Last week, as part of my 31 days of journaling challenge, the prompt was “I value…”
Maybe it was because I was writing in my journal, my private space where I can be free with my thoughts. Or it could because of the practice I’ve had after almost two months of journaling everyday and accessing my inner wisdom. My answers weren’t the usual knee-jerk, socially-accepted answers such as “My family and friends. Hard work. Creativity. A balanced life.”
This is what I wrote.
I value…
LOVE. Love for myself, love for my family and friends, love for my clients, love for my work.
HOME. And making it a beautiful, comfortable and serene space.
MEANINGFUL WORK that touches people’s lives and includes books, writing and coaching.
ADVENTURE/TRAVEL and trying something new.
INTEGRITY.
ABUNDANCE. MY WORTH.
QUALITY over quantity, EXPERIENCES over stuff, ORGANIC and not forced, SMALL and meaningful over big and soul-less.
SOUL, SPIRITUALITY and a CONNECTION WITH THE DIVINE.
LEARNING and EDUCATION (both formal and informal).
CREATIVITY and RESOURCEFULNESS.
EXCELLENCE in work—not perfection, just a willingness to try and do my best always.
KINDNESS.
PEACE. SERENITY. LESS STRESS.
HONESTY. VULNERABILITY.
GOOD WRITING.
INITIATIVE. RESPONSIBILITY.
Try this today. Write the words “I value” at the top of the page in your journal and see what pours out. You will be delighted to see ideals that go beyond the usual answers.
By knowing what you value, you can make choices that are aligned with these.
You can make space in your schedule and your life to put your values in action. You can stand up for what you believe in. Now, you can say yes to people, activities and decisions mindful of what you truly want.
And then say no to everything else that don’t conform to what you value.
