Understanding Resource Mapping

How to Map Your Resources for Support

Imagine facing life’s toughest challenges without a helping hand—no one to turn to, no support to lean on. It sounds daunting, doesn’t it? Cinderella’s story would have looked drastically different without the mice and her fairy godmother, but here’s the twist: whilst we might not all have a magical wand-waving saviour,  if we know where to look, we can find something almost as powerful.

What is Resource Mapping?

Resource mapping is all about identifying the various forms of support in your life—people, places, and things that make you feel good and that you can rely on when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Sure, friends are a key part of your support system, but they aren’t the only resources you have. It might be the music you listen to when you’re feeling down, or that special park, where you can go for a walk to clear your mind.

Why is This Important?

Life is unpredictable. Sometimes resources that we rely on may not be available—like when is gym closed, friends move away, or work gets hectic. That’s why having a diverse range of resources is crucial. It ensures that you always have something or someone to turn to, even when one part of your support system isn’t accessible.

How to Start Mapping Your Resources

Ready to create your own resource map? It’s easy, and all you need is a blank sheet of paper or a digital device.

Get Creative

Start by placing your name in the middle of the page. From there, think about the most significant relationships or sources of support in your life.

• Is it a close family member, like your mum, dad, sibling or grandparent?
• Maybe it’s a group of friends from childhood, a sports team or a work community.
• Perhaps it’s an institution, like your school or workplace, that provides you with a sense of belonging and purpose.
• Don’t forget pets! The unconditional love of a dog or cat can be a great emotional support.
• You can even include people who have passed away but continue to have a positive influence on your life.

Add Connections

Once you’ve identified a few resources, start drawing lines between yourself and each resource. To make things more visual:

• Solid green lines might represent strong, positive relationships.
• Wavy or dashed red lines could represent strained or complicated relationships.

The more connections you make, the more you’ll realise how many supportive resources are already in your life.

Mapping New Resources

As you create your map, ask yourself:

• Are most of your resources similar? If so, it may be time to diversify.
• Do you have enough supportive resources? If not, it’s time to expand.

Broaden Your Horizons

Think about other resources that might enrich your life. Maybe there’s a hobby you’ve always wanted to try, like joining a dance class or taking up photography. Perhaps there’s a community group or club that could offer new friendships and support.

Take Action

What steps can you take to connect with new resources? Is there a neighbour you’ve been meaning to chat to, or a gym class you’ve been curious about? Expanding your resource network might require stepping out of your comfort zone, but it can also lead to new opportunities and stronger support systems.

Examples of Diverse Resources

• People: Family, friends, coworkers, mentors, neighbours or even online communities.
• Places: Parks, libraries, cafes, your favourite hiking trail or even a cosy corner of your home.
• Things: Music, books, yoga, art supplies or anything that brings you peace and joy.

Evaluate Regularly

Just like your life changes, so will your resources. Make it a habit to periodically review your resource map and see if it still reflects your needs and support system. Maybe you’ve gained a new friend or discovered a new hobby that provides emotional relief.

You’re Not Alone

While we may not live in a fairy tale with a magical fairy godmother to save the day, we all have the ability to create our own support system. By mapping out the people, places, and things that uplift and support us, we can be better prepared to handle life’s challenges. And remember, you don’t have to wait for someone else to wave a wand—you have the power to build your own network of “fairy godmothers” to guide and support you.

So, grab that pen and start mapping your resources. You might be surprised by just how many magical helpers are already in your life!