I made it to Secret 12: Planning to Achieve Your Goals the final chapter in the book, "The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women" by Gail McMeekin. Jamie Ridler hosted an amazing book group and each week for 12 weeks we worked through the book. When I started I was skeptical that I would be able to stick with it and blog each week. Well, much to my surprise I did more than just post a reflection. More often than not I found myself creating my own exercises and unique ways to visually share my thoughts. This week is no different, I designed a character map as seen above.
More Serendipity In Action!
Each month I publish an art journaling prompt for my Soul Journal blog. Next month my post is about personal maps. Last night when I was rereading the last chapter and brainstorming what I might post today I noticed a worksheet that my son was filling out for an English assignment. The worksheet was a "character map" that had a cartoon character drawn in the center and spots for filling in some quick facts about the character. It wasn't until this morning when I was journaling that I realized that I could take some of my photocopies of maps and create a fun character map of my own - Collage Diva style.
The 12 Secret Connection
This final chapter is about writing a personal creative mission statement, sharing our creative work, and setting creative goals. I found my character map as a great brainstorming tool for defining where I'm at. Presto! I can't believe I came up with another fun activity.
It has been a wonderful journey. Not only have I met so many new highly creative bloggers, but I've discovered more about me. My creativity has opened up in ways I couldn't have imagined and I now see more than ever where my gifts are and where I am on the map. I'm sending Jamie Ridler and all of the 12 Secrets Tribe a big {soul hug} - I can't wait to hear your voices on the Celebration Call next week.
Join me on April 5, 2009 for some personal map making fun!
The Soul Journal post will be packed full of great ideas including the steps I took to make my character map, pictured above. I have other map making tutorials planned and an interview with Marney Makridakis, Founder of Artella. Marney will share with us her love for maps and how she uses them to reach her personal and professional goals. Be sure to visit to enter in a map related giveway.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SOUL JOURNAL BLOG
Where are you on the map?
What do you love, hear, see, say, think, feel, do, and go?
Related Links
"12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women" by Gail McMeekin
The Next Chapter Blog Book Group with Jamie Ridler
Creative Every Day
That is a lovely post, i am lagging way behind on the 12 secrets project but enjoying everyone's posts that inspire all kinds of different thoughts. The map is a cool place for drawing your plans, good luck with them all.
Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Pearl Maple | March 27, 2009 at 09:35 PM
Congrats on completing the Book blog journey. I love the personal map idea. I'm sure my map would be at serious detours for me right now. at Perhaps I should try and see what comes up for me.
Have a great weekend, K.
Posted by: Shell | March 27, 2009 at 09:37 PM
I learn so much with all the people who was part of the secret.
I been moving slowly on some of my goals but moving.
Coffee is on.
Posted by: peppylady | March 27, 2009 at 10:00 PM
Thanks once again Kathryn for a very thought-provoking entry. The past 12 weeks have gone by so quickly - and I have learned a lot. Your blogs have been especially challenging.
I love the map analogy to chasing our goals. I will come by on the 5th!
Take care.
Bev
Posted by: Bev | March 28, 2009 at 12:00 AM
I love maps and yours is no exception - its fabulous....
One of my favourite things recently was ripping up maps to make a map of the world from the world where there are unusual connections to then be found... (maybe I'll put up a detail as that aspect of it is entirely invisible in the photo on my blog... but then I've hardly blogged recently... too busy making things!)
Posted by: Caroline | March 28, 2009 at 03:42 AM
What an inspired idea! I have many a time asked my students to do character maps. It never occurred to me to do one for myself! Excellent. If I have time, I will definitely join you in the next Soul Journal challenge!
It was an honor sharing this journey with you, and I will definitely be visiting again :)
Posted by: Genie Sea | March 28, 2009 at 09:57 AM
such a fabulous map!
All 12 secrets have sure made me a thinker!
thank you for sharing the process
and
you have another award to post on the blog..
if you don't already
the kreativ blogger
:)
off my blog...
Posted by: mar | March 28, 2009 at 02:38 PM
that map totally and completely rocks! well done!
Posted by: 3rdEyeMuse | March 28, 2009 at 07:00 PM
wow! i can see where your working through the book as expanded your gifting. great creative map; love how she has taken control - her stance, the scepter, her cape, chosen words - you are in control of your destiny. looking forward to april 5.
Posted by: morning Dove | March 28, 2009 at 09:38 PM
wonderful!! map is older but i can see adriatic sea :D
i've added you to my blog list, i hope it's ok!
Posted by: Vedrana | March 29, 2009 at 08:53 AM
where do you find all the time to do this ?... I think your mind is constantly buzzing :)
greets from Belgium
Inge
PS : did you see Michelle Wards last post ? I think that the Paula who's house got lost by fire is someone you know too ?!...
Posted by: inge | March 29, 2009 at 12:26 PM
Kathryn, you are a creative genius!! I absolutely love your personal map. So fabulous!
Posted by: leah | March 29, 2009 at 09:42 PM
I haven't commented lately (sadly, out of laziness on my part, not for lack of inspiration on your part) but have been lurking. I think your map is wonderful and I love your statement - so strong but simple. I am definitely going to pick up the 12 Secrets... I find every day that I need to focus on my creative energy and how to bring more of it into my life. Thanks so much for letting me peek into your wonderful creativity.
Posted by: Lizzi | March 30, 2009 at 03:55 PM
A fabulous map!!! Very creative and a fabulous post to match ~
Posted by: Serena | March 30, 2009 at 09:55 PM
Ooh..such a terrific personal map. I can't wait for our SJ prompt for this April.
Posted by: Lay Hoon | March 31, 2009 at 03:18 AM
A lovely map your so creative ....
Posted by: marilyn | March 31, 2009 at 02:42 PM
Fantabulous! Really and truly... it is one of my very favorite kinds of art to see people mapping like this. Mapping heART! :)
Miracles,
k-
Posted by: Kara aka Mother Henna | April 03, 2009 at 07:29 AM
Hi, Kathryn! I really like your character map and the colors you used. Great!
Posted by: Anne Gaal | April 03, 2009 at 03:41 PM