While listening to a fictional book, a person was given a chance to change their name, face and location...disappearing from their old life into a brand new one.
It was to change all outward appearances or name recognition; yet the person remained on the inside, but hidden from view.
What struck me was how we tend to change some of the same things, hoping for a better life. When the real core of who you are isn't where you live, the features on your face, the size of your body or what you do for a living.
And, on Facebook yesterday someone asked the question, "What are your five values?" and I asked, "How many live their values?"
Is it possible that your values and your life don't match and is that even possible?
How you spend your time every day, who you are with and how you act ARE your values.
And, is there a difference between your values and your character OR are they one and the same?
I listed mine...."Authenticity, Integrity, trustworthy, individual, spirited".
Freedom would be another, as well as passion...and acceptance of what is.
I believe our actions are our values.
How we spend our time, and who we spend it with, is what gives our life worth.
And what kind of energy do we bring to these encounters, is our contribution to these engagements.
Is it possible as well, that many can't name their values and that what they do each day isn't what they want their values to be?
I am much more in sync with my values. My inner world is happy with what I do and with whom. I am more in tune.
In the past, there was a fight and struggle, where my values and ideas wrestled with what I was taught. Now, there is no inner fight going on.
I have learned to tune out the voices outside of me, and listen to my inner callings. And in doing so my self value has risen.
I would bet, that the biggest cause of distress and stress for that matter, is doing the opposite of what you know are your values. Doing this to get along, to keep the peace etc...while a war is raging inside of you.
List your values, give them a ranking of importance and then see how close you are living in comparison to the list. If it is off, you know where you need to start spend more of your time and energy.
Don't let your inner self hide from your life.
Thanks Brian Rendel for this exercise.
