Pirates and Treasure Maps

Hi All, There seems to be a "pirate" theme in my life right now... My students decided to use the college mascot, the pirate, as part of the title of the workshops their planning. But, I didn't know that the theme would continue and give me on-going inspirations. A friend laughing pointed out that I should think about wearing an eye patch and carry a parrot to the event. (Could be fun, though unusual.)

But expectedly, the latest theme element was added this morning: a treasure map! Earlier today, I continued reading the book Start Where You Are... written by Chris Gardner of the Pursuit of Happyness movie fame. He is writing about an experience with strategic planning where the planner required business executives to draw the line of their life to date with all the ups and downs they have experienced... not to think about it but just draw it. Hmmm. Got some resistence, but the planner was insistent, so they did it. And the results were a surprise to those present. "The point of this lesson," Gardner writes, " is that it gives you a fresh perspective of the past." Ok. Nice technique. Apparently very effective. Breakthrough method for Gardner and others.

But here's the clincher... He writes, "I view this line as a map to your treasure... it lets you see that there is a shape, direction, and purpose in the flow of your life- your story. Each moment in the line of your life is a lesson. Every loop, backslide, dip, elevation, peak, and plateau is reflected there in an event or a memory...(Some people may have relatively straight lines.) But for those of us who can proudly say that we're here, thanks to every pitfall and bump in the road, would we really want that? Without the gyrations and fluctuations, you're just flatlining- and that ain't living!" (pp. 99-100).

So, treasure maps it is. Think I may develop a new exercise to add to the "coaching materials" I'm using with my students... Let them draw their lifelines and map their treasure. Sounds like fun! Sounds like a new kind of inspiration to me!