In the fall of 2016, I left my flexible, full-time virtual job at a language learning startup. Not for another job, but to take a personal sabbatical of sorts. [Gratitude for and recognition of being born into a skin, place, time, family, privilege which made this possible.]

Facing the fact that I’d have total control over how I’d spend my time each day, I wanted some structure to measure my progress.

How does one measure personal growth? I’d been moving closer and closer to living a life based on my values, so I created a personal compass to guide this next chapter of my life. It has developed and changed in the years since, as I’ve grown and changed too.

Personal Compass Directions (2016)

Here are the directions I chose to head towards at that time, per the inequalities below:

act > think
create > consume
curiosity > fear
done > perfect
experiences > things
growth > comfort

How to Make Your Own Personal Compass

If you’re interested in making one too, go ahead and create! There’s no right or wrong way.

If you could use a little structure to get started, here’s a free printable zine (PDF) I made, which you can fold into a fun mini-book.

Here’s how to assemble (fold and a single cut) the booklet. Enjoy!

Compass-Directed Moments

After using my compass for over a year, I wrote the ebook “Compass-Directed Moments.” In it, I share a collection of stories—each of a moment in which my compass either helped me to stretch the edge of my comfort zone a centimeter further, or illuminated an area where I had room for growth.

The moments took place all over—from a zero-waste household in Minnesota to a small farm in Italy—but were instances you’d find in any given day: waiting outside of a gas station, talking to a taxi driver, dealing with personal conflicts at work, etc.

You’ll notice that link goes to the PDF directly, so that it may more easily reach anyone who is curious about this journey. In exchange for this creation, you can pay what feels right once you’ve read it. (There’s a link on page 50.)

 

Have you made a personal compass?

What are the directions you’re currently navigating towards?

I warmly welcome any thoughts this may have sparked, or what brought you here.

Note: This is what felt true to Rebecca v.2017. In time, it will be replaced with something more fitting to Rebecca v.2022. People and energies are fluid; website pages are static.

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I write here on my blog and occasionally on Medium. Here are my rules to writing in these spaces:

 

I will not…

I will not jam content into a numbered list. There will not be forced numbers in my titles, jazzed up with irresistible adjectives which stretch the truth (or blatantly lie) to get you to click. I don’t want you to click; I want you to connect, grow, and feel human.

I will not suggest quotes for you to tweet. You especially don’t need a “Click to tweet” or “Tweet this” link. You can read for yourself and see which words—if any—resonate with you. If words propel you to share them, you’ll share them.

I will not disrupt your reading with pop-ups. They’re obnoxious no matter the content. You have enough noise in this world shouting for your attention. I want you to have more spaces for uninterrupted reflection.

I will not ask for a heart or a share at the end of my posts. That feels like holding up an applause sign to an audience that clearly knows how and when to clap. You know how this works. Once again, if you want to share it, you’ll share it. I write to express myself, and I publish that writing online for the chance to make a tangible impact in people’s lives—no matter the size.

I will not offer free downloads in exchange for an email address, and then subscribe you to an email list you never wanted to be on! If I want to give you a free PDF, I’ll give you a free PDF, no strings attached. Your inbox is probably already taking your attention away from where it’s needed most. You know, like on relationships and self-care—those are important. (I highly recommend the free Unroll.me, by the way, to easily take charge of your email subscriptions.)

 

I will…

I will bring my humanity into my writing. I will be as honest and vulnerable as possible, showing you my behind-the-scenes and struggles, the highs and the lows.

I will experiment and fearlessly explore creativity. This is my space to play around!

I will add more kindness and love to the world. I will mindfully use my words to lift others up, to encourage self-expression, and to create ripples of kindness. As follows, I will comment on blog posts that I read.

I will proofread and be grateful for anyone who lets me know about typos. When I take the time to let someone else know about a typo, it’s because I value their work and want it to shine even brighter.

I will measure my success by how closely I align with my values. This also means I’ll pay close attention to how much I’m growing/learning—and I’ll gladly learn in public.

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These are my current guidelines because they feel most authentic to me. What feels honest to you? Do what feels right!