I like many of the articles shared in dailylife.com and thought this one on values to be a thought provoking piece. Over time my values have certainly changed, having children has contributed to this. These days I much prefer to give my girls an experience as a gift, rather than some highly packaged plastic item purchased from a store that will not last more than a few months or a year if lucky. I also value a quieter, less stressful lifestyle and am more conscious wanting to be kind to the planet.
"We’re living through a time of transition and change on a global scale, prompting many of us to re-evaluate our values as a culture.
Our values are what make us who we are at our core, yet many of us never take a moment to consider whether our values still align with the people we want to be.
Most people’s values will make some changes over time. Sometimes, our values shift naturally, and sometimes they’re influenced by those around us, by society, or by the community we live in.
How Do We Define Values?
Values are beliefs that are fundamental in our lives. They allow us to decide which things in our lives we consider important. If you believe in being kind to others, this is a value that you’ve chosen to embody, and you present this value to the world in the form of kindness.
When you think about the kind of person you’d like to be, there’s a good chance that you’re considering the values that make that ideal version of yourself so unique and desirable. They help you form the foundation of the life you want to build.
Your values represent the ideas and beliefs that you find to be important not only within your own life but the world around you. Your values help you choose which things in your life to prioritise, whether that’s family and relationships, your career, or humanitarian efforts. They’re important for helping you attract the kind of life you want, which is why it’s so important to identify and analyse your values every once in a while.
Why Is It Important to Assess My Values?
One of the most important reasons to take a closer look at the values you hold near and dear to your heart is that they may not be your values at all. Many people adopt the values of the people who raised them, the community around them, and their nation as a whole.
Sometimes it feels easier to go with the flow of energy surrounding you than to rebel against something you know to go against your values. Think about the values you were raised to believe in. Are there any that you’ve outgrown or learned to be false? Deconstructing your values is the key to understanding more about them and, in turn, yourself. What did your parents teach you to believe? What values did you take in from your education? Are there traditions held by your friends or family that you’re no longer comfortable with?
Ask yourself which thoughts and beliefs you were told were important to live by and whether they still apply to you today.
Additionally, our values help us make choices in our lives. There are likely many times a day that you think to yourself, “What should I do?” Having a strong sense of your values and beliefs can help you make these decisions with confidence and ease.
How to Determine Which Values Are Right for You
Think of someone that you admire in your life. Or rather, think of many people that you admire. What qualities do these people possess that make you feel the way you do towards them? What beliefs do they hold? What values do they embody? Make a list of the characteristics that make these people respectable members of society, members that you admire.
Next, make a list of the values that are most important to you right now. Once you have these lists, ask yourself whether your current behaviours, actions, and lifestyle align with these values. Is there any part of your life that actively goes against these values? Any traditions or activities that may not be serving you or your community?
Be Gentle with Yourself as You Explore
This isn’t a time to beat yourself up if you discover that you’ve held prejudices or values that no longer align with who you are at the core. Try to learn where these values came from and why they became a part of your life without judgment.
You’re on a journey towards a more caring, compassionate you. That means being caring and compassionate with yourself as well. Be proud of yourself for the willingness to take a journey towards values that align with who you are on a spiritual level.
Your journey is a step towards making this world a better place."
Courtesy of dailylife.com
Comentários