Christopher Margeson is a psychologist and trainer in Counseling Services. He sat down with NAU Communications, sharing about life lessons and the benefits of reading instructions before building something. Read our questions and his answers below. 
Tell me about a significant childhood memory and how it has impacted your life today.
When I was in middle school I ran track and field. Once I came in second place in the 200-yard dash and was really upset about it. It felt like a loss. When I came home my parents asked me if I did my best and if there was anything I could do to improve myself moving forward. I answered yes to both questions. Those two questions have helped me learn not to compare myself to others, but to focus on growing from all experiences in my life. Anytime I’ve perceived life occurrences as a failure, I’ve been able to reframe my perspective and see an opportunity for growth. This allows me to focus my energy on personal growth instead of stewing on the unchangeable past.
What have you been most proud of this week?
I’ve been most proud of actually reading directions before building or installing something. I have historically just gone in blind and (right or wrong) believed I knew best. It turns out that reading directions can save a lot of time, and frustration, and prevent you from making a bunch of mistakes…who knew?!
What is your favorite way to spend a day off? My favorite way to spend a day off is by making coffee and breakfast for my family, taking our dogs out on a morning hike, and spending a lazy afternoon together as a family with no plans and only our imaginations of what to make of the day.
What are three things on your bucket list and why?
- Participate in another 10-day silent meditation. It helps declutter my mind and remove distractions that promotes growth and healing.
- Hike/bike the AZ trail with my family in sections over the course of a couple of years.
- Take a year to road-trip our beautiful country to meet with other people and organizations in the name of social justice through connections
What is your philosophy in life?
Live with intention and awareness of the small things in life, and connect with myself and others in positive ways.
If you could pick one piece of advice to give someone, what would it be?
Seek to realize and protect your inner beauty and peace.
Why did you go into your field?
Psychology courses were the only classes that I enjoyed that could hold my focus and attention.