By Allison Stein
Within the pages of my journal, I explore not only the person I am but also the person into which I will evolve. At this stage in my life, I find myself contemplating, How will my choices influence the opportunities of the future? Which directions resonate with my purpose and potential?
Below are some insights which have surfaced through the act of writing…
“I believe that part of growing up…and figuring out life is just magical. Right now, every day, every second, I’m trying to be better than I was last time, to improve, to grow.”
- September 20, 2014: “And indeed, I had grown up; I could feel it in my voice and within my soul.”
- December 12, 2014: “[L]ike everybody says, people live and learn.”
- January 1, 2015: “…I have changed so much since that picture was taken—in regards to looks and beyond.”
- February 27, 2015: “[W]restling with and differentiating the past, present, and future are universal struggles and joys.”
“I love to have aspirations, dreams to hope for and believe in and put faith into.”
- September 30, 2014: “[M]y ambitions remind me of the potential every opportunity holds, encourage me to pursue these captivating wishes for the future, and—most of all—gift me with the hope that dreams come true.”
- January 1, 2015: “…I am determined to not give up…”
- February 27, 2015: “Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve wanted this, and I’ve held on as tightly as I can…”
- June 29, 2015: “…I’m still relentlessly trying to…make a difference.”
“[B]ut I knew in my heart what was right and what would make me happy in the long run.”
- January 1, 2015: “…I will keep following my dreams because I am truly passionate…”
- June 2, 2015: “A year ago, I never would have had the courage to be so sincere…”
- September 16, 2015: “If I do my best and find the courage to open up to the world, I have reason to accept, celebrate, and be proud of myself.”
- September 19, 2015: “That’s why I need to fearlessly chase those dreams that burn in my heart.”
“Sometimes it’s hard to listen to my heart.”
- December 25, 2014: “…I need to make…difficult choices…”
- August 19, 2015: “I’ve been doubting myself so much lately…”
- August 25, 2015: “I know I’ve come a long way…but I still have a long way to go, and that gets discouraging.”
- December 22, 2014: “[M]y heart’s beating in a whirlwind of rhythm.”
“I am scared of growing up.”
- August 31, 2015: “…I can’t leave all my fears inside me.”
- September 2, 2015: “[A]ll too soon I’ll have only memories.”
- September 2, 2015: “The future looms ahead like an ominous storm…”
- October 2, 2015: “[M]y dreams for the future seem like delusions.”
“I’ll give my worries to God, and He’ll make my future fall into place just the way it’s supposed to.”
- December 25, 2014: “I have a perspective I’ve never had before…”
- August 12, 2015: “…I always have faith in God. He knows what He is doing.”
- August 21, 2015: “The future is scary, and I can’t face it alone…”
- September 16, 2015: “…God has and always will fit the fragments of my failures and faults into the beautiful mosaic of my life—even if I don’t understand in the passion of the moment.”
“I was at a crossroads.”
- March 26, 2015: “I worry about the future, but at the same time, I look forward to it.”
- August 31, 2015: “I am scared often, but sometimes I feel brave.”
- September 7, 2015: “It was too bad that I had to fight my own battles now.”
- September 26, 2015: “…I would never regret this.”
“Everybody needs hope.”
- September 30, 2014: “Setting goals will…give me the mindset that possibilities are unlimited.”
- August 17, 2015: “We strive to improve ourselves, discover ourselves, become ourselves.”
- August 17, 2015: “Of course adults still have dreams. Of course they still get sad, angry, and scared. No matter how old humans get, they’re still humans.”
- October 29, 2015: “And suddenly it all seemed so possible…”
For me, inscribing events and emotions on the page enables me to more purposefully navigate my life. I hope my thoughts inspire you to explore your own aspirations and define your own dreams for the future.