Chapter 14: Pathways to Personal Growth

            I am very thankful to this course, because it has really opened my mind in so many ways.  The weekly blogs and readings along with the discussions and presentations in class have helped me to really reflect more on my past, present, and future. Topics that I have only touched upon in daily life, I have been able to go into more depth with. Even though this class is coming to a close, I don’t want this to end here. This reflection should continue throughout my life in order to make the most out of my potential and meaning of life.

            In order to do this, I plan to continue journal writing. This is something I have done since I was a child. I have piles of diaries that I have filled to the brim of stories about my experiences. I would try to write every night before I would go to bed. There were certain times in my life where I missed writing in my journal because I got too busy or didn’t have any time. There is some regret there about not always documenting my life, but I have do realize that it’s okay. I realize I had made it a task or chore rather than something I did just because I felt like it.

            Now I plan to change a couple of things. First off, I want to write more about my feelings rather than just about what I did for the day. I think it’s okay to have my actions of the day but feelings are what help people focus on their present thoughts and that’s what makes journal writing therapeutic. Secondly, I want to develop a desire to write in my journal where it is not just considered a rote task that must be done every night before bedtime.  That takes the whole meaning out of it when it’s just another thing that you “have to do.” Maybe I can even get myself to write in it at different times of the day when I am feeling different emotions such as sadness, anger, or happiness.

            Something else that I could engage in that would be helpful would be to develop a reading program. I have never been much of a reader unless it involves a topic that I am very interested in. I plan to take a look at those suggested readings in my book and try to learn more on different topics I am interested in. Power is knowledge. This can not only be helpful in my own life, but also in the lives of others when I continue my journey along the path to becoming a school counselor.