The Tree of Past, Present, and Future

A week and half ago, we participated in a mentoring clinic that was focused on how to develop good mentoring relationships. The week was mentally draining to say the least as we covered a lot of material in a condensed period of time, but it was also a great learning experience. We talked about the importance of listening and not just hearing. We looked at people’s learning styles and personality types. And we were given a number of tools that can be used to get thoughts, emotions, and ideas from the heart and the back of the mind, to the forefront. One of those tools was a “life map.” It is an ideal tool for developing self-awareness as well as helping the person mentoring to see where the person is at and how they see themselves. In order to gain a better understanding of ourselves and get the full effect of the exercise, we each made a life map for our own lives. The idea is to map out all of the significant events in your life, whether positive or negative, and explore the circumstances or events that may have shaped you into the person you are. Some people mapped out their lives as a timeline or on a graph, but I chose to go for a more symbolic approach.

This is my life as a tree. There are two large trees around me, placing myself in perspective. I am still young, literally and spiritually. I have my roots planted, but I still have a lot of growing to do. My life is not quite bearing fruit, but there are buds, signifying I have some impact and I am on my way. I am far from perfect, but I know where I have come from. When I look at this tree and see the life I have lived, I see what has been important to me. At first, I was embarrassed to be among others with more developed stories than my own. I thought eighteen years (fifteen of which I actually remember) made my life less credible. On the contrary, my life is full of meaning and purpose. I am not ashamed of who I am and I cannot wait for what’s ahead.

My roots will go deeper

My limbs will stretch higher

My leaves will grow and fall away

Towards heaven I’ll grow for towards heaven I go

To be with my King someday.

Taste of Ireland: Most secondary schools (age 12-18) have what is called "transition year," usually before the last year of secondary school. This optional year is focused primarily on developing non-academic skills.