Each day, laptop and children permitting, I’ll share a prompt that’s been on my mind, and a few of my thoughts.
You are welcome to share your own perspective in the comments, or just journal it out!
What values are at the core of the things that matter most to me?
Part of yesterday’s exercise – deciding why a memory is special to you – is getting to the root of the things on your heart.
In other words, what values are at the core of the things that matter most to you?
I recently listened to an interview on the Family Looking Up podcast with Stacy Taniguchi. He used the example of hiking in the winter, and coming to a crevasse along your path:
He asked, “If I placed a rickety ladder across the gap, and offered you $10 dollars, would you cross it? How about $100? …What if your child was on the other side?”
He went on, “Your core values are the things you would cross the ladder for.”
I love this illustration, because so often we hear the question “what do you value?” and it feels abstract. And yet, when we know our values, we discover the capability to create the life we want to live, despite our circumstances.
This past year, many of us experienced difficult circumstances outside of our control. Dealing with that comes with a huge learning curve, and that’s okay.
But, if we want 2021 to be different, it’s up to us. No one can do it for you.
Are you living in alignment with what you value? Do you know what that is? Have you decided how you will respond when those values are tested?
❤ Jenny
My family and friends matter to me, so based on that, I guess I value love, friendship and socialization. With limited opportunities, the current climate does not lend itself to socializing and I am feeling that.
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It was absolutely different this last year. I’m grateful for the internet, but it’s not quite the same. Wishing you lots of love, friendship and socialization in the coming months!
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Sometimes circumstances force us to truly evaluate what is important to us.
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That’s a great point, Brenda, thank you! I’m grateful God keeps me on my toes 😉
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Amen 🙏🏽
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I would cross it for Jesus or to help a friend
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or to answer God’s call
or to help someone in need
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I see that in you and the words you share. I’m grateful for your faith, big brother 🙂
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Honesty. Loyalty. Hard work. Responsibility. And Jesus Christ.
All things that so many people I know are calling racist and white supremacist now.
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That is a fantastic list, friend, thanks for sharing. All we can do is hold to the things we value and hope they shine through in us. Joe and I are huge on personal responsibility!
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Really? People are calling these qualities racist and white supremacist?? Where??
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https://www.realclearpolicy.com/2020/07/20/smithsonian_rationality_and_hard_work_are_racist_499426.html
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Thanks for sharing. I had never heard/seen anything like that. It doesn’t make sense to me. I’m glad that the Smithsonian removed that content from an otherwise good article.
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This is the kind of thinking that has already begun to tear apart the United States, and I fear that we might see another civil war in my lifetime since there is so little uniting the states and their people anymore. It appears from your blog that you aren’t from here, so I don’t know how much of that kind of thinking you hear where you are.
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Being empathetic is the biggest value for me. My mom always says, sympathy for someone or something will make you do the right thing one day/momentarily, but if you show and feel empathy, you will never do wrong by others. I know it’s still abstract and something you don’t well describe, but again, I would like to build this character in my kids.
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Empathy is one of mine, too, Pallavi! I always tell my kids to be kind, and try and show them how to step into other people’s shoes. You are a fantastic example of this quality to me. I’m so thankful to know you.
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Feel the same way about you, my friend ❤️
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Thank you ❤
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I’m trying to improve my empathy… it’s hard… I’m reading a book by Brene Brown and she really unpacks it. Empathy requires vulnerability because we have to feel with the other person what they are feeling. That’s hard for me but I’m committed to improving.
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Brene Brown is my favorite!!
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You have presented deep questions I need to reflect on. Thank you for sharing this and other amazing posts.
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Thank you for reflecting with me, Temi!
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I think humility is my number one value. I think so much of being a disciple of Jesus and loving people well requires first that we are humble.
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I agree. That is a harder one for me than empathy for some reason. In both cases, it’s hard to be willing to see something from someone else’s perspective. I see that quality in you, though, and the writings you share.
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Thank you. I think you are doing a great job of trying to see the other point of view as well!
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