaway: Exploring My Secret Garden.
• Through the Lens of Nostalgia: A Photo Journey of My Early Years.
• The Treasure Box of Childhood: Forgotten Trinkets and Their Stories.
• From Chalk to Chalkboard: A Walk Down Memory Lane in My First School.
• Ice Cream Truck Melodies: A Sweet Soundtrack to My Summer Memories.
• Games We Played: Recreating the Fun and Friendships of My Youth.
• Sunday Morning Cartoon Rituals: Exploring My Weekend Escape.
• When Dinosaurs Roamed: My Fascination with Prehistoric Childhood Adventures.
• Blanket Forts and Imaginary Worlds: The Power of Childhood Creativity.
• Grandma's Kitchen: The Aromas, Tastes, and Lessons of My Early Years.

My Best Friend Essay

• A Lifelong Friendship: The Story of My Best Friend and Me.
• Kindred Spirits: How My Best Friend and I Found Each Other.
• Through Thick and Thin: The Unbreakable Bond with My Best Friend.
• Adventures with My Partner in Crime: Tales from My Best Friend.
• A Friendship Forged in Childhood: Growing Up with My Best Friend.
• The Soundtrack of Our Friendship: Songs, Memories, and Shared Moments.
• Beyond Words: How My Best Friend Understands Me Like No One Else.
• Travel Companions: Exploring the World with My Best Friend by My Side.
• Challenges and Triumphs: How My Best Friend and I Overcame Obstacles Together.
• Lessons in Friendship: What My Best Friend Has Taught Me About Life.

Personal Essay Topics

Essay about yourself, ideas for an opinion essay.

You may think of topics for an opinion essay as types of sentences that sum up the entire piece. The same holds true for any piece of writing that expresses a viewpoint. Excellent discussion topics should relate to the core subjects and the student's strongest competencies. A good opinion essay poses an issue, formulates a question, and then makes a statement. Below are some inspirational opinion topic examples for essay writing.

• The Impact of AI on Human Creativity: Friend or Foe?
• The Role of Humor in Political Satire: Effectiveness and Boundaries.
• The Future of Space Exploration: Public vs. Private Initiatives.
• The Influence of Social Media on Democracy: A Blessing or a Curse?
• Exploring the Appeal of Dystopian Fiction: Insights into Our Society.
• The Ethics of Gene Editing: Should We Play with Our DNA?
• The Future of Remote Work: Balancing Flexibility and Human Connection.
• The Necessity of Renewable Energy: Is Fossil Fuel a Thing of the Past?
• Cryptocurrency and Traditional Banking: Can They Coexist or Compete?
• The Influence of Pop Culture on Body Image: The Power of Media.
• The Debate on Universal Basic Income: A Solution to Income Inequality?
• The Role of Art in Times of Crisis: Expression, Reflection, or Protest?
• The Paradox of Internet Privacy: Convenience vs. Surveillance.
• The Changing Landscape of Education: Traditional vs. Online Learning.
• Cultural Appropriation in Fashion: Where Do We Draw the Line?
• The Impact of Virtual Reality on Empathy and Desensitization.
• The Controversy of Fast Fashion: Environmental Consequences and Alternatives.
• The Ethics of Animal Testing in Scientific Research: Necessity or Cruelty?
• The Value of Philosophy in the Modern World: Pragmatism or Idealism?
• The Future of Work: Automation, Job Displacement, and the Human Touch.

Ideas for Nature Essay

Nature essay topics may examine how human activity affects the environment or how nature affects people. There are several directions that nature essays might go in. Ones that describe how beautiful nature is might motivate readers. On the other hand, an essay on pollution can be thought-provoking and encourage one to act. You may also use an informative essay on environmental pollution to explain how people harm the environment. Let's explore the next areas of nature essay ideas for more details.

Environment Essay

• Eco-Anxiety and Climate Change: Navigating the Psychological Impact.
• Rewilding Urban Landscapes: Restoring Biodiversity in the Concrete Jungle.
• The Ecological Importance of Bees: Beyond Honey Production.
• The Role of Indigenous Knowledge in Sustainable Environmental Management.
• The Sounds of Nature: How Noise Pollution Affects Ecosystems and Wildlife.
• Marine Permaculture: Seaweed Farming and Carbon Sequestration.
• Biomimicry in Design: Learning from Nature to Solve Environmental Problems.
• Waste-to-Energy Innovations: Turning Trash into Renewable Resources.
• Mycorrhizal Networks: The Wood Wide Web and Its Impact on Forest Health.
• Eco-Friendly Funeral Practices: Sustainable Farewell to Loved Ones.
• The Art of Upcycling: Transforming Trash into Treasure in the Circular Economy.
• The Silence of the Night: Light Pollution's Effects on Nocturnal Environments.
• Vanishing Water Bodies: Investigating the Disappearing Lakes and Rivers.
• The Secret Lives of Trees: How Forests Communicate and Support Each Other.
• Food Forests: Nourishing Communities Through Permaculture.
• Silent Spring Revisited: Pesticides, Wildlife, and Ecosystem Resilience.
• The Plight of Pollinators: Bee Decline and Impacts on Food Security.
• E-Waste Recycling Challenges: Addressing the Electronic Waste Problem.
• Desertification and Land Degradation: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions.
• The Environmental Impact of Space Exploration: Beyond the Stars and Back to Earth.

Essay on Deforestation

• Deforestation's Ripple Effect: Impact on Global Climate Patterns.
• The Role of Indigenous Communities in Combating Deforestation.
• Deforestation in the Amazon: Implications for Biodiversity and Indigenous Rights.
• Deforestation and Food Security: The Link Between Forest Loss and Agriculture.
• Urbanization and Deforestation: The Unseen Consequences of Rapid Development.
• The Timber Trade: Addressing the Drivers of Illegal Logging and Deforestation.
• Deforestation in Southeast Asia: Palm Oil Production and Its Environmental Costs.
• Deforestation and Water Resources: How Forests Play a Critical Role in Watershed Protection.
• Reversing Deforestation: Reforestation Initiatives and their Potential.
• Indigenous Knowledge and Sustainable Forest Management: Lessons from Traditional Practices.

Pollution Essay

• Air Pollution in Urban Environments: Impacts on Health and Well-Being.
• Plastic Pollution in Oceans: The Silent Threat to Marine Life.
• Noise Pollution: Unheard Consequences on Human Health and Wildlife.
• Soil Contamination: The Effects of Pollutants on Agriculture and Ecosystems.
• Light Pollution: Its Impact on Astronomy, Wildlife, and Human Circadian Rhythms.
• Radioactive Pollution: Chornobyl, Fukushima, and the Long-Term Consequences.
• Microplastics in the Food Chain: How Pollution Enters Our Diets.
• Industrial Pollution: Case Studies of Notable Environmental Disasters.
• E-Waste and Electronic Pollution: The Global Challenge of Discarded Electronics.
• Emerging Pollutants: Exploring the Environmental Impact of Pharmaceuticals and Chemicals.

Water Pollution Essay

• The Impact of Industrial Effluents on Water Quality and Aquatic Life.
• From Source to Sea: Tracing the Path of Water Pollution in Rivers.
• The Role of Agriculture in Water Pollution: Pesticides, Runoff, and Sustainable Practices.
• Water Pollution in Developing Nations: Access, Contamination, and Health Impacts.
• The Dead Zones: Causes and Consequences of Oxygen-Depleted Waters in Oceans.
• Water Pollution and Endocrine Disruptors: Understanding the Hormonal Effects.
• Groundwater Pollution: Sources, Contamination, and Remediation Efforts.
• The Flint Water Crisis: Lessons in Drinking Water Contamination and Public Health.
• Microplastics in Water: Tiny Pollutants, Big Environmental Concerns.
• Innovative Technologies for Water Pollution Control and Treatment.

My Favorite Season

• The Season of Blossoms: Why Spring Holds a Special Place in My Heart.
• Embracing the Heat: Summer's Sun, Fun, and Adventures.
• Fall's Fiery Colors: The Beauty of Autumn's Changing Leaves.
• Cozy Winter Days: Celebrating the Chilly Season with Warmth and Comfort.
• Seasonal Sensations: A Journey Through My Favorite Time of the Year.
• My Ideal Season: Exploring the Allure of My Chosen Season.
• Seasonal Delights: Savoring the Flavors and Culinary Traditions of My Favorite Time of the Year.
• Nature's Beauty Unveiled: Capturing the Essence of My Beloved Season.
• Seasonal Hobbies and Pastimes: The Activities That Define My Favorite Season.
• A Season of Memories: Recollections and Experiences That Make It My Favorite.

A Raining Day Essay

• The Serenity of Rainy Days: A Mood-Enhancing Experience.
• Rain-Soaked Moments: Finding Beauty in Wet Weather.
• A Day for Cozy Comfort: Embracing Rainy Weather as an Opportunity.
• Rainy Day Adventures: Making the Most of Indoor Activities.
• Refreshing Rain: Exploring the Positive Aspects of a Wet Day.

Psychology Topics for Essay

• The Power of Human Memory: How We Remember and Forget.
• Nature vs. Nurture: The Debate on Genetic and Environmental Influences.
• Cognitive Development in Children: Piaget's Stages of Learning.
• The Mind-Body Connection: Understanding the Impact of Mental Health on Physical Health.
• Abnormal Behavior: Exploring Mental Disorders and Treatment Approaches.
• Attachment Theory and Relationships: The Impact of Early Bonds on Adulthood.
• The Halo Effect: How Physical Attractiveness Influences Perception.
• The Placebo Effect: Unraveling the Mind's Role in Healing.
• Emotional Intelligence: How Understanding and Managing Emotions Impacts Success.
• The Obedience Experiments: Milgram's Shocking Insights into Human Behavior.
• Positive Psychology: The Science of Well-Being and Happiness.
• The Social-Cognitive Theory: How Observational Learning Shapes Behavior.
• The Power of Self-Fulfilling Prophecies: How Expectations Influence Outcomes.
• Understanding Motivation: Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Factors.
• Cognitive Dissonance: Exploring the Tension Between Belief and Action.
• Personality Theories: Freud, Jung, and the Complexities of Individual Differences.
• The Role of Mirror Neurons in Empathy and Social Understanding.
• Coping Mechanisms: How Individuals Adapt to Stress and Adversity.
• The Stages of Grief: Kubler-Ross's Model of Emotional Response to Loss.
• The Influence of Color on Emotions and Behavior.
• Groupthink: The Dangers of Conformity in Decision-Making.
• The Effect of Music on Mood and Cognitive Performance.
• Understanding Sleep Disorders: From Insomnia to Sleep Apnea.
• Parenting Styles: How Different Approaches Impact Child Development.
• The Dark Triad of Personality: Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and Psychopathy.
• The Role of Dopamine in Reward and Addiction.
• The Zone of Proximal Development: Vygotsky's Theory of Learning.
• The Power of Cognitive Biases: How Mental Shortcuts Affect Decision-Making.
• The Uncanny Valley: The Intersection of Robots, Humanoids, and Human Emotion.
• Sports Psychology: The Mental Aspects of Athletic Performance and Competition.

As psychology has several subfields, you must be aware of which ones to focus on while writing a strong essay. If you need ideas, have a look at the following psychological topics for essay:

Gender Equality Essay

There are many different concerns in the field of gender studies. Nonetheless, you must select an original gender equality essay topic from among them, such as the salary gap, the bias against women in the classroom, women empowerment essay topics, etc. Here are a few pointers that may help you choose an excellent topic.

• Gender Equality in STEM Fields: Overcoming the Gender Gap.
• Women in Leadership: Breaking the Glass Ceiling in Corporate America.
• The Impact of Gender Equality on Economic Growth and Development.
• Men and Mental Health: Destigmatizing Vulnerability and Seeking Help.
• Gender Equality in Sports: Equal Pay, Opportunities, and Recognition.
• The Intersection of Gender and Race: Understanding and Addressing Double Discrimination.
• Parental Leave Policies: Supporting Both Genders in Balancing Work and Family.
• Gender Equality in Education: Encouraging Girls to Pursue STEM and Boys to Embrace the Arts.
• Gender-Neutral Language: Promoting Inclusive Communication and Representation.
• LGBTQ+ Rights and Gender Identity: A Fight for Inclusivity and Acceptance.
• Women's Rights in Conflict Zones: Addressing Gender-Based Violence and Displacement.
• The Role of Men as Allies in the Fight for Gender Equality.
• Gender Equality and the Aging Workforce: Challenging Ageism and Sexism.
• Gender Equality and Technology: Bridging the Digital Gender Divide.
• Gendered Marketing and Consumer Culture: Promoting Fair Representation.
• Gender Stereotypes in Media: How Entertainment Shapes Perceptions.
• Maternal Health and Gender Equality: Ensuring Safe Motherhood Worldwide.
• Gender Equality and Aging: Examining Retirement Disparities and Social Support.
• Gender and Environmental Sustainability: Women's Roles in Climate Change Mitigation.
• Transgender Rights: Advocating for Legal Protections and Social Inclusion.

Proposal Essay Topics

Proposals can be prepared for a scholarly audience like your teacher or students or a broader audience like a government entity or corporation. Everyone studying in high school or college will find our list of proposal essay topics helpful; if you find one you like, feel free to take it and begin researching.

• Implementing a Universal Basic Income: Addressing Income Inequality.
• Creating Inclusive Curriculum: Promoting Diversity in Education.
• A Sustainable Fashion Initiative: Reducing the Environmental Impact of Clothing.
• Expanding Mental Health Services in Schools: Fostering Student Well-Being.
• Promoting Green Transportation: Incentives for Electric and Sustainable Vehicles.
• Combatting Food Deserts: Strategies for Accessible and Affordable Nutrition.
• Enhancing Cybersecurity in Small Businesses: Protecting Against Digital Threats.
• Restorative Justice Programs in Schools: Reducing Disciplinary Measures.
• Encouraging Community Gardening: Promoting Urban Agriculture and Sustainability.
• Implementing a Four-Day Workweek: Balancing Productivity and Employee Well-Being.
• Developing Sustainable Housing Solutions for Homeless Individuals.
• The Adoption of Renewable Energy in Public Buildings: Lowering Carbon Emissions.
• Establishing a Plastic Tax: Reducing Single-Use Plastic Consumption.
• Expanding Telemedicine Services: Increasing Access to Healthcare in Remote Areas.
• Promoting Financial Literacy in Schools: Equipping Students for Financial Success.
• Enhancing Disaster Preparedness at the Community Level: A Call for Resilience.
• A Zero-Waste Policy for Restaurants: Reducing Food and Packaging Waste.
• Promoting Civic Engagement Among Youth: Strategies for Active Participation.
• Encouraging Companies to Invest in Employee Well-Being Programs.
• The Implementation of Green Roofs: Improving Urban Sustainability and Cooling.

Process Analysis Essay Topics

Outstanding process analysis essay topics are necessary for crafting a decent paper. Process essay topics allow you to format your piece effectively and offer your ideas to the target audience in a way they can grasp. Let's go through the list for inspiration:

• Mastering the Art of Sourdough Bread Baking: A Step-by-Step Guide.
• From Coffee Beans to Espresso: Crafting the Perfect Cup of Coffee.
• DIY Home Brewing: Creating Your Signature Craft Beer.
• The Process of Composting: Turning Food Scraps into Nutrient-Rich Soil.
• Becoming a Minimalist: Simplifying Your Life, One Step at a Time.
• Mastering the Art of Public Speaking: Overcoming Stage Fright and Captivating Your Audience.
• From Sketch to Canvas: Creating a Stunning Oil Painting.
• Starting Your Own Podcast: A Step-by-Step Guide to Podcast Production.
• The Journey of Creating a Homemade Candle: Aromatic Creations at Home.
• The Science of Chocolate Making: From Cacao Bean to Mouthwatering Bar.
• Upcycling Old Furniture: Transforming Trash into Treasure.
• The Art of Time Management: Strategies for Boosting Productivity and Efficiency.
• Perfecting Your Yoga Practice: Aligning Mind, Body, and Breath.
• Mastering the Art of Sushi Rolling: Crafting Delicious Japanese Cuisine at Home.
• From Idea to Published Book: Navigating the Writing and Publishing Process.
• Learning the Basics of Photography: Capturing Stunning Moments with Your Camera.
• A Beginner's Guide to Gardening: Growing Your Own Vegetables and Herbs.
• The Process of Making Homemade Ice Cream: Delicious Flavors in Your Kitchen.
• Creating a Stunning Flower Arrangement: Designing Floral Beauty.
• The Journey to a Digital Detox: Unplugging and Finding Balance in the Digital Age.

Essay Ideas on Stereotypes

Because stereotypes are such a pervasive societal problem, educators often encourage students to reflect on them. The only way to create stereotype topics for essays is to identify the societal and daily thought patterns, trace their links, and record them in writing. After learning how to create a stereotype essay, you can look for the ideal topic examples for essay. So, let's explore them together:

• Stereotyping in the Workplace: Challenges and Solutions.
• Cultural Stereotypes: Impact on Cross-Cultural Communication.
• Media Portrayal of Villains: Unraveling the Stereotypical Archetypes.
• Gender Stereotypes in Children's Toys and Their Consequences.
• The Stereotype Threat: How Prejudice Affects Performance.
• The Role of Education in Breaking Stereotypes: Curriculum and Beyond.
• The Impact of Stereotypes on Mental Health: Addressing Stigma.
• Breaking Racial Stereotypes: Stories of Resilience and Change.
• Deconstructing the 'Lazy' Stereotype: Understanding the Socioeconomic Factors.
• The Role of Language in Reinforcing Stereotypes: Linguistic Discrimination.
• Disability Stereotypes: Shifting Perspectives on Abilities and Inclusion.
• Stereotypes and the Elderly: Challenging Ageism in Society.
• The Unseen Stereotypes of the LGBTQ+ Community: Hidden Biases and Myths.
• The Role of Stereotypes in Political Discourse: Influences on Public Opinion.
• Religious Stereotypes: Impact on Tolerance, Acceptance, and Interfaith Dialogue.
• Beyond Beauty: The Stereotyping of Physical Appearance and Self-Esteem.
• Counter Stereotyping: Strategies for Change and Empowerment.
• Stereotypes in Literature and Pop Culture: Analyzing Subversion and Reinforcement.
• The Role of Social Media in Perpetuating or Debunking Stereotypes.
• Stereotypes in the Digital Age: The Consequences of Online Prejudice.

Ideas on Essay about COVID-19

The Coronavirus has overrun the planet, which has kept us indoors. Life, as we know it, has transformed. As a result, leaving us with far more questions than solutions. As the epidemic has affected practically every aspect of our lives, it is crucial to comprehend it by composing interesting essay topics on this matter:

• The 'Infodemic': Analyzing the Impact of Misinformation during the Pandemic.
• The Psychological Toll of Lockdowns: Examining Mental Health Challenges.
• COVID-19 and the Global Economy: Economic Consequences and Recovery Strategies.
• Pandemic Parenting: Balancing Work, Childcare, and Remote Learning.
• The Vaccine Rollout: Successes, Challenges, and Equity Issues.
• The Ethical Dilemmas of Vaccine Passports: Balancing Privacy and Public Health.
• The Role of Telemedicine in Pandemic Healthcare: Opportunities and Limitations.
• The Influence of COVID-19 on Climate Change: Lessons in Environmental Resilience.
• COVID-19's Impact on Education: The Digital Divide and Future Learning Trends.
• The Role of NGOs and Volunteerism in Pandemic Relief Efforts.
• Pandemic-Induced Tech Acceleration: The Long-Term Effects on Digital Transformation.
• Healthcare Disparities Exposed: Examining COVID-19's Impact on Vulnerable Communities.
• Contact Tracing and Privacy Concerns: Balancing Surveillance and Public Health.
• The Role of Artists in Documenting and Responding to the Pandemic.
• COVID-19 Long Haulers: Exploring the Experiences of Prolonged Symptoms.
• The Pandemic and Democracy: Lessons in Governance, Transparency, and Trust.
• The Cultural Shifts Triggered by the Pandemic: Changes in Social Norms and Behavior.
• The Future of Work: Remote Work, Hybrid Models, and Office Spaces Post-Pandemic.
• COVID-19 and Global Travel: Balancing Tourism and Public Health.
• The Ethical and Legal Implications of Pandemic Response: Balancing Civil Liberties and Public Safety.

Topics for Essay Based on Proverbs

Proverbs are a powerful tool for writing that may increase the impact of your points and assist your readers in believing you when you employ them. Let's examine some sayings that will make powerful topics for essays:

• The Power of Actions: Examining the Real-Life Significance of 'Actions Speak Louder Than Words.'
• The Art of Financial Decision-Making: A Deep Dive into 'Penny Wise, Pound Foolish.'
• Risk and Reward: Exploring 'Don't Put All Your Eggs in One Basket' in Modern Investment Strategies.
• Silver Linings in Hard Times: How 'Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining' Applies to Resilience.
• Causality and Consequences: Analyzing 'You Reap What You Sow' in Various Aspects of Life.

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Identifying and evaluating the distinctions and patterns between two subjects that fall under the same category is the focus of a compare and contrast essay. If you've been assigned to write such a paper, you should seek engaging comparative essay topics. So, take a look at some related essay questions examples created by our essay help platform:

• The Surrealist Art of Salvador Dali vs. the Abstract Expressionism of Jackson Pollock.
• The Novels of Jane Austen vs. the Novels of the Brontë Sisters: Themes and Characters.
• The Harlem Renaissance vs. the Civil Rights Movement: Cultural and Political Impact.
• Hinduism vs. Buddhism: Philosophical Differences and Spiritual Practices.
• The French Revolution vs. the American Revolution: Causes and Outcomes.
• Impressionist Painting vs. Pointillism: Techniques and Artistic Movements.
• The Poetry of Langston Hughes vs. Maya Angelou: Themes and Styles.
• The Victorian Era vs. the Edwardian Era: Social Norms and Fashion.
• Realism in Literature vs. Magical Realism: Narrative Approaches and Themes.
• The Films of Alfred Hitchcock vs. Stanley Kubrick: Cinematic Styles and Techniques.
• Greek Mythology vs. Roman Mythology: Gods, Stories, and Cultural Influence.
• Renewable Energy vs. Nuclear Energy: Environmental Impact and Sustainability.
• Classical Music vs. Jazz: Origins, Instruments, and Musical Composition.
• The Leadership Styles of Mahatma Gandhi vs. Nelson Mandela: Methods and Impact.
• The Symbolism in William Faulkner's Works vs. Toni Morrison's Novels: Literary Analysis.
• Gothic Architecture vs. Art Deco Architecture: Aesthetic Characteristics and Historical Context.
• The Italian Renaissance vs. the Northern Renaissance: Artistic Techniques and Influences.
• The Philosophies of Friedrich Nietzsche vs. Jean-Paul Sartre: Existentialism and Morality.
• The Writings of Edgar Allan Poe vs. H.P. Lovecraft: Horror Genre and Literary Themes.
• The Classical Ballet vs. Contemporary Dance: Choreography and Expression.

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11 Creative Self-Expression Examples for an Authentic Life

What is self-expression, you ask? Well, according to Collins English Dictionary, self-expression is "the expression of your personality, feelings, or opinions, for example, through an artistic activity such as drawing or dancing." Sounds fun, right? But it is very important for our well-being and happiness. It allows us to show who we really are, what we think and feel, and what we value and believe in. It also helps us connect with others who share our interests and passions. Self-expression can take many forms, such as writing, painting, singing, cooking, gardening, or even dressing up.

Sanju Pradeepa

What does it mean to live an authentic life? It means to be true to yourself, expressing yourself and your feelings in a meaningful way. But when you’re struggling with self-expression, it can be hard to know how to express yourself authentically.

Expression is often a key factor in understanding who you are. It allows you to go beyond the external expectations of who you should be and explore your inner voice, thoughts, and feelings. Creative self-expression examples can provide a powerful way to start uncovering your authentic self.

In this article, we’ll explore creative self-expression examples that can inspire your personal growth journey and help you find out more about who you are. From music and art to writing and meditation, there are many self-expression activities out there; let’s get started finding some that work for you.

Table of Contents

Self-expression examples.

A colorful and potent method for us to convey our inner worlds to the outside world is through self-expression. It may be expressed in a multitude of ways, such as the rhythm of a dancer’s feet or the brushstrokes of a painter. We build a bridge between our own truths and the larger human reality by communicating our ideas, emotions, and experiences via self-expression.

Every act of self-expression, whether it be via music, fashion, art, or even just having a conversation, is a distinct testimony to the life experiences and viewpoints of the individual. Accepting one’s self-expression has the dual benefits of enhancing human expression and connection as well as bringing personal pleasure.

To know more about its importance Read more

Why is Self-Expression Important?

1. express yourself through writing..

Are you looking for ways to express yourself creatively? Then writing should be at the top of your list. Writing is one of the most powerful forms of self-expression because it allows you to explore and articulate your thoughts in an organized and meaningful manner. Whether it’s through journaling , creative writing , or blogging, writing can be an incredibly therapeutic and illuminating experience.

So how do you get started? That depends on how much time and commitment you want to put into it. If you’re short on time, try writing down three things that made you grateful today or even a single thing that happened during your day that made you smile.

If your schedule allows for more extensive sessions, try setting aside 20 minutes each day to write about any thoughts, feelings, ideas, or stories that come to mind.

Whether you decide to tackle word counts or free-write until the pen runs out of ink, taking the time to write can awaken creativity in unexpected ways while providing a safe platform for authentic self-expression.

Journaling for Emotional Healing: A Comprehensive Guide

2. unleash your inner artist: draw, paint, sculpt, or pottery.

Sometimes the best way to express yourself creatively is to create something tangible. If you’re the type of person who sees potential in an empty canvas or a lump of clay, art might be the perfect creative outlet for you.

It doesn’t matter if you have zero artistic talent; there are ways to explore your creativity through art . Here are some ideas on how to get started:

• Draw or paint : Whether it’s still life, landscapes, abstract shapes, or whatever else strikes your fancy, diving in and expressing yourself through artwork is a great way to unlock a deeper level of creative self-expression.
• Sculpture or pottery : There’s something incredibly satisfying about shaping something from basic materials. Working with clay can be incredibly fun and interesting as you explore different shapes and techniques that work for you.
• Crafts projects : knitting, weaving, crocheting—all of these activities are great ways to express yourself while also creating useful products (e.g., blankets) or decorations (e.g., plant holders). Crafting projects require patience and precision and can offer a great sense of accomplishment when completed.

3. Tap into your musical side.

You may not have realized it, but tapping into your musical side is another great way to express yourself. It doesn’t matter if you only have a basic understanding of musical instruments or notes; adding a bit of music to your day can be a wonderful way to express yourself and get creative in the process.

• Writing Your Own Songs : If you’re musically inclined, why not try writing your own songs? Music has the power to lift us up and put words into something that can be shared without speaking. Think about the last time you heard a song that really resonated with you. Writing your own music can be just as powerful.
• Learning to Play an Instrument : Learning to play an instrument is a great way to open new doors for creativity. If you don’t have an instrument, there are plenty of relatively inexpensive ones out there that could be the perfect fit for you. Learning to play music is not only fun but relaxing, too; it’s really worth giving it a try.
• Connecting with Music Already Written : If writing or playing your own music doesn’t appeal to you, listening to others’ music can be just as effective when it comes to self-expression. We’ve all experienced moments when we connected deeply with lyrics or sound; being still and listening attentively while paying attention are wonderful ways of expressing ourselves through someone else’s work.

4. Get Moving: Dance, Yoga, or Tai Chi

Do you love to express yourself through movement? There are numerous examples of authentic creative self-expression. From dance to yoga and tai chi, movement has been a source of self-expression since ancient times.

• Dance is one of the best ways to express yourself through physical movement. You can go full out and show your most wild, daring, and creative moves in front of an audience or simply dance solo in your bedroom. Most forms of dance are open to interpretation, letting you bring your own emotions and style into the mix. Whether it’s hip-hop or ballet, you’ll be using your body to send a message.
• Yoga is also a great way to express yourself through physical movements. This more meditative practice combines breath work with flowing poses that can help you align with your body’s truth. Through mindful meditation and postures like tree pose, warrior pose, or downward dog, you will become in tune with the innermost parts of yourself that often remain unexpressed.
• Tai chi is another great form of self-expression that makes use of slow, gentle movements and focuses on improving your overall balance while connecting with your spirit. This meditative martial art helps improve focus while guiding you on a journey inward. As each movement is repeated and refined over time, you will be able to tap into a source of creativity that can lead to amazing connections between mind and body the perfect way to express yourself authentically.

5. Speak Your Mind: Start a Podcast or YouTube Channel

Speaking your mind is one of the best ways to express yourself. You don’t need to be an experienced public speaker or have any special skills; all you need is a microphone and a few ideas, and you can get started on your own podcast or YouTube channel.

With the help of user-friendly tools, creating engaging content becomes even more accessible. Whether you’re sharing your thoughts, teaching a skill, or promoting a product, video marketing platforms like YouTube offer an effective way to reach your audience. Taking advantage of a YouTube video editor , which is easy to use, can enhance your videos and streamline the creation process.

Through these platforms, you can share your experiences and thoughts with the world. If you want to do something really creative, why not launch a series? Here are some ideas:

• A podcast about personal growth
• A vlog series on wellness
• A podcast about business success stories
• A YouTube channel about fashion advice

You don’t even need to know any technical stuff; with the help of social media analytics tools and other web-based services, you can measure and analyze how engaging your audience is and what they like best about your content. That way, you’ll have a better sense of how well your self-expression is being received. Plus, as people consume more digital content these days, this form of self-expression might even open the door for career opportunities in the near future.

Always Start Your Day with a Positive Attitude: AM Optimism

6. style your space: interior design as self-expression.

Want to express yourself through interior design? It’s easier than you may think. Take time to consider how the colors, textures, and furniture of your home can reflect who you are—your unique style, personality , and interests.

When it comes to art pieces, consider your own creations as well as artwork from other sources. You don’t have to buy expensive pieces of art; simpler things like prints and posters can look just as beautiful. Remember that art in your home is an expression of who you are, so choose pieces that make you feel empowered and happy looking at them.

 Textiles

Textiles like blankets, curtains, and cushion covers are a great way to bring color and personality into your space. Fabric prints with geometric shapes or abstract patterns will add a modern touch, while intricate floral designs can give the room a romantic vibe.

When it comes to furniture, try switching up the color scheme or playing with different materials, such as metal or wood, for a rustic atmosphere. Playing with different shapes for furniture can help bring more joy and uniqueness into the room. For instance, mixing square coffee tables with round-edged armchairs creates visual interest in the space and emphasizes artistic expression.

7. Speak Yourself: Share Your Voice Through Talk Shows

One of the best ways to express yourself is through talk shows, whether they’re via a live event, podcast, or even a video series. A talk show is an excellent platform for you to share your story , opinions, insights, and intimate moments with the world. You can choose topics that you are passionate about or stories that you feel would be interesting for others to hear.

Sharing your voice through a talk show has a few benefits. Here are some examples of topics and conversations you might cover in your own talk show:

• Interviewing friends and experts about their stories and perspectives . You can have inspiring conversations with guests about their passions , interests, and wisdom that they have to share.
• Facilitating meaningful discussions: Many popular shows host panels or heated debates where different people from different backgrounds have open discussions on pressing topics.
• Exploring ideas and expanding horizons : By experimenting with new ideas and conversations in an open forum, viewers can gain insight into new topics or viewpoints they may not have come across before.

By creating a forum for self-expression and discussion, talk shows offer an authentic experience for both the host and viewer alike, one that delves deep into personal stories i n ways that no other form of communication can achieve.

What Is Self-Advocacy? An Inspiration to Speak for Yourself

8. fashion: embrace your style.

Fashion is another great way to express your creative self. It’s a chance for you to express your identity in a tangible way, from the clothes you wear to the accessories you choose, even down to how you style your hair.

If fashion isn’t your expertise, don’t worry. Use it as an opportunity for creativity and exploration. Don’t be afraid to try something out of the ordinary, whether it’s daring new colors, silhouettes, or textures. The world of fashion can bring about endless opportunities for self-expression . Here are some tips on how you can get started:

• Find something that makes you feel confident . Whether it’s a favorite hat, dress, or pair of shoes, find something that puts you in the right mood for expressing yourself.
• Research to look inspired: Pull inspiration from magazines, blogs, and social media accounts to get ideas for new looks and styles.
• Experiment with different trends. Choose one trend at a time and make small changes or updates as needed until you are confident in your look.
• Have fun with it. Fashion is meant to be enjoyed. Allow yourself to relax and have fun while discovering what works best for you and your personal style.

By creating unique looks through fashion, you will be able to confidently show off your authentic self in powerful ways.

What Makes You Special: Identifying Your Special Qualities

9. photography: show your creative side..

Photography is one of the best ways to show your creative self-expression. From the framing to the colors to the lighting, you can tell a story with a single image. Whether you’re an amateur with just your phone camera or a professional photographer, capturing special moments through photography adds value to an authentic life.

Capturing Moments

Every moment is special in its own way, so take advantage of everyday opportunities to capture and show them in your own unique way. You don’t need expensive equipment or top-of-the-line cameras; just use whatever you have on hand and make something beautiful out of it. Sometimes even unexpected photos can create powerful memories and stories that will last for years.

Documenting Life

Everyone has their own narrative, so document yours. Take photos of your daily life: places you’ve been, people important to you, activities that make up your routine—these all make great material for capturing meaningful memories. Complete your photographic story by adding captions or personal reflections to provide even more meaning and insight into the captured moments.

Finally, don’t forget to share your photo stories with family and friends. Let them get a glimpse into your world through photography. Photography is a powerful tool for self-expression; it can show emotions and capture movements as if they were frozen in time. It is truly an art form.

10. Textile Making

Are you drawn to fabric, string, or yarn? If so, then textile making could be the perfect creative self-expression outlet for you. From knitting to weaving and everything in between, there are tons of possibilities for creating beautiful and unique pieces.

The benefits of textile making

From creating warm sweaters and scarves to gorgeous handbags and quilts, there’s no limit to the items you can create with textile making. In addition to the tangible benefits of having a beautiful handmade item, textile making can also help with emotional well-being . When engaged in creative activities like these, your mind enters a state of flow, a state of relaxed concentration, which can help relax your body and ease your anxieties.

Getting Started

If you’ve never done anything with textiles before, don’t worry. There are plenty of beginner-level projects to get you started. You could crochet a simple scarf or make something more intricate like a poncho; either way, it’s easy to find free patterns online that are designed specifically for beginners. You’ll also need some basic tools, including:

• A needle or crochet hook
• Yarn or fabric
• Measuring tape or ruler

So why not give it a try? With the right materials and some patience, you can express yourself creatively through textiles.

11. DIY crafting

Crafting can be a great way to express yourself and show off your creativity. There are tons of DIY crafting projects out there that will help you create something unique and special. Whether you’re making jewelry, pottery, clothing, or something entirely different, it’s a great way to express your inner self.

Here are some of the most popular DIY crafting projects:

• Jewelry making : Making jewelry gives you the opportunity to design something that is totally unique. The best part is that you can use all sorts of materials and take inspiration from your favorite pieces.
• Pottery: If you’re looking for an outlet for creative expression, pottery is a great option. It allows you to manipulate clay into shapes and designs that are completely unique to you.
• Clothing: You can create stylish and fashionable items right from your own home. This gives you the freedom to put together outfit combinations that no one else has ever seen before while also expressing your own sense of style .

DIY crafting gives everyone the power to express themselves in a creative way without having to rely on what is available in stores or online. It also gives them the opportunity to explore their artistic side while creating something truly special and unique.

Self-expression is the act of expressing one’s personality, feelings, or opinions through words, choices, actions, or other forms of creativity. It’s a way of showing our authentic inner self to others and to ourselves. Self-expression can take many forms, such as writing, painting, dancing, cooking, dressing, or playing an instrument. I hope this blog post has inspired you to express yourself more freely and authentically.

• What Self-Expression Is — and What It Isn’t  By Karen Sosnoski, PhD — Updated on October 4, 2021
• Authentic self-expression on social media is associated with greater subjective well-being by Erica R. Bailey, Sandra C. Matz, Wu Youyou & Sheena S. Iyengar Published: 06 October 2020
• Self-Expression & Digital Expression: What is it and why is it important? by Code today Oct 23, 2023

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You can try to express yourself more frequently and creatively.  Keep in mind that expressing yourself is good for you as well as the world.  By sharing your gifts and talents, you can make a positive difference and inspire others to do the same.if you have a different method of expressing yourself feel welcome to share your stories with us. The comment section is for you!

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Essay on My Self for Students and Children

500+ words essay on my self.

Seven billion people are on this Earth, and everybody is different from the rest of others. There is nothing without purpose in this world. Everything has some purpose. Humans are the best creation, and each person is exclusive. Thus, writing about myself, I’m here to express myself that what I see, what I experience and what I plan for my life. I try myself to be modest, passionate, devoted, hardworking and honest.

My Family and My Childhood

I’m from a middle-class family of Bihar, I am Naresh Shukla. Nobody comes in this world, without the support of family and friends. Actually, whatever you will be, it is just because of your family. My father is a respectable businessman in our community.

My mother is a doctor. They both love their occupation. That’s I have learned from my parents the value of time, honesty, hard work and commitment to the purpose.

We are three brothers and sisters. Being the eldest I am the most liable from my brothers and sisters. I am wanted to guide and take care of my other siblings. We all are in the same school. Reading is my passion.

I am a keen reader of novels and history books as I have a strong interest in Indian History and classical architecture. I love to read books that refer to the rich history and civilization of ancient India.  At my pre-childhood, I used to listen to stories from my grandmother, and this has a long-lasting effect on me.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

My Education

I am studying at the best school in my city. I am presently in class 10th. I feel happy to be a part of this great school with the good friends, helpful and loving teacher and sound school administration. I have extraordinary skills in some subjects whereas I am very weak in the few.

My Strengths

In compare to studies, I am good at sports. so I am the captain of my class football team. I am the best football player at my school. Besides this, I am a fast runner also and I love athletics. I am in expert swimming.

The advice of my parents had a keen effect on my habits. I believe to speak the truth and try my best not to lie. My parents always advised me that if I commit a mistake, I should admit it. I try my best to do so. I know how to remain happy in every condition. Because I believe that: “Happiness is not out there; it’s in you.”

I am a very adventurous person too and like to take the risk. I like to do a creative thing besides doing old stuff again and again. Learning new things is one thing which I always enjoy. I always update myself with the news.

Along with this, I fond of reading a few children magazines in which different motivational stories are there. They taught me a high moral lesson. I am a very confident person and know how to talk. I always try to speak to every person according to his requirement so I understand people.

My Weaknesses

As every man have weaknesses, so have also. I am a little bit lazy at some places which I do not like. While playing time, I pass my lot of time there which is not a good habi t, but I try my best to overcome my weaknesses.

My Ambitions in Life

Everybody has an ambition in life . Aim or ambition is the inner aspiration of man. No man can do anything in the world without aim. So, all of us should be very determined about our aim in life.

Without good career planning, right from the start, one can’t be on the right track. One has to set the goals in accordance with his or her broad career goals.

I have studied biology and I will seat for the competitive entrance exam for admission to reputed medical college. I shall try to be a good and honest student. Then I shall be a qualified doctor. I will do all that to be a good doctor and will be sincere to it.

These are all the things which express me. Though nobody can be described in a few sets of sentences. One needs to have yet command of oneself before going to write something about his life. Life is meant to be lived avidly and with visualization to do good for your fellow beings. Keeping this aim in mind, I have always desired to serve my people in whatever capacity I can.

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