Creating a Life Map

Mapping your own personal story: an exercise in reflection on life's pivotal moments to cultivate belonging and purpose.

I recently stepped into a new role as Program Manager for Belong Circles at Belong Center (stay tuned for more on that!). One of the first things we did as a team was create our personal Life Maps—a process that helped us reflect on our own stories and connect deeply with the essence of belonging.

As we head into the holiday season, the pressure to be with family can sometimes feel overwhelming. I wanted to share this exercise with you to give you a moment to reflect on the people and moments in your life that have shaped you—your motivations, your purpose, and the connections that truly matter.

There’s nothing more heartwarming than hearing from someone out of the blue, letting you know how deeply you’ve impacted their world. This exercise could spark a moment of reconnection with someone who needs to hear from you—or perhaps someone who’s been quietly touched by your presence.

So, What Exactly Is a Life Map?

A Life Map is just that—your life, mapped out. It’s a way to visualize your journey, chart the pivotal moments and people who have shaped you, and reconnect with the essence of who you are and where you’ve been.

For me, creating a Life Map meant breaking my life into distinct stages, from babyhood to my current chapter in my early 30s as a woman. Here’s how I broke it down:

1. Baby

2. Early Childhood

3. Teenage Years

4. College Years

5. Young Adult Years (20s) + Late 20s (Saturn Return)

6. Current (Early 30s & Womanhood)

By marking these stages, I could really see how my story unfolded, the highs, the lows, and the people who stood by me, challenging me, and supporting me along the way.

Guided Questions to Shape Your Life Map

Here’s a list of prompts to help you dive deep into your own story: