I really loved reading this chapter. I think self-exploration is one of the keys to true happiness in life. Corey and Corey (2010) highlight specific pathways to self-exploration including reading, writing, and even understanding dreams. I have found all three of the aforementioned to be close companions of mine.
First, I read EVERYTHING. I have a pile of books beside my bed now. The titles include: Haunted Hotels Retold by Tom Ogden, Night by Elie Wiesel, Classic American Ghost Stories edited by Deborah L. Downer, The Holy Bible, King James Version, The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel, Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom and A Twisted Ladder by Rhodi Hawk. Interesting combination, I know! They may seem entirely unrelated, but they all interest some aspect of me. I have learned so much about myself by reading books from every genre. Corey and Corey (2010) explain that meaningful books help individuals deal with themes they have struggled with. I found this to be the case when reading Tuesdays with Morrie because I could feel the presence of my lovely grandmother as I read the pages of that book. The other titles I have read purely out of sheer interest and love and passion for the subjects.
Second, I love to write. (I think you all know that :) Creative writing has helped me nurture the little worlds I imagine. My writing allows me to give life to new characters who may serve to help others as they read about them. That is one my biggest life goals. I want to produce literature that will help humankind in some way. I also love to keep a diary. My old diaries provided me with insight into lost times. They have also helped me to better understand the person I have become.
Finally, I have often considered my dreams in helping me explore my identity. I often dream of trying to get somewhere and never fully arriving, which may signal my desire to attain goals I have not yet attained. I often dream about things I want to obtain and how I desire to reach them. Richard Craze(2003) asserts that fantasies about reaching goals can be liberating-they give us scope to stretch our self-imposed limitations, and to make possible things that might otherwise seem far-fetched. I use my dreams as a guidepost for things I want to achieve. I just need to keep the courage and strength to try to attain them.
In closing, I also want to point out that my goals (dreams in the other sense of the word) are always with me. I dream of being the best possible person I can be. I dream of saving lives and helping them realize their potentials. I dream of publishing something. I dream, dream, dream. I never want to lose the freedom to dream. I think this is important in a marriage too. My husband still dreams of being a professional skateboarder. He is very talented and I will never let him lose his dream. I think we should all hang on to our dreams!
Corey, G., & Corey, M.S. (2010). I never knew I had a choice:Explorations in personal growth. (9th ed.) Belmont, California: Thompson Brooks/Cole.
Craze, R. (2003). The dictionary of dreams and their meanings. London: Hermes House/ Anness Publishing.
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