Our Values
| Author: Ellie West, Certified Master Practitioner of NLP, Time Line Therapy, and Hypnosis Inside Inspiration: Certified NLP Coach/Practitioner Of Hypnosis and Timeline Therapy |
Our Values
Ellie West
Certified Master Practitioner of NLP, Time Line Therapy, and Hypnosis
Have you ever taken a moment to reflect on the values that guide your life and where they come from? Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in a practice session centered around NLP as I near the completion of my Masters's Certification. During this session, a process was introduced to help us define our values, and it was truly enlightening.
As I listed my top ten values and went through the process, I discovered something fascinating - some of my values shifted. Even though my values remained fairly congruent, I realized that our values can vary in different areas of our lives. For instance, the values we prioritize in our career might be different from those in our relationships or when it comes to our personal growth, health, and even spirituality.
Various factors shape our values, including our upbringing, environment, role models, and personal experiences. Our values often take shape during childhood, influenced by the teachings and examples set by our parents, family, and caregivers. As parents, we greatly impact what our children value as they closely observe our actions with unwavering attention.
Our morals and values serve as the gentle breeze that guides our ship to identify through the grand ocean of life. Just like the rudder that steers a ship, our values determine our direction, influencing our every action and decision in our everyday journey. However, when we disregard or compromise our values, our ship veers off course, encountering the turbulent waters of regret and uncertainty. Our values shape our identity and provide the emotional compass that guides us toward a life of authenticity, peace, and contentment.
But the beauty of our values lies in their impact on our lives and in how they allow us to add value to others. You might wonder, "How can I add value to others?" It's a beautiful question with countless answers, each reflecting the compassionate nature of the human spirit. Allow me to share a few examples.
You may possess expertise or knowledge in an area where someone may need assistance. By offering to help, you can provide guidance, insights, and tips that make a world of difference to someone struggling with a problem.
Just recently, during our nightly walk, my husband and I noticed a neighbor laboriously mowing a significant patch of grass with a simple push mower. Seeing his struggle, I approached my husband and asked if he could help with our riding lawn mower. After mowing our lot the following day, my husband generously assisted our neighbor in cutting his grass. The gratitude and appreciation our neighbor expressed were immeasurable. My husband added value to our neighbor's life and demonstrated kindness and compassion in that simple act.
Being there for others when they need someone to lean on is another powerful way to add value. Offering a listening ear, words of encouragement, and genuine empathy and understanding can provide comfort and support to those traversing challenging times.
Offering a compassionate presence can truly make a difference in someone's life.
Throughout my Master Certification Program, we are randomly put in breakout rooms. When I got to one of my breakout sessions, the person in the room was having a hard day. Instead of jumping into our assignment, I just let her talk and share what she needed to share. Adding value to that person was more important at the moment than doing our practice session.
Additionally, sharing our success stories, lessons learned, or personal growth experiences can inspire and motivate others on their journeys. By being a source of positivity and optimism, we uplift others with our kind words and positive outlook.
Remember, adding value to others doesn't always require grand gestures. Sometimes, the simplest acts of kindness, such as offering a genuine compliment, lending a supportive ear, or providing guidance, can profoundly affect someone's life.
Our values serve as the solid foundation upon which our individuality is built. They are instrumental in shaping our path and guiding us toward a brighter and more hopeful future.
Let us embrace the power of our values, and together, let us strive to cultivate and live by these values, creating a ripple effect of goodness that touches the hearts and souls of countless individuals.
As we cultivate strong values filled with kindness, compassion, and empathy, we enrich our lives and become catalysts for positive change in the world.
“Sometimes you will never know the value of the moment until it becomes a memory.”
~Dr. Seuss
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