Have you ever experienced this?

The sun is shining. The air is warm. You are driving/riding along with the windows down. The music is blasting and it is a tune you really connect with. It is a straight road and you have this urge to hit the gas. It is an exhilarating feeling of freedom. And, it comes with the risk of finding myself going a little faster than I perhaps should. It’s a good feeling! If you have ever experienced this feeling, I wonder what song came to your mind. For me, one of those songs is “Running Down a Dream” by Tom Petty. Yes, I know…still dating myself and I am indeed getting older. Oh well. I usually start getting that urge at this time of year. Even at my age.

What does that have to do with this week’s Counselor’s Corner?

Simple, as I thought about that experience, I couldn’t help but also think about what drives us to do the things we do. Some of our choices are all about rationalization. We weigh the pros and cons, think through all of the scenarios and try to choose what is best. Other choices are all about the feeling or the experience. We don’t really take into account the possible outcome, we just want to feel good or enjoy the ride.

I share this with you today not to say one way is right and another is wrong. Rather, that we are all driven toward making decisions by our intellect and our emotions. Rarely is it one or the other. Most likely we are on a spectrum between intellect and emotion. One may be more influential in our choices than the other, but they are always at work in our lives. We see this when choosing entertainment versus study, rest versus activity, and more. The important thing for you and I to recognize is that they are both at work and to understand when we should allow one to have more influence over the other. Both matter. Both should be heard; your head and your heart. While I cannot tell you exactly what balance should look like for you in these situations, I can say you will find enjoyment when you are in harmony between your brain and your heart. Some days, you will find true joy by leaning more toward your brain. Other decisions will be purely for the pleasure while always recognizing the boundaries.

And, it’s a thrilling ride.

Until next time…I would love to hear what songs on your playlist cause you to pump up the volume and drop the windows. Shoot me an email and let me know. I am always looking to expand my library.

As always, You Matter To Me! All of you!

Roy Morgan

"London is such a fun student! She definitely demonstrates our school's core values in academics. However, what I want to highlight about her is her joyous personality. She doesn't take herself too seriously and always participates in spirit days. She brings humor into any situation which makes learning fun for her and her peers."

Great job, London!

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