Dr. Marina Malak, MD, CCFP, BSc. N
Have you ever been asked to describe yourself?
It sounds like a simple question. But once you start thinking about it, it can be surprisingly difficult.
Do you describe your work? Your hobbies? What you are good at? What other people say about you?
And what about the parts of yourself that you are still trying to understand?
Let’s try something a little different – something a little fun, silly, and creative.
But seriously – do it. Have fun with this. Try it out and really get into it. You may be surprised at how creative you truly are – and how much (or little!) you know about yourself.
If you were a colour, what would you be? And why?
You might immediately think of your favourite colour. That is a good place to start. But take it a little further. Think about where that colour appears in the world. What does it remind you of? How might those images describe your personality, your emotions, your interests, or the way you connect with others?
There is no correct answer. It will mean something personal to YOU.
I’ll give you an example: I’ll choose blue for myself.
Blue reminds me of a bright, open, cheerful sky. I see myself as someone who can bring a calming presence to others, someone who gives hope, warmth, and energy to others around me. Like a sky filled with sunlight, I also aim to reflect the light that others bring into my life. Their kindness, their ideas, their joy. I want to appreciate that light and help others see it, too.
…And blue also reminds me of waves.
And sometimes, those waves describe me quite well. I can feel tossed and turned in different directions. There are responsibilities, emotions, expectations, and things I want to accomplish. Sometimes, I need time on my own to settle. To understand what is stirring up those waves, and what might help them become less chaotic. The waves do in fact settle eventually, and the ocean calms.
Both images belong in my picture of myself. I can be a calming presence and still need calm. I can support others and still need space to care for myself.
Recognizing this helps me appreciate what I offer, while also reminding me to make room for quiet time, pause before taking on another responsibility, or ask for help when there is too much happening at once.
That is where this little creative exercise becomes interesting.
A single colour can help us explore many different parts of ourselves.
Perhaps you would choose yellow.
You are bright, sunny, and cheerful. You enjoy making people laugh. You might be the person who brings energy to a gathering or helps someone find a little hope on a difficult day.
That is something to be proud of.
But sometimes, your sunshine might fill so much of the room that you forget to make space for someone else’s light. Perhaps you jump in with your own story, or try to cheer someone up before giving them time to explain why they are hurting.
Your next step might be to pause and ask, “Would you like me to listen, or would you like some ideas?” Or to invite someone quieter into the conversation and give them time to speak.
Let’s try another colour. Perhaps you are green.
You think of trees, grass, and growth. You love learning, trying new things, or helping others develop. Maybe you enjoy gardening, spending time outdoors, or watching something flourish because you cared for it.
But green can also remind you of a sour lime.
Sometimes, disappointment leaves you feeling bitter. You work hard and wonder why someone else seems to be moving ahead more quickly. You become so focused on how much further you want to grow that you forget how far you have already come.
Perhaps your next step is to write down one thing you have improved at, or to congratulate someone else without using their success to measure your own.
I could go on and on about many more colours – but now, it’s your turn.
You can appreciate your imagination while practising how to give it direction. Choose one project. Set one manageable goal. Allow yourself to finish something without expecting it to be perfect.
Of course, these are only examples. Your yellow might represent quiet candlelight. Your green might remind you of your grandmother’s kitchen. The meaning comes from your own experiences.
So, why use creativity to explore ourselves?
Sometimes, an image gives us a starting point when words are difficult to find. Saying, “I feel like choppy waves today,” can open a conversation about feeling overwhelmed, needing rest, or being pulled between competing demands.The use of images (or colours!) can support emotional exploration.
For this exercise, the value is in the reflection you bring to it.
You give yourself an opportunity to ask: What am I proud of? What do I enjoy? What do I bring to the people around me? When do I struggle? What might I need to practise, change, or care for?
And you can hold those answers together.
Being proud of your strengths does not mean you have finished growing. Recognizing an area for improvement does not erase everything you do well.
So, take a few minutes. Choose a colour. Write about it, draw it, or simply imagine it.
Find something in that colour that describes a strength. Something that connects with a hobby or brings you joy. Something that reminds you of a challenge.
Then choose one small action you can take from what you notice. Maybe you need to give yourself credit for something you have accomplished. Maybe you need to listen a little longer, return to a hobby you miss, or give your own waves some time to settle.
What colour would you choose today?
