Carson (Age 18)
A Teenager IN Search of a meaningful future
When Carson was a senior in high school, he felt adrift and unsure about what was coming next in his life. He and his mother were at odds because he was dragging his feet on completing college applications. Carson’s mother had contacted me and asked me if I could support him in finishing his college applications. This was late November 2019, a few months before the world would be in an official pandemic.
Carson was 17 years old, soon to turn 18. During our first session, it became clear to me that Carson was dragging his feet because he was not entirely convinced that college was the path for him. Like many high-schoolers, Carson thought he didn’t know what he wanted to do with his life. In our first session, we zeroed in on his passions and they didn’t fit into the box he had built for himself! He had not even considered them as his legitimate life aspirations because he didn’t see how they fit into life as he knew it.
By the end of our first session, Carson felt excited about life and about his future. He had a clear sense that he would make an impact on the world in a unique way. Soon after, he completed his college applications with greater ease because he understood the purpose that college may play in his life. More importantly, he felt a sense of purpose for his life! Ultimately, a sense of purpose is what every human needs and desires.
Carson and I continued meeting for a full year throughout the pandemic. During this time he completed and graduated from high school and he made the decision to take a gap year. Most importantly, Carson felt a sense of ownership over his life and his endeavors, especially after he finished his high school requirements.
Throughout the year, he deeply engaged in self-designed studies on investments/finance, real estate, spiritual development, personal growth, and business. He created an online store, a YouTube channel, and a mentoring practice. With such a feeling of sovereignty over his life, he stepped into full responsibility for how his life unfolds and as such, began a regular meditation practice, motivational reading, journaling, intentional exercise, and mindful eating. As he brought these new life-promoting habits on board, he watched other habits fall away such as playing video games, mindless Netlfix viewing, and vaping.
Carson is an excellent example of a young man who was ready to be handed the reigns of full control over his life and take responsibility. His mother was in full support!
In her words, “When I first hired you I was thinking that you would help me help Carson in his daily life. What you have done is wrap him in so much love and support that I can actually talk to him about daily life. You did what I was hoping you would do but in a way that I didn’t even understand. Thank you.”