Breaking the ice, boldly

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?


It’s a soft spring morning in the nineties. I’m sitting in a grand Victorian hotel by the sea in Brighton, with 40 other eager graduates.

To break the ice, we go around the room introducing ourselves — with a twist. We each say our name, preceding it with an adjective that starts with the same letter.

I go early and, without thinking too hard, say, 'I’m Cautious Caroline'.

It’s also a memory game. When it’s our turn, each of us recites the names of all the people who have already introduced themselves… before adding our own name.

My next-door neighbour is 'Ambitious Andy’. Then there’s ‘Radiant Rachel’ followed by ‘Daring Darren’ and ‘Loquacious Lorraine.' (I love that one!)

With each new introduction, I hear my own name repeated: “Cautious Caroline”.

The repetition meant those names were imprinted on our memories.

With every dynamic description that followed, I couldn’t help wishing I’d chosen a more dashing attribute.

And I also realised, as I got to know the others, that we naturally chose adjectives that described who we were. I was, indeed, cautious. Lorraine was very chatty.

Caution can be a good thing, for sure, but…

If I were to play that game today, would I still be Cautious Caroline?

Oh no. I would choose far more inspiring adjectives to describe myself.

🔎 Curious Caroline.

❤️ Compassionate Caroline.

🌟 Charismatic Caroline!

“Cautious” was me playing small, my introversion taking over in a room of 40+ people.

The words we choose to describe ourselves matter. They shape how we see ourselves, and how we show up in the world.

So… Let’s. Choose. Boldly.


I’m curious… If you had to introduce yourself today, what adjective would you claim?


Photo by Sourav Sharma on Unsplash