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My Inner Strength Symbol

Topic: Resilience

Emotional Intensity: LOW

Format: Supporting exercise

Relation to Core: Supporting variation of the core exercise
“My Inner World Where I Find Peace”, (Art-based narrative exercise for soft agency & self-regulation)

Source / Author: Toolkit authors; Inspired by art-based resilience and narrative identity practices


Topic

Resilience

Also relevant for

Self-esteem, Motivation, Identity, Resilience, Coping with Failure

Objective (learning focus)

To help participants identify, symbolize, and emotionally connect with personal inner strengths that support them in school, work, or learning challenges.

Target group

 Youth (14–18) / Young adults (18–35)

Group size

6–25 participants

Timing

45–75 minutes

Materials Needed

  • A4 paper or printed symbol templates (optional)

  • Markers, colored pencils, crayons

  • Pens

  • Optional neutral background music (with consent)


Step-by-step guide:

1. Warm-up & Framing (10 min)

Facilitator introduction:

“Each of us has inner strengths — qualities, values, memories, or abilities — that help us keep going, even when things are difficult. Today, we will give one of these strengths a symbol, so it becomes easier to remember and return to when school or work feels challenging.” Gentle reflection prompt:

  • Think of a moment when you didn’t give up, even though it was hard.

  • What helped you continue?

2. Creative Activity — “My Inner Strength Symbol” (20–30 min)

Instructions:

“Create a symbol that represents one of your inner strengths.
It can be abstract or concrete. The symbol does not have to look ‘nice’ — it only needs to feel true to you.” You may offer examples without assigning meaning:

  • A tree (growth, patience)

  • A mountain (stability)

  • A torch (hope, knowledge)

  • A heart (care, connection)

  • A bird (freedom, courage)

Participants may:

  • draw the symbol

  • give it a name

  • add a short motto or sentence (optional)

3. Optional Reflection Writing (5–10 min)

Invite participants to write:

  • What strength does this symbol represent?

  • When do you need this strength most in school or work?

  • How does this symbol support you?

4. Small Group Sharing (10–20 min)

Recommended format: groups of 3–4

Sharing prompts:

  • What does your symbol mean to you?

  • How has this strength helped you in your learning or work journey?

  • How could you remember this symbol in a difficult moment?

Emphasize:

  • Sharing is voluntary

  • Listening is more important than commenting

5. Closing & Integration (5 min)

Facilitator close:

“You now have a symbol that carries something important about you.
You can imagine it with you during exams, interviews, or stressful days — like a quiet reminder of who you are.”

Optional grounding:
Participants place a hand on the symbol and take one slow breath.


Expected outcomes (for participants)

– Increased awareness of personal strengths
– Stronger self-esteem and self-recognition
– A symbolic anchor for motivation and resilience
– Reduced self-doubt in school or work contexts

Trauma-informed note

– Avoid linking strength to suffering or pain
– Emphasize that strength can be quiet, small, or ordinary
– Do not compare symbols or rank strengths
– Allow participants to choose depth and meaning

Adaptation (context / intercultural / age)

– Suitable for mixed-language groups
– Symbol templates help younger or hesitant participants
– Can be shortened for classroom use
– Works well in vocational or employment-focused settings

Recommendations for facilitators

– Avoid “why” questions; use “how / what it gives”
– Normalize uncertainty about “having strengths”
– Emphasize ownership: this symbol belongs to you
– Connect symbol use to real-life moments (tests, interviews, deadlines)

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