ABSTRACT
This chapter explores Whitehead’s (2013) claim that ‘physical literacy is best seen as a journey; a journey unique to each individual’ (p. 30). The discussion is structured by way of three sections. First, the rationale for using the journey metaphor to clarify the physical literacy concept is given in the context of existentialism, monism and phenomenology. Second, life story and life history are proposed as appropriate methodologies for collecting and examining an individual’s physical literacy journey. Third, the stories of four physical literacy journeys (from Chile, the Gambia, the Netherlands and England) are told. The stories are followed by a commentary that highlights, on this occasion, the lifelong nature of physical literacy, the value placed on physical activity by each individual, and the impact of significant others and significant events on each journey.
