I was interested to get to this chapter, because my values are something that have become very important to me. I am almost disappointed in myself for having to admit my values have only recently grown to be very significant though. As I grew up, my parents always shared certain values with me and my sister. In fact, as I read the values Corey & Corey (p. 386) hoped to share with their daughters, many reminded me of my parents. I also related to that list of values, because I believe I share many of the same. There was a period of my life where my values weren’t necessarily non-existent, just not as meaningful and important as they are today. During my adolescent years, my behavior did not seem to match my values. Or maybe it is just that my values have changed since then.
Another part of this chapter that I found to be very appealing were the quotes from the 1988 issue of Life magazine. The magazine invited individuals to answer the most overwhelming question of all: What is the meaning of life? In the text, it prompted you to think about which one resonated most closely with your own values. The one that I seemed to connect with the most was from Armand Hammer. He said, “I believe we are here to do good. It is the responsibility of every human being to aspire to do something worthwhile, to make this world a better place than the one he found. Life is a gift, and if we accept it, we must contribute in return. When we fail to contribute, we fail to adequately answer why we are here.” I think the part that hooked me was the idea that life is a gift. I like to take time everyday to reflect on the fact that God has given me yet another wonderful day with so many things to be thankful for. So it makes sense to me that our purpose should be to give in return, all we have to give. I visited a new church a few months ago, and the sermon that day happened to be about having a purpose. The message the pastor delivered was that we find our purpose by offering God whatever we have to give. He will take anything we offer, regardless of how big or small, and he will use it. My relationship with God guides my purpose in life, as well as guides my development of my philosophy of life.
I realize that this last paragraph does not flow with the rest of my blog whatsoever, but I felt a strong desire to challenge a section of this chapter. As I read through the chapter, I felt very deep in thought and was reflecting on ways to be the very best Hillary I could be. I spent a lot of time reminding myself that my values are only mine, and I should not feel that others need to share those values with me. Then, I stumble upon a section on global warming. What???? I am extremely disappointed that Corey & Corey spent 20-some pages talking about not pressing your own values on others, and quickly destroyed that in 1 page. Whether I agree with global warming or not.. is this really the right outlet? Addressing contributing to our planet is one thing, pushing their ideas on their readers is another.
Corey, G. , & Corey, M.S. (2008). I never knew I had a choice: Explorations in personal growth (9th ed.). Belmont, California: Thompson Brooks/Cole. ISBN: 9780495602293.
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