Under the Umbrella

"Too many people today know the price of everything

and the value of nothing."

Ann Landers

In college, my sorority volunteered at a nursing home. There was one woman who reached for my hand, so I sat with her for a spell. She reminisced about 'things' she had acquired and how in time they meant so little. She said we needed to choose wisely the things we held under our umbrella.

It seemed odd at the time, but as I grew older, I began to understand that the world was at our fingertips, but did we really need it all? When we choose discriminatorily, each savored item takes on greater meaning than a vast collection of 'stuff'. So the question is, 'what will I hold under my umbrella?

Now, downsizing, there seems to be an incredible amount of things that are easily given away. It would seem the fewer favorite items had greater meaning than hoarded piles of debris. I am determined to hold valuable memories, spiritual aspirations, love for the sisters of my heart and gratitude for nature under my colorful umbrella!

 

Timelines Reflect Personal Transitions

"At age 20, we worry what others think of us.

At age 40, we don't care what they think of us.

At age 60, we discover they haven't been thinking of us at all."

Ann Landers 

(1918-2002)

Timelines reflect information without being bogged down by either happiness or sadness.  It is interesting to draw a series of timelines to get an overview of changes we make throughout our life.  There can be a timeline for: life span, emotions, physical health, endurance, darkness, and creative growth. The options are endless.

Without cumbersome words or distractions, we can look at several of our timelines at one time and receive objective clarity. These markers can cross reference data showing alignment or disconnection. The layers of information observed together are quite revealing.

Timelines reflect how we have been strong or faltering during times of stress.  We can easily view  progress without getting defensive or creating a story.  It will be apparent as to how we have implemented creativity or chosen withdrawal.  Timelines offer self-reporting to assist us through change.

                                                      ----------------------------------

TIMELINE:  Draw a straight singular line from left to write.

                        Choose subject to reflect information: Support/Creativity/Challenge/Identity

                        Above the line mark specific segments of time or pass/fail model.

                        With a dot or star, mark progress at that time.

                        Continue across the line.

EXAMPLE:  Support System

Childhood      Teens           College        Marriage           Parent           Career   Retirement

Supported

 

_****___________________****________**______________**_______****_________****_____

                       *****                                                     **

Unsupported

                                                     ------------------------------------

(If I have confused you, please feel free to email questions privately: vec8@yahoo.com)