Engaging with Values
\r\nValues are qualities or principles that people consider to be important and wish to personify. Our values help define the kind of person we want to be and the kind of life we want to live. When we live in accordance with them, our values influence our priorities, our thinking, our choices, our decision-making and our actions. When our actions are in alignment with our values, we do better and we feel better.
\r\nThe way to genuine contentment and satisfaction isn’t through pleasurable experiences that depend on external circumstances. It is an inside job. It comes from making choices that are healthy and helpful, and in alignment with our values. When our actions are consistent with our values we participate in life in a way we can feel good about, regardless of external circumstances. Conversely, when our behavior violates our values it’s almost impossible to feel good about ourselves—no matter the outcome or external circumstances.
\r\nWhen you understand this, you understand that how you live your life is what’s most important because it is the source of true contentment. When people’s actions honor their values, they do the right thing—regardless of criticism or praise, pain or pleasure, loss or gain. And, in turn, they still feel much better about themselves.
\r\nBut to live in a way that respects your values, you need to know what your values are. When was the last time you thought about your values? This is not something most people do unless a significant event (usually an extremely negative, painful or traumatic event) shakes them up so much they feel compelled to consider their life’s meaning and purpose. When this happens, a crisis can become an opportunity to think deeply about what their values are and what kind of life they want to live.
\r\nEven though values are often fairly stable it is not unusual for them change over time. As we progress through life and have new and different experiences, some values become less important to us while others become more so. This is one reason why it is helpful and healthy to regularly consider what is truly important to you. Even if you believe your values haven’t changed over the years, it is still helpful to engage in the exercise of values clarification.
\r\nAs what’s important to you changes, so does your definition of success—and your personal values. That is why keeping in conscious contact with your values is a lifelong practice, but is especially valuable to engage in now.
\r\nCompiled From:
\r\n "Values Can Be a Conduit to Recovery" - Dan Mager