3 Stories That Demonstrate When I Did (And Didn’t) Live Into My Values
Experience is an honest teacher.
It would be easy if we always gave ourselves a moment to consult core values before making a decision. Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as it sounds, and the result can leave us feeling like we’ve veered off course. I previously wrote about the importance of finding and articulating values. After working the process, I concluded that wisdom and kindness are my core values. Below I’ll share a few stories about how those values help guide me, whether in the right direction or showing me a misstep. In the first and third experiences, I let my values inform my behaviors. In the second situation, I’m not proud of who I was at that moment, and my values reminded me that there is a better way to behave toward others.
While doing some yard work, I saw an older neighbor struggling with a small project. She was attempting to hang an outdoor decoration from the overhang of her car-port. My initial reaction was to consider pretending I didn’t see her, maybe give a neighborly smile and wave as I went about my business. I thought then about my values. What would wisdom and kindness require of me right now? I wasn’t that busy and, although it might turn into a longer conversation, it had been a while since I’d chatted with Mrs. B. I took a slow breath and…
