Values

Value- Of great price, the regard that something is
held to deserve, the importance, worth.

You have values. They have been developing in the depths of your heart your entire life! Every circumstance, interaction, perception and lesson learned have contributed to the formation of your core values. It often happens imperceptibly, yet the affects of your values are clearly evident. Life flows from our core values.

You make decisions all day long. A decision made thoughtfully and carefully will likely be in alignment with your values, leaving you at peace with yourself, and hopefully with the effects of your decision. Yet, if your decision is more reactionary or made to fit the values of another person it often results in a lack of peace and even regret. You will know when you are not living in alignment with your core values because it will negatively affect your mood, emotions, will give you anxiety, and will leave you generally not at ease.

Core values also affect our interactions with other people. For example, when you find yourself feeling happy about someone else’s decision, it is likely they have chosen something that aligns with your values. If you find yourself angry with someone, ask yourself, “Why am I angry with this person? What have they done to incite this feeling of anger?” The chances are very good they have done or said something that goes against one or more of your core values. Without this clarity all you may understand is that this person has made you angry. The natural tendency is to react in anger toward that person. This is not helpful. With an understanding of why you feel angry, you can choose to have a conversation with the individual to explain your core value that has been hurt by their decision. A confrontation like this will likely be far more effective in achieving reconciliation and improving your relationship and circumstance.

Even though our values form unconsciously, they can be formed, strengthened and even changed consciously. By taking time to reflect deeply on your values and writing them down, you bring your hidden values into the light. In this way you can work to diminish the values that are not in your best interest and work to develop those that are.

When you clearly identify your core values, you will be able to begin intentionally living your life in alignment with them. Good decisions will be easier to make. Priorities will be easier to set. Words, facial expressions, finances, time and so much more can be brought into alignment with your core values, if you know what they are.

Your life flows from your values. Get to know them well so that you can harness the power of values and use them to your benefit, and that of those around you. Build upon them the life that you truly desire.