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Chapter 1 Changes Ahead: . Your Life Takes New Directions . Concept A: New Horizons. Senior year in high school marks the beginning of the transition from adolescence to young adulthood. Transition: This transition presents both dangers and opportunities. DANGERS. OPPORTUNITIES.
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Chapter 1 Changes Ahead: Your Life Takes New Directions
Concept A: New Horizons • Senior year in high school marks the beginning of the transition from adolescence to young adulthood.
Transition: This transition presents both dangers and opportunities DANGERS OPPORTUNITIES
We are like Crustaceans • We are not unlike a hardy crustacean. The lobster grows by developing and shedding a series of hard, protective shells. Each time it expands from within, the confining must be sloughed off. It is left exposed and vulnerable until, in time, a new covering grows to replace the old? • What habits, hang-ups, or mannerisms make up your “confining shell”?
Opportunities • By focusing on the opportunities, we can see that through growth we become fully alive
The Gift of the Present Moment • Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn “your life is the sum of your present moments, so if you’re missing lots of them, you may actually miss much of your [life].”
Wait until…thinking • Wait until I have a boyfriend or girlfriend then I’ll be happy • Wait until I have my degree, then… • Wait until I find the right job, then I’ll really live • Remember… the present is a gift – that’s why they call it the present!
Jesus’ Desire For Us • He shows us the way through his life’s example of LOVING GOD and
Growth • Growth toward fullness of life does not happen overnight.
Growth • Is a life long process that occurs in stages: • Infancy • Early childhood • Play age • School age • Adolescence • Young adulthood • Adulthood • Mature adulthood
The Passage to Young Adulthood • During the present transition in your life, you will be challenged to take on developmental tasks in about eleven areas. • Developing a sense of identity • Growing in autonomy • Renewing oneself by learning and creating • Gaining competencies • Selecting a career and taking on an adult job • Constructing and living out a value system • Integrating sexuality into one’s life • Making friends and living with intimacy • Making loving commitments • Reflecting on religion • Taking part in the larger community
Concept B: Identity • Answering the Christian call to fullness of life means gaining a strong sense of identity
Identity • Our understanding of who we are
Identity • Is based on experience and grows through knowledge of ourselves
Identity grows based on… • Our feelings and wants • What people tell us • Our talents • Aspects of ourselves that we can and cannot control
Self - esteem • An accurate sense of identity forms the basis of our self - esteem
Self – esteem is • Our love and appreciation for our unique work
Concept C: Autonomy • Autonomy – with a strong sense of identity, we can become autonomous – able to direct our own life and actions
Autonomy • Autonomous persons recognize their need for others and others’ need for them
Autonomous Persons • Are interdependent rather than independent
False Autonomy • Behaviors that offer the illusion of independence
False Autonomy • “Groupthink” – gangs or cults / taking on the practices and views of a different group of people
False Autonomy • “Jailbreak” – pregnancy or marriage. Young people may see this as a means of escape but in reality they are assuming more responsibility.
Independence • People that think of themselves as totally independent do not see themselves as connected to others at all
Autonomy & Interdependence • Gives us the ability to consider the consequences of our actions
Autonomy & Interdependence • Give us a sense of responsibility to ourselves and others (Christian Freedom)
St. Paul • Jewish leader who became Christianity’s apostle to the gentiles • His faith made him strong • His weaknesses made him sympathetic (p.23)
Concept D: Personal Power • Power – The ability to influence our own life and the people and events around us
Power • Comes from having a strong identity and being autonomous
Pentecost • The Apostles were given power or the strength to spread the word of Christ through the Holy Spirit
Power • Power can be used for either good (positive power) or bad (negative power)
Positive Power • Nurtures others (nurturing power)
Positive Power • Compliments their power (shared power)
Nelson Mandela • Mandela went from being a prisoner to the first freely elected president of South Africa • He used his power, not only to speak out for his own race but to build bridges with the white government
Positive Power • Builds the Reign of God ( St. Peter)