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Awesome summary of Carl Rogers concept of the fully functioning person. I do see myself struggling with existential living. Although I agree with this concept that it promotes authenticity and encourages people to engage with life more fully, we also learn from our past experiences. I believe that our past experiences shape the present and the choices that we make today are often influenced by our past. Looking through the past and realizing the progress that we have made on our past goals can help motivate us to set new goals for the future. I also have hard time grasping Rogers concept on experiential freedom or another word for fulfilled life concept. We tend to struggle with this when there is a discrepancy between our self-concept and our experiences. It can lead to anxiety and dissatisfaction which I experience sometimes in my daily life. We are influenced by our interactions with others which can be both positive and negative. If we get influenced negatively than we may experience what is called suffering. His concept states that this is when a person is happy and satisfied with life and always looking for new challenges and experiences. Not everyone is satisfied with their lives. This is why looking at our past experiences can help us identify what we can improve on. It helps use to seek our more opportunities for learning and growth throughout our lives and trust our own instincts.

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Thank you for sharing your thoughts! You've articulated some important points that resonate deeply with the complexities of Carl Rogers' concept of the fully functioning person. It's true that our past experiences play a significant role in shaping who we are and how we navigate the present. Acknowledging our journey and the lessons learned can indeed serve as a motivating force as we set new goals.

Regarding the struggle with experiential freedom, you’re not alone in feeling the tension between self-concept and lived experiences. It's a common human experience to face discrepancies that can lead to anxiety and dissatisfaction. The challenge lies in recognizing these feelings and using them as feedback for growth rather than allowing them to define our worth.

Your point about the influence of others is also vital. Relationships can enhance our sense of self and provide the support needed for authenticity, but they can also bring about negative influences that lead to suffering. It’s all about fostering positive connections and maintaining a strong sense of self in the process.

Ultimately, the journey toward being a fully functioning person is filled with ups and downs. Reflecting on our past, as you mentioned, can illuminate paths for personal growth and help us cultivate trust in our instincts. Thank you for this thoughtful reflection on such a nuanced topic! It's a journey we all can learn from together.