Week 1 - Just keep growing...

     To be honest, I was a bit apprehensive about taking 2 graduate courses in one semester, while finishing up coaching a basketball season, teaching full time, and staying actively involved with the youth programs that I volunteer with at my church.  However, after Tuesday's first class and the first week's readings, I am especially excited about this course.  I recently turned 30 and as I reflect on my 20's, I think much of them were spent exploring who I am and how I best fit into this world.  I traveled, met people from all over the globe, worked in all kinds of jobs and tried every adventure that came my way.  I settled into a full time teaching position about a year and a half ago and for the first time in over 10 years, have begun to plant some roots in one place.  This has given me time to reflect on all that I have learned about myself and others over the past 10 years.  I am extremely excited to allow this course, and the people in it, to challenge me as I continue to ask questions, learn how to make choices that will guide me toward true happiness, and continue to change and grow as an individual, friend, daughter, sister, girlfriend, and teacher.

    

     One of the things that fascinated me while reading Chapter 1 was the background of each of the key figures in the development of humanistic psychology.  Adler's early childhood was described as an unhappy time, Jung's childhood was lonely and difficult, Carl Rogers grew up in fear of his mother's criticism, and Natalie Rogers lived with a father who rarely expressed emotion. These challenges were ultimately what led each of these individuals to their success.  Adler's theory stresses that we are not the victims of fate, but rather people whose choices and actions have purpose.  If we live by this philosophy, it is such a weight lifted off our shoulders.  It does not matter what has occurred in the past, but only what choices we decide to make today, knowing they will shape our future.  I have always tried to live my life this way and have found great joy and success as I learn from my past.

    

     I think this is a great foundation to hold onto when working with clients as well.  Currently, my client base is my students.  As a teacher at Milton Hershey School, 100% of my students come from challenging backgrounds.  It is important to listen to their stories and allow them to feel all the emotions that come along with the obstacles they have faced or are currently facing.  With that said, it is also important to teach them that they are not victims to their circumstances.  The choices they make and the paths they choose to go down can determine their day to day happiness and purpose, as well as their continued growth and success in the future.  Empowering our clients is important!  

Corey,G.,& Corey, M.S. (2008). I never knew I had a choice: Explorations in personal growth. (9th ed.). Belmont, California: Thompson Brooks/Cole.