Selfyontology

Serious self-study, taken lightly.

Colorful Butterfly pinned and labeled - Selfyontology Logo

Blog

  • Manifesto (Final Draft)

    Earth-toned butterfly pinned for study, labeled with Selfyontology

    Selfyontology Final Project Prep We’re in the last few days of project set-up, right before launching into Selfyontology proper. I’m excited, nervous, and anticipating a lot of personal growth—partly through the power of reflective writing and partly through navigating the vulnerability and ego tug-of-war happening every time I hit “post.” So I’m using this in-between week—that strange void between Christmas and New Years—to write one final manifesto. To clarify the purpose of this project so I can come back to it when things feel murky or humiliating. A reminder of why I’m doing this in the first place. To borrow… …Keep reading!

  • For Me, it’s the 7s

    Stephanie Tell on her 7th Birthday

    I shared the video below on my Instagram a few days ago, describing Selfyontology and mentioning just briefly that one of the reasons this self-study project is coming into fruition now might just be because I’m 37. Why I’m Noticing My Cornerstone Years When you look back at your life, can you see your cornerstone years? Your major turns or forks-in-the-road? Like, if your life were an HBO mini-series and the writers had to go back and show your hard stuff, pain, or moments of exposure that really made you who you are now, your decisions that shaped everything after…… …Keep reading!

  • Ontology of the Self

    Butterflies Pinned to a Board

    Selfy-what? What even is Ontology? Ever feel like “you” are made of up different parts that don’t quite get along? You crave routine and consistency, but then get bored and choose spontaneity instead. Every muscle in your body just wants to collapse on the couch, but your heart wants play on the floor with the kids. You say yes excitedly to an invite, then dread the approaching day. You make decision, then pick it apart over and over and over. So many competing voices, motivations, and desires might leave you wondering: Which is the real me? This existential wondering is… …Keep reading!

Stephanie Tell selfie