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Simply Intentional: Living Out Values EverydayBy Beth Norman
"...Are you living out your values"?
This is the question I recently asked each one of my own four children (well, okay, myself included). Their answers and conversations that followed not only inspired me but also made me realize that it was time for a healthy adjustment - but more on this in a moment.
When you're alone in that place with your thoughts, where you find yourself reflecting on the days busyness, the decisions you've made, the should of's and the could of's, your triumphs, your shortcomings, do you, like me, find yourself making promises that tomorrow will mark the beginning of living the way in which you feel reflects your values more? And then... before you know it, its tomorrow already and your right back living like you did yesterday? Hmmmmmm.
My place is when my head hits the pillow.... those peaceful moments just before falling asleep. This is the place where wrongs can be righted, adjustments can be made, and even epiphany's can occur. And if I look closely enough, I can trace each and every one of my actions back to it's original form -- a thought! Whether I unintentionally cheated on my values, or I simply allowed the day to pass with all of its untouched possibilities, I realize once more that purposeful living does not come naturally. The good news though is that this struggle, this civil war within to put first things first, is just the beginning of living a new way for a new day!
So, back to the question I asked my kids, "Are you living out your values"?
Observing my kids take in this question was reward enough. The pause of watching them come into contact with what their values were was exciting. Soon after, they were able to share their top three values that are of great importance to them. Then came the moment of truth, their realization and admission that "no" they really hadn't been living up to their values! Oh no, this is terrible, I thought. Before panic mode kicked in, the question that naturally seemed to follow, was "Well, what do you think gets in your way of living out your values"? Again, after a little while of thought, my kids came to the conclusion that for them, INSTANT GRATIFICATION, was the enemy! Wanting what you want now! So true, isn't it? Some of the values that they identified were that of their faith, their family relationships with each other, the nutritional and physical shape of their bodies and the giving of their time.
My 14-year-old daughter, for instance, explained that she values the giving of her time and has always felt a pull to spend time with older people. On the spot, she asked me if I would take her down to the local nursing home so she could sign up as a volunteer! Wow! We jumped in the car and did just that. Two days later, we, yes, we, were on the job, meeting the kindest people on earth. We met a wonderful man named Warren who proudly told us that he was 90 years old and except for his knees, everything else was in tact! Then another man named George who couldn't help but smile ear-to-ear as we played cards together and listened to his treasured stories of when he served in the Coast Guard during World War II.
Asking my kids this question was a highlight of my summer. In an effort to not overwhelm them or this thought provoking experience, I asked each one of my kids (myself included) to take a One Day Challenge. One day of intentionally living out their values! We've all agreed and I'm looking forward to it.
Experience the joy of rediscovering values with your own children.
Ask your children (and yourself) the same question, "Are you living your values"? I promise you won't be disappointed.
Take the One-Day Challenge.
Practice DELAYED gratification. Teaching your kids to wait is a lesson of great value..
By the way, my epiphany last night? Was realizing that each one of my kid's values reflected my own! Now, that's cool!
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One Choice
