Every life transition I’ve navigated started with a collage. I never intended it to be anything more than a collection of pictures I liked. One day I noticed that the pictures I was saving and assembling had relevance to my life or a life I yearned for. Even then, I did not purposefully create this montage because I wanted to inspire myself to action. Actually, it was quite the reverse. I’d find myself assembling a tapestry of images, living with it for several months or more and naturally gravitating toward a life more in line with what the pictures represented to me.

These days when I find myself assembling a collage, you can bet I’ve started another life transition. Sometimes I don’t even know it until those magazines start getting snipped and the double back tape comes out.

I found out recently that the current term for this is “treasure mapping.” They are, for me, a visual reminder of what I’d like to be, do, and/or have in my life. Surprising things always pop up like the bright red moped on my latest map and what about the scruffy dog (and not the usual white lab I’ve always wanted). Is that scruffy dog a mischievous representation of myself or do I long for a mongrel with personality?

These maps always are large and placed in obvious positions in my home office. In the past a bedroom closet door always sufficed. I see the map every day and it motivates me in ways I don’t always comprehend and keeps me on target. They also help to cure the depression or anxiety that may creep in when things aren’t coming together as quickly as one would like. All you have to do I take a look at the treasure map and remember why you’re working so hard.

So, even though I can’t prove it scientifically, I do know they work for me. It’s easy to make your own. All you need are magazines, double-backed tape or glue, colored pencils, pens, markers, poster board and a little time. You may be surprised by what you discover about yourself and your dreams. This may seem like a child’s list for a craft project, but give wings to your playful side and you may just “map” your way into the life of your dreams.

One of our Life Coach’s favorite methods of self-discovery is utilizing the phenomenon of “Treasure Mapping.” Click here to read Susan Whipple’s new column.