When I taught Psychology, my students were asked the following question: "If you had to describe who you are in ONE word, what would that word be?" I'd go on to explain how this was a person's kernel, or core. It is interesting to examine what is the most essential part of who you are. It is difficult, however, to capture this marrow of essence in a single word, a kernel.
The word kernel comes from Old English, cyrnel, which meant a small, single, corn seed. Metaphorically, it can mean the choicest part of some idea or experience. The kernel of truth means that you narrow down to the heart and soul of the matter.
To be able to know yourself to the point where you can describe your 'kernel' is challenging but important to understanding what makes you 'tick.' It's vital that we have a strong sense of what motivates our behavior and decisions. "To know thyself" is a worthy pursuit to an enlightened view of ourselves as individuals and how we see our core entity contributing to our collective experiences with others.
Pause and ponder: what is the one thread of strength or personality characteristic that weaves its way into your thinking, actions, and future goals? What makes you, you? In what way do you approach life? What's the core ingredient that permeates your relationships?
The essence or kernel - of my being, is 'intensity.' It seems like everything I do, there's a big part of me that invests deeply, whether it's been my achievements, life pursuits, and how I dive head first with my feelings and my intellectual curiosities into the many relationships with people. It's the core of my nature.
Just like when popping popcorn kernels, not all kernels release the nourishing nub of what's inside. Sometime our essence can let us down or have a down side. Good or bad, the vital part of who we are still remains.
Go ahead. Try. Describe yourself in one word. Identify your kernel, your essence, like blood, that runs through the depths of your bones, your being...because when you boil it down...you come up with the "best part" of you.