Grab your supplies—preferably a pencil and a blank sheet of paper. Draw a horizontal line across the page; this line will represent your personal timeline, spanning from birth to the present.

Now take some time to reflect on your life and begin filling out your timeline. I recommend starting by listing every significant moment on the back of your paper—this will help you collect your thoughts before placing events on the timeline itself. If you have trouble, remembering things, use the “prompt menu” directly below the steps. Once you're ready, add those moments to the timeline. Place events that had a positive impact above the line, and moments of pain or hurt below the line.

Thank God for His presence in your story. Ask for clarity on where He may be leading you next. Write down any insights or prayers that arise.

I recommend doing this with someone you trust. A mentor, a pastor, a friend. Someone safe. Someone you can be vulnerable with—and someone who can be vulnerable with you. Sit with the person you choose and tell them your story using your timeline. And then—listen to theirs.