52 Weeks to Simplify Your Life - Week Two

I really love week two of Home Life Simplified’s SYL12 challenge - define your values. I had just finished writing about why I love growing up and how much I love the changes that come about with age. This week’s challenge enabled me to get down deep and identify my personal values, and I really enjoyed it.

I talk a lot about my values. I am vocal about them firstly as I stand by them and have no problem sharing them with those around me. Secondly I talk and think about them to keep them cemented. I base my day-to-day life on my values and make decisions based on my values. I refer to my values when I am faced with conflict and they have in essence given me personal power to be confident and stand by my truth. This week's challenge was to narrow down your personal values to the five that mean the most.

One: Family. This is a no-brainer for me and I didn’t even have to think about it. Every decision, big or small, is made with my family in mind. My day starts and ends with my family. My life is my family.

My family went through a very difficult time several years ago and it gave me a deeper appreciation for my loved ones. I don’t ever take them for granted and I relish in every moment shared. My family defines me, it is what makes me truly happy.

Two: Positivity. I am an optimistic person by nature, I genuinely see the good in all things. If something isn’t working out how I want I endeavor to either change it or see the good in it. I believe there is good in everyone, I look for that in people. I don’t see the benefit in self-pity and would rather see the brighter side in situations. This isn’t always easy especially when surrounded with negative vibes, but I have become very good at switching off and not letting negative energy zap my positive energy.

Three: Self-development. I believe before we start dreaming about changing the world we need to look inwards. I strive to be my personal best, and that can only be achieved by me working on ‘me’. The way we handle life and what it throws at us depends solely on our own responsibility and self-awareness. If I can use my best characteristics to make my life that little bit easier then I think I am doing my best. The challenge and struggle is all in my own head, so I work on that. I am always striving to be a better person, not just for those around me but for myself. I will benefit more than anyone else by improving my thoughts, my actions, my reactions and my ability to handle life’s challenges. I want calm, I strive for calm.

Four: Kindness. I have to admit I haven’t always been kind. I have had moments of nastiness towards others, and quite simply it didn’t feel very good. I don’t enjoy nastiness – being on the receiving or giving end of it. I have made a pact with myself to always try to be kind to others. I work on it every day and see it as a lifelong value.

Five: Acceptance. I used to find myself judging in my own head. I would feed inner dialogue on others’ choices or what I deemed to be less favourable to my own choices. I ceased doing that. I now try to accept others and their choices. And by accept I don’t mean just not discussing it, but fully accepting it and not entering into my opinions in my own head. Unless something directly affects me, I have given up worrying about others’ choices. I accept others have their own reasons and their own ways, that’s ok. Just as I would stand up for my own choices, I have no right to judge others. Acceptance feels so much more positive and less worrying, removing those judgemental thoughts opens up space for more creative and positive thinking. Too easy.

If you are keen on simplifying your life take a look at Deb’s 52 week challenge. Or even if you are not keen on joining in just check out what some others have written. Life becomes so much more enjoyable in my opinion, when we can focus on the positive development side. I love it. I for one am a big advocate of self-awareness and growth, so this challenge is right up my alley.