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experiences. Although it is perfectly acceptable to live a life in which you stay close to home, people who
venture forward and expand their experiences usually benefit in some way from them. For example, the
experience of getting a Bachelor’s degree will add a great deal to your earning potential, a Master’s degree
even more, and a Ph.D. even more. Through seeing much of the country and living in three different states,
I have not only gotten to know the various landscapes of this absolutely breathtaking country, but my
experiences in traveling have also helped me to formulate my future plans. I know that eventually I am
going to move back West, most likely to Colorado or Arizona. Traveling to countries outside the United
States can help people to develop an understanding of different cultures, which in turn can make them
more tolerant people. Expanding our experiences with the arts—music, dance, literature, theatre, painting
and sculpture, etc.—will introduce us to the creative force of human nature, just as experiences in viewing
or participating in sports competitions will introduce us to the physical force of the human body. Falling
in love, getting married, and having children are customary experiences in most cultures because of the
fulfillment they bring to people. There are experiences that bring fun to our lives, joy to our lives, meaning
to our lives, experiences that will give us faith and hope. We become who we are through our experiences.
So expanding your experiences will most likely add to the meaning and the value of your life and shape
you into a more fulfilled, enriched and open-minded person.
It might be helpful to first think about some of the experiences in your life that have added already to the
meaning and the value of your life or have shaped you into the person you are today.
For
My Life Vision worksheet
, project into the future, and write about several experiences that you
might want to have in your life. Perhaps these categories will help you to consider all different kinds of
experiences you might have:
1. Educational experiences—how far might you want to go in your education? Are there other
types of educational experiences that you might want to have beyond getting a degree—
enrichment classes, for example, such as cooking, financial planning, decorating, etc.?
2. Travel experiences—are there any places within or outside of the United States that you
think you might want to go?
3. Experiences with the arts—do you see yourself either participating in any creative endeavors
or making them a part of your cultural life?
4. Experiences with physical competition—do you see yourself either participating in any
sports or exercise programs or in any way making them a part of your life?
5. Intellectual experiences—do you see yourself involved in any experiences that would
address your mind, such as joining a book group or a history or science club?
6. Political experiences—do you see yourself getting involved in politics in any way?
7. Social experiences—do you see yourself trying to enrich yourself socially in any way,
expanding your friendships and acquaintances?
8. Outdoors experiences—do you see yourself including outdoors experiences in your life,
such as camping, hiking, biking, rafting, bird watching, sailing, etc.?