"Tree of Life"

In my final class of my undergraduate degree, my professor Dr. Hayes explained a way of beginning to look at your development as a professional in the "real world". He explained how to use a cool reflective device known as the ‘Tree of Life’. Considering the bumpy road I've been on, I thought this was very neat :]

The ‘Tree of Life’ tends to give the impression that development is a linear process, moving ever upwards, but most of our personal journeys include false starts and apparent backward steps and progress rarely seems smooth. Often, they also include ‘critical incidents’, significant moments when we make some startling realization that helps us to grow as professionals. Similarly, we have other people who have influenced us in both positive and negative ways and read books which help to shape our thinking.

Begin to think about your own life story: what has made you the person you are today? To help you, put your thoughts in a grid which will give a chronological shape to your development. Note, though, that a chronological approach is not the only one to telling a life story. Remember to go back to your earliest influences whether these are in your own primary schooling or in the home or in the local community.

You'll be surprised with what you come up with.

Tunes for a rainy day