that happened to me the first time i played FF7. i was supposed to be in the Temple of the Ancients, but never did for a really long time b/c i didn't want Aeris to die [watched bro/cousin play before]. i used the area around Cosmo Canyon/Wutai for most of my training before discovering new spots, and maxed out everyone's HP/MP.

it takes me a long time to move on to a new place/chapter in most RPGs i've played. i jus like to pick out a good spot and stay there for weeks or months.