Summary. This diagram, developed over 20 years ago and refined over that time, shows ResourcesForLife.com from a holistic living perspective.
There is no particular order to explore the circle, but you should be growing in each area of your life represented by the various elements of the circle.
Each element of the circle is interdependent and can be effected by every other element. Work around the circle utilizing the resources here to improve your life, your community, and the world.
“Growing is ongoing. In every area of life, whatever mountain we’ve climbed, there is always another behind it. Whatever success we’ve had, another awaits. No matter how many hurts or failures we’ve learned and grown from, more are ahead. Every area of life is connected and interdependent. So solutions to life’s problems must be holistic.” ~ Gregory Johnson
Interdependence. If you begin with Lifeways and work your way clockwise around the circle, you will notice that each successive area is served by and dependent upon what is before it. Think of the map as a ‘dashboard’ of indicators that reflect your overall wellness and effectiveness. Remember, you can always return to the map page by clicking the Map link found throughout this site. Here is a brief introduction to the resource groups that serve each area of the map:
- Activism. Become an activist. This is where you can find links and resources to stimulate your mind and get you thinking about having an impact on your life and the world around you. Being an activist isn’t a radical thing. It simply means that you are active. It means that you are passionate about something. It means that you believe tomorrow can be a better day than yesterday if we live responsibly today. It means you have hope for a better future. You can be an activist about anything: church, education, politics, the environment, human rights. Find your passion and grow in it.
- Career. Grow in your career. For many of us, our profession defines who we are. When we meet someone they ask, “What do you do?” As children we are asked, “What do you want to do when you grow up?” A growing career serves two important functions: (1) It produces a substantial income so we can provide for our own needs as well as the needs of others, (2) As we become more effective at what we do, we are better able to give of our talents to support the people we love and the social causes we care about.
- Effective Living. Accomplish more with less. As you are able to accomplish more with less time, money, energy, and resources, your overall impact will be much greater. This can mean having extra time at the end of the day to relax. It could mean having the ability to work a part-time job and earn some extra money to get out of debt, give to charity, and/or invest in training and tools that will help you be more effective. Our Technology Services Resource Group can help you make best use of computers and other technology.
- Finance. Manage your money. If we look after the care of an automobile, it will serve us better. Finances are no different. A small investment of time and money now toward financial management and planning can produce great returns of time and money later. Being organized financially can reduce stress, improve health, save money, produce more free time, and improve personal relationships – allowing one to be more effective and enjoy life. The Financial Management Resource group offers information, news, and resources for better financial management and planning.
- Health. Get healthy. Increased health can have a big impact on our effectiveness and sense of well-being. Because of this, our health effects every area of our life. We hope the Health Resource Group will help you take steps to improved health, wellness, and effectiveness.
- Lifeways. Develop your belief system. The Lifeways Resource Group explores how to get the best possible results from various belief systems and practices. The term “Life Ways” refers to the faith, religion, philosophy, world view, or belief system that governs your life. Whether you draw from one or many belief systems, we hope these resources will be helpful.
Relationships. Strengthen your relationships. The chart shown here displays the many relationships we may have in our life. Building strong, healthy, and vibrant relationships throughout the stages of our life is essential. For much of our life, our primary relationships will be with family. The family is perhaps the most important building block of civilization. The importance of family spans across geographical, political, and cultural boundaries even to include many animal species. Ideally, a loving family setting is where we grow up and grow old. Yet, a strong family doesn’t necessarily have to be traditional or even among people who are related. It should hopefully be a healthy and loving environment of mutual respect, support, forgiveness, and encouragement. Family Life will help you explore and strengthen your family and other relationships. As your family grows stronger, you will hopefully find more joy and meaning in life.
Life Map – Testimonials and Feedback. Many people have found the Life Map to be a helpful tool and resource. Here are some examples.
- Volker’s Blub. The Life Map is featured in the online journal and blog of London-based Volker Balleuder. (February 2009)
- Zoe-Life. The Life Map is being incorporated into life balance training programs in South Africa. “I feel that it is an incredibly useful model, and would like permission to use it in a Burnout Prevention Intervention I am currently developing in South Africa. … I feel [it] is a vital aspect of holistic, healthy living and preventing burnout.” Nicole D. (9 September 2011)
Want to put the above principles to work? Then explore our site. You might also be interested to read Volker Ballueder’s thoughts on the Life Map. We’re pleased to see institutions copying and elaborating upon our model, such as the University of Washington’s Wellness Wheel.
Featured Video
The charts below are from a TEDx Oxbridge presentation by Allison Osborn posted on 23 Jun 2017. In Allison’s presentation, she breaks life into personal and professional categories first before creating a breakdown of areas. Click here to view the video.
