The Story Journey Map - A Creative Exercise
Yesterday on Instagram, I shared a quiz called “Which map is right for you?” I shared the quiz by itself because I was just curious if anyone would be interested. This is a concept I’ve carried with me for 5 years and I wasn’t really sure how to share it. However, I finally figured out how to share it! So here it is:
The Story Journey Map
A creative way to find inspiration for your journey
What are Story Journey Maps?
The Story Journey Maps is a creative exercise and concept that I work with as an artist and writer to explore how we may be drawn to different words and imagery, throughout the journey of life.
This is intended for creative use* and it's not meant to be prescriptive in any way. My hope, more than anything, is that it's a fun and creative way to help you pause and think about what kind of words and images are good reference points for the journey you are on.
I started developing this 5 years ago when I realized that with each piece I created, I was thinking about the reader/viewer going on some variation of these 4 kinds of journeys.
*in other words, I am not a psychologist, counselor, therapist, mental health professional, spiritual director, specialist, etc. -- My focus is the arts, and I created this as a tool to use as an artist for creative purposes...and of course, I hope you can find it useful in a fun and creative way, too!
The Inspiration
My inspiration for this concept came from the map/brochure stands that I've seen in hotel lobbies and travel centers. All of the brochures are for the same general area, but some people are here to see the museums, others are here for certain restaurants, some are here to experience nature. Some may have a few plans, and others might be completely open and they may even want one of each map!
I see poetry and art in the same way! I see them as little journey maps for different experiences across the landscape of life.
Now, this is an ever-evolving exercise that I use in my creative practice and I can’t fit everything into this post, but this post is meant to be an introduction, as well as provide some practical ways that you might be able to use it for yourself. So here’s a 3-step process I’ve created that you’re free to use!
Step 1: Find the right story journey map for you
Just like picking up a map/brochure from the stand in the hotel lobby, it's not about picking the map that defines your entire life. It's just about thinking about what kind of journey you're on that might be a good fit for you.
Step 2: take note of what stands out to you
Just like the map you got from the brochure stand, you don't have to spend the whole day looking at the map you've selected. Instead, you might skim the map and make mental notes of the things that you feel drawn to. This step is all about just making mental notes of the kinds of written and visual language on the 4 Story Journey Maps that you connect the most with right now. There is no need to "do" anything. Just notice what stands out to you.
The Adventurer’s Map - Carry this map with you when your heart is beating for something more. The journey will not be perfect, but one day, you will look back and see: each courageous step was worth it.
The Wanderer’s Map - Carry this map with you when you are ready to take the long way around because you know that you're not lost... you're just letting yourself slow down. Exhale wherever you need to. Travel as the wanderers do.
The Connector’s Map - Carry this map with you whenever you are ready to roam free in the direction of new connections and space to simply be. Who knows what you might discover? Who knows who you might meet? Who knows what conversations might remind you: you are loved, and you are seen?
The Roamer’s Map - Carry this map with you when you are unsure of what to think of this journey. Let the twists and turns remind you: even here, you are still learning. Give yourself permission to roam, knowing there will be a moment when you find you were gathering wisdom every step of the path in ways you couldn't see at the time.
Step 3: Make the map your own
Make your selected map your own by adding quotes, art, and photographs, to a single photo album, scrapbook page, mood board, vision board, etc. And of course, you don't have to stick with just ONE map and of course, there is overlap. This is just a way to try and focus on a theme. There are no "rules" for this part. Get creative! These are just examples:
Learn More
I am continuing to evolve how I share this, but in the meantime, here are four different pages to download phone wallpapers and learn more about each map!