What's In My Knapsack?… Part 5

3 minute read

 Let’s unpack the next item in our metaphorical knapsack…

                                      ...our values.

  Values are often hidden motivators in the way we do life.

      What we consider valuable will engage our heart.

 It is possible though, to shut down what we really think is important and get used to not listening to our feelings that indicate to us what is going on in our heart.

 This can happen for varied reasons such as childhood responses to the family system and trauma, but regardless of the reasons, the outcome causes us to live a life out of touch with myself .

 This denial of feelings and what is important to me, or what I value, can become a lifestyle, sustained for some time, but the cost to relationships and personal well- being, is high.

Mental health is compromised when we do not acknowledge reality.

     What I value is part of who I am.

 For example, if I value character and kindness and growth, these qualities will lead me forward and produce their own benefits. They will also create an antennae within me to notice when these qualities are not present in those around me and help me to find people that share similar values.

 If I find that my life is not where I would like it to be, I can take a look at what I really consider to be important and see if I am directing my life to agree with what I value, or am I losing myself beside others and conforming to a lesser quality life than what I desire.

  My values are an important treasure in my personal knapsack.

  Don’t leave home without them!