Reflection: What Do You Value?

There is a heck of a lot of noise out there in the world. So many people with so many opinions. So many wanting our attention or something else from us, being pulled in ten different directions at once. At times it feels like we lose ourselves in all that is going on around us. It is at those times we may need to step into a quiet space, physically perhaps but definitely psychologically. We may need to take some time for reflection on what we believe and value.

I admit I tend to reflect on big topics and like to dive deep but that’s not everyone. Even if you like to stay busy busy and go, go, go, taking time for reflection on whatever topic that’s on your mind is worth it. You might feel like you aren’t accomplishing anything but I would argue you might come to important understandings about yourself that will better focus your energy and efforts. Reflection can be grounding, pulling oneself back to earth, back to our foundation, back to what we value. It can calm emotions and help us deal with all that tends to distract us and pull us in multiple directions.  

“What do you value?” is the question of the day.  Right away I can hear someone ask, “What do you mean?”  Values is defined as a person’s principles, what is important in life.  If your brain wants to go directly to what’s the right answer??, free yourself from worrying about right or wrong. Begin by simply generating words. Period. No judgment. No trying to list in order of importance, etc. If your thoughts need refining later on then fine. It can be revisited whenever you feel the need.

I searched for ways to get started with this reflection exercise. Lucky for you I scrolled right past the heading that started with “120 questions…” Yikes!  I pulled a few questions from a website that works with philanthropies.  The source is listed below. Use them to get started if you wish or you can go with your own list of questions. Jot down as many answers you can think of and again, let go of “right or wrong” right now. Determining the value of your values in navigating life as a member of a community of human beings can come later.

        *What does the word “values” mean to me?

*What are some of the values that have guided me so far in my life?

        *What ideals sustain me?

        *Where do these values come from?

        *What role models or family history have contributed to my values?

*How do these values show up in how I relate to other people and make decisions?

Another day, you could reflect on how these values fit into a larger picture.

        *Why do I exist?

        *What is my purpose?

        *How would I like to be remembered?

The first set of questions helps answer the question, “Who am I?” as a person. The second set is almost comically philosophical, like sitting back in an armchair with a pipe and wearing a tweed dress or jacket and pondering the meaning of life. Yet, they are probably a few of the most important questions we will ever ask ourselves.

This is a lot of mental work. By the same token, it’s not as if there’s a teacher standing over you, telling you to stay in your seat until every question is answered in complete sentences before you will be dismissed from class. Take your time. You can start the process, leave it, and come back to it another day. The world is busy and noisy and when you feel like you don’t even know what it is you are trying to do anymore – that’s the time to find your quiet space for reflection.  Wow! Just imagine where you could go from there!

Source: Starting A Values Conversation — Hammer & Associates