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"The unexamined life is not worth living." - Socrates
Recently, I have been facing an overwhelming set of decisions and tasks in a variety of areas of my life: health, my writing career, an aging house, friends and family struggling with life-altering issues. Some people thrive under that variety and pressure, but at this point, I have trouble answering the questions "What is most important? What do I focus on first?" Stephen Covey's quote floats in my mind: "I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions."
So I've been re-exploring HOW to make decisions and create a satisfying, fulfilling life. In my reading, inspiring experts suggest:
"Have your outer world reflect your inner world." - Lisa Congdon and Andreea Niculescu
"Follow Your Bliss." - Joseph Campbell
"Men are not moved by things, but by the view they take of them." - Epictetus
"You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you." - James Allen
Even the Bible has suggestions:
⦁ Philippians 4:8 (NIV): "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
⦁ Romans 12:2 (NIV): "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
⦁ Proverbs 4:23 (NIV): "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."
Okay, I got it. What's inside determines your behavior. How do I discern what's actually inside? A friend's recommendation to the rescue!
THE LIVE YOUR VALUES DECK
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VALUES. A DEFINITION... OR TWO
⦁ Underlying principles or standards, as of behavior, that are considered important or desirable and/or are regarded highly or esteemed. Each person holds a unique set of values.
⦁ Personal Values: These are principles that an individual holds dear, such as honesty, compassion, integrity, or ambition. They help a person determine their priorities and what they consider to be a fulfilling life.
⦁ Cultural Values: These are shared beliefs within a society or community about what is good, right, or important. They can include things like respect for elders, community solidarity, or individualism, and they often shape social norms and expectations.
⦁ Ethically, values are used to define what is morally right or wrong.
To figure out what's going on inside me, I have tried questionnaires and personality tests and church sermons.
But this is the first time I have in my hand, in physical form, my 12 Core Values.
I don't usually pitch products in this space, but THIS REALLY HELPED.
⦁ I chose my 12 Values from a very large selection of 73 values, one on the front of each card of the deck, along with a short description of that value.
⦁ On the back of each card is a list of ideas for how to think about the value and suggestions for actions to bring this value more deeply into your life.
⦁ There are two blank cards if you need to add a value that you don't find in the deck. (I did use one of those.)
⦁ There are three cards that are the "sorting cards": Matters Most, Matters Some, Doesn't Matter
⦁ There's a little booklet that describes how to use the cards, determine your core values, and how to study each in more depth to give you more insight.
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Each card has a lovely illustration to represent the value. The definitions are concise and clear, the ideas and suggestions will give you abundant food for thought. I keep my 12 core values close by so I can use them for meditation, calming my monkey mind, and decision-making. They are a steadying influence in my chaotic world.
I'm sure that whatever your circumstances, this deck of Values will guide you to become "a product of your decisions" in a positive way with decisions based on a firm foundation of personal and cultural values. With that foundation, you have every chance to live a satisfying and fulfilling life.
Blessings on Your Day!
Click to Buy The Card Deck Now
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