A few years ago, I found a book on my bookshelf. I had no idea how it got there, which is unusual in itself, as I can always recall if I'd bought a book or had been given/loaned it from a friend. But this one? It is still a mystery to me.
Anyway, I read it and loved it! It made me look at my outlook on life in a whole new way. I had never really taken the time to review what I hold important, let alone prioritise them. Of course, I knew family, friends, career etc were foremost in my thoughts. But underneath the daily necessities, the obligations, the societal expectations - there is the True You. The You who is here for a reason. And You value certain things over others. I can't tell you what they are, but you will know. You just have to spend some quiet time reflecting and being curious about what they might be.
I lent the book to a friend after a conversation we had. She was in a space where she was unsettled and was wondering what might be next for her. She read the book and made a huge life decision because of it. It seemed to provide the clarity that was needed to make the leap. I love that words on a page can have such impact. Whether it was the right decision or not, it caused action where there was inertia. Surely it is better to move in any direction than to just unhappily exist?
So why this image? It encapsulates my constant values of love, freedom, fun and peace.
Love; of my husband and best mate. We have been through a lot together and I am so grateful to have him in my life. Also, my love of nature and all the beauty within it.
Freedom; this was during a weekend getaway from our working lives, to visit one of our daughters. I love road trips and the conversations that a change of scenery can bring. Being removed from the every-day can show the possibility of change and how it might look. And it always makes me appreciate home on our return as well. Win-win!
Fun; this was taken (as suggested by Mr Calm Gardener) to send to our girls. They always hassle their Dad for his "tree stance" - the one that he does when out on a bush walk and stops to admire the trees! Now it is a standing joke (pun intended :)
Peace; this has always been important to me, I just never had a value word to pin on it. For me it is both internal and external peacefulness. The internal calm has been helped enormously by practicing meditation for the last two years. My mind is a lot quieter now, the continual internal monologue has quietened, and I can have long spaces of silence throughout my day-to-day life. Bliss. The external peace comes and goes. Although, through my meditation learnings, the outside 'noise' no longer matters as much. It is easier to let it pass by, without it getting 'stuck' within me.
As for other values, they get drawn on when needed, depending on what path I am on. And once worked through, they recede again.
Oh, and the book?! It is Finding True North by Michael Henderson. I highly recommend it.
And as a wee gift from me to you, I have put together a values worksheet. Just fill in the form to the right and you'll receive a copy to progress through in your own time.
I'd love to know how you get on with it. Did you have any flashes of clarity? Or did it solidify what you already knew to be true about your priorities in life?
With love and calmness
Cat xx
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