It’s actually a shame that we need to get older in order to discover that something should have value in our life. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the number 4 definition for value is: “a principle or quality that is valuable or desirable”. Notice that part of the definition which says about having a principle that is desirable. When something is valuable to us then it is more meaningful to us. I have also noticed that what we determine as valuable in our lives can actually change and grow as we become older.
When we were young, our values were life skills that we would need for our future and are designated by our parents. It may involve numerous concepts, like: faith, marriage, child-rearing, family, work ethics, to name a few. As humans, we also know that some values that are shared aren’t healthy. We’ve seen, in our society, how some people have an unhealthy obsession with selfish ideals, and have no ability to compromise. (Related post: Black and white and all the beautiful shades of gray in-between
We’ve also seen how some people engage in human trafficking and sex trades of women and children. We’ve seen that some people will seek to destroy, abuse, steal or kill. These are not values that should have a place in our society. Unfortunately, we know that they do exist, because we hear stories and read articles about these acts. As a society, we should be and are appalled by these acts. Those that commit these types of acts should be held accountable. It has nothing to do with race, religion or creed. I am getting off topic, but my point is that wherever their is a wrong value to hold then their is also a right value to hold as well. It’s a balancing act, like yin and yang.
So, how do we determine that something should be of value in our lives? And how do we know that it is something that is good and will add meaning to our lives?
Think about it this way, instead…..
For something to have value, it is not just about what makes you happy, but also what could make others around you happy, as well. It seeks to do good and not do things that are harmful to others. For example, we can value kindness by being kind to a stranger in need. We can value money through charitable giving and/or doing an act of charity. We can value love in loving the person who is different from us in every way. We can value life through laughing at ourselves and seeing our own quirks and mistakes as learning curves. We can value others when we stand on principles that help and don’t hurt others. Remember, your life is what you make of it….. so, make it a good one!
What did I learn from this? You get out of life what you put into it. It’s certainly not easy. Nobody said that it would be. I know that my values are ever changing, as the world is ever changing. But, I also know that life is about choices. The choices that I make can either make me or break me. And guess what? I’m not broken yet!!
What can you gain from this? Take a look at your values and figure out what has meaning in your life. Don’t be afraid to tweak them when and where necessary. But, overall, know that if your values are good and this, in turn, makes you and others happy, then stand up for what is right, no matter what others say. You are stronger than you think! After all…. you are the one who has to live with yourself in the long run.
A Joyful Mission 