Values ARE the Value

What is truly important in your life?   Being clear about what is important in your life will help you make better decisions that tie back to your values. Clear values heighten awareness of everything around you forcing you to consider the experiences and people in your life.

Seriously, think about the five most important people in your life.  How closely do these people fit with your values?  Do you know, I mean really know what your values are?

After doing work to determine my own values, I was able to not only narrow down what my values are but also how they apply in my life.  This challenge began with quite a bit of soul searching and silence.   I had to ask myself tough questions like “who am I?” and I kept asking until I successfully removed the labels assigned by me and society.  I thought about commonalities in the ways I approach my life in all areas.  For example,  I would not steal things nor would I be dishonest in my personal life or at work.  I also expect the same from others and the five people I spend the most time with are of a similar mindset.  I am oversimplifying but hopefully, you get the gist.

What do I value?

Trustworthiness is one of my core values.  That means that across all areas of my life, being trusted is important to me as well as surrounding myself with trustworthy people. For me, it doesn’t matter if we are dating, co-workers, business associates, or friends if I can’t trust you that is a huge deal-breaker for me. I also asked myself what I stand for?  I literally thought about those things that I will shout from the mountaintops either in celebration or outrage!   One such value is open-mindedness.  It really makes my skin crawl when others try to impart their beliefs and/or lifestyles upon others as if their choices are somehow better, more desirable, or more “right” than those of others.  Due to this value, I do not argue about things like religion, or politics.  I truly believe that what a person believes is good and workes in their life is just that…good for “their” life, not something to be argued or disputed.

Another value that I hold dear is LOVE.  I try to demonstrate love in all of my interactions.  Even if a situation is frustrating or anger-provoking I think about the need to be honest with the person and express my thoughts.  Recently, I had to tell someone that I didn’t trust them to complete an assignment.  I clearly explained why and asked if they had questions.  After this tough conversation, the person thanked me for being upfront.  They went further to say that they understood my perception, apologized and asked if we could get beyond the situation.  Knowing that trustworthiness is one of my values, I knew it would take time to rebuild trust so I was also honest about that too. I believe that it is more loving to say the hard things than it is to pretend there is nothing wrong.

I know that this exchange went well and others won’t, but all I can do is be true to my values and let the chips fall.

If you follow my blog, you can see other things that I value like health & fitness, humor and more.  Every post I release is intended to contribute positively to the lives of readers.  My posts are a reflection of the most valuable pieces of me which I believe lie within my values.

By-the-way, I value YOU!

Cr8Ab

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