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All of the topics have been the kinds of things people can redefine in their own ways, based on the places they come from and the things they've been through. I think there's something open-minded about that, but sometimes things work better with one or two more rules, guidelines. Where 'growth' is concerned, I think it's fair to say that we approach it from one direction. We want to improve--strength, mentality, emotionality, school, sports, work. Who doesn't want to be good at things? It can be argued that growing doesn't mean a person has to 'improve', but as far as I've thought of it, it always has.
Some of us want to grow so that we can relate to people more, so that people don't run from us, or so that people see us at all. Some of us want to grow because we think if we can improve the way we live then everything involved in it will also improve. I'm not saying that all of these are proven truths, just that they happen, that they exist as wants. Young people. People my age. Older people. There is always something more to reach for and growth is what we need to get there, but growth isn't the easiest thing to make happen. It's much simpler to stay the way one is, and overall the majority would say that tends to be what happens, especially once we're no longer children. As children we're more susceptible to influences, to the things that happen to us and the things we do in turn, but we're also more open. We don't know as much and we haven't had to make as many choices that seem to define us whether we want them to or not.
It's more accurate to say that growing, like any kind of real change, is difficult and we can't force it but we can't expect it to just happen either. Those who won't help themselves cannot be helped by others because change starts with me the individual, not the people outside of us even if they're largely influential---badly or otherwise. When I was younger I wanted to be something I know sounds silly now, and it wasn't a guidance counselor. Things happened. I changed my mind but it wasn't because I grew past it. Then, this weekend, something happened again--not the same thing, and comparing them is impossible. I only half believe that it happened at all. It's easier to tell myself that it didn't and as long as I avoid him and anything that reminds me of it, it's almost too simple. But I'm always ignoring the things that make me uncomfortable or compulsively organizing them away until I don't recognize them.
I'm the opposite of the kind of growth I look for in the kids I counsel at home, in the people I try to help, in the people I love, in everything around me and I know how hypocritical that is. It's bad. I know it is. But I do know what growth is.
Some people here would say it's too simple to say I've seen it in the kids but it's the first thing I think of, how they continue to get closer to finding themselves...like Rachel, like Finn, all of them. Other people don't see it, especially not their peers, but they're not looking for it, but I see it. Will sees it. I think Sue sees it too, which would explain her growing antagonism--except that she's always like that. But she's threatened, because the stronger they feel, the stronger they are.
I could take a lesson from them. But..
I hope that was enough. Does being honest count for something? I just don't know what to say anymore.
There's some renovation being done, so until then the office will be closed, but I can direct anyone to other options if you're interested or if you're worried it might be necessary. I'm very sorry for the inconvenience.