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Agricultural Experiment Station


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Drawing of a compassFamily Life
Personal Journey

Life is a journey full of choices

None of us can coast to a mountain top. We must work, struggle, and climb. The same is true for having a great life. We won’t get there by accident or without effort. If we make good choices along life’s path, we are likely to have a successful journey.

Drawing of flowers Enjoy today.

In the hike of life, we can focus on the obstacles along the trail or the beauty that surrounds us. Those who find the beauty in daily life travel well. What beauty have you experienced today?
 

Drawing of stream Find the gems in your past.

Anyone who wants to find a gem must be willing to search for it. Likewise, we find treasures in our life stories when we are willing to dig through challenges and disappointments to find them. Those who find and cherish the gems in their past are those who live the best lives. What are some of the gems you have found along life’s path?
 

Drawing of bird's nest Look forward to tomorrow.

People who are excited and hopeful about the future are likely to have better journeys. Hikers who look for and expect to find good things usually do find good things. Who knows what great things will happen tomorrow! When anxiety and fear tempt you, how will you stay hopeful about life’s possibilities?
 

Drawing of a pair of shoes Use your strengths.

Each person has strengths and weaknesses. The greatest joy and progress come from using our strengths while managing our weaknesses. We discover our strengths by noticing why we love to do-those things that challenge us and get us so engaged that we lose track of time. What are your greatest strengths? How will you use them?
 

Drawing of a lantern Choose to serve.

When we focus primarily on ourselves, our view of the world is narrow and limited. As we turn more energy and attention to helping others, the meaning and satisfaction of our own lives expand. There are countless places and ways we can serve others. What will you do to make the world a better place?
 

Drawing of a man sitting outside reading a book Choose to grow.

Growth is the surest sign of progress in life. Seeking new ideas, experiences, and projects helps us grow and enjoy our journey. How will you cultivate personal growth?
 

Drawing of a compass Don’t forget your compass.

Each of us is equipped with a personal compass - or conscience - to guide us along life’s journey. Conscience is the peaceful voice inside of us that invites us to be compassionate, kind, and honorable. When we ignore the compass, we get lost. When we use our compass well, our journey will be richer and more meaningful. How will you better follow your compass?

You’ll be making many choices along your personal journey. Use this trail map to make better choices. Have a great journey!

Learn more to help you on your personal journey by visiting the Choices in the Personal Journey link at www.arfamilies.org, visiting your local county extension agent, talking with wise fellow travelers, or reading a good book on traveling successfully through life, such as:

  • Martin E. P. Seligman’s Authentic Happiness (2002, Free Press).
  • Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s Finding Flow (1997, Basic Books).
  • C. Terry Warner’s Bonds That Make Us Free: Healing Our Relationships, Coming to Ourselves (2001, Shadow Mountain).
  • Redford and Virginia Williams’ Anger Kills (1993, Harper).
  • David D. Burns’ The Feeling Good Handbook (1990, Plume).

For printed copies of this publication and more information, please contact your local county Cooperative Extension Service agent.

H. Wallace Goddard, Professor, James P. Marshall, Assistant Professor

Thanks to Steven A. Dennis, Traci Johnston, Sherry Roe, Lindsey Underwood, Katy Randall, and Jennie Hubbard, Contributors.

Thanks to C. Bruce Dupree, Artist

FCS-454

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University of Arkansas
Division of Agriculture
All rights reserved.
Last Date Modified 07/11/2008
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University of Arkansas • Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
2301 South University Avenue
Little Rock, Arkansas 72204 • USA
Phone (501) 671-2000 • Fax (501) 671-2209
 

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