If I asked you what your top values are, what would be your answer? How easy would it be to identify the things that are most important in shaping the choices you make each day about the person you want to be and the way you want to live your life? What things simply must be present in your life for you to feel most fulfilled and most at peace with yourself and your world?
The particular values we live by are part of what makes us unique individuals – they are part of what gives our lives meaning and helps define our sense of purpose. How we interpret those values differs from person to person and I think it is important to really think about that meaning and how we express it on a day to day basis.
For instance, I have always placed a high value on family. To me that means things like having a sense of belonging and identity; receiving and providing unconditional love, acceptance and loyalty; and being there for each other, no matter what. That strong sense of family has been passed on to me by my own parents who have been a wonderful example of family in action. They are a huge support and inspiration to me and my siblings and our families.
Our family always seemed to have elastic sides – expanding to fit anyone who needed a place of security and comfort and care. So, at my parent’s 50th wedding anniversary there were others not of their own blood line who were acknowledged as their ‘other children’ and ‘other grandchildren’, who stood and spoke of the important place my parents had in their lives and helping to make them the people that they are today.
I wonder – what does family mean to you?
