Explorations

Life Chart

by Peter Shepherd

A very useful way of recovering your personal history and putting it into perspective, is to make a "Life Chart". Take a large sheet of paper (preferably A3) and draw horizontal rows to divide it into decades - starting from birth at the top, down to Present Time three-quarters of the way down, plus some space at the bottom for the future decade.

Then draw three vertical lines to make four columns - the 1st for personal events in your life; the 2nd for family events and personal relationships; the 3rd for events concerning groups you have participated in; the 4th for international events.

Now fill in the spaces with your recollections, gradually building-up to a full chart of events and personal memories. Include all the significant events of your life. Add the names of people who had the most influence on you, and how. Include your key interests in early life and how they changed with time. Note your key decisions.

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