Core Values

When I was in the midst of packing up my old apartment, I started thinking about my personal core values. I can’t recall the trigger; perhaps I was looking for some structure in the midst of hauling my life across the country. 

In facing the unknown, I figured it would help to have a set of values to refer to when I get overwhelmed, indecisive or scared. I’ve outlined five core values, with bulleted examples of applications to my life:

HONESTY

• Vulnerability is a strength. I strive to know myself, to accept myself and to own up to all of my attributes and actions. I try to be my full self in front of everyone. Embracing vulnerability with compassion and patience is one of my greatest goals in life. 
• I wear my heart on my sleeve. I used to see this as a liability, but more recently, I am embracing my open emotional state.
• Give me the truth, no matter how difficult. Ignorance is not bliss. I prefer a difficult conversation and working to preserve a relationship, rather than never address an issue head-on.

LOYALTY

• I don’t easily give up on people and I take friendship to heart. Severing a connection is an incredibly painful experience.
• I go the distance in making relationships work. This may be a mixture of loyalty, stubbornness and a need for security.

THOROUGHNESS

• Don’t half-ass life. If something is worth energy, do it right the first time. 
• Love fully. I used to think “not half-assing” only applied to work, but recently realized it also applies to the heart. Don’t half love or shallowly like people.
• Full analysis. With my critical mind, I think thoroughly before acting. Sometimes this involves digging through indecision or taking a long time to decide. But both are worth it if it means I consider all sides of the situation.
• Resourcefulness. I dislike waste of materials, energy, or general resources. Sometimes this means I scrimp too much. Being resourceful pushes me to be creative and I like that.

GOODNESS

• Everyone is basically good. There is beauty within each person. I may be judgmental in my thoroughness and honesty, but this is how my optimism in life originates. 
• Everyday details should be appreciated. A smile on a driver’s face, the random act of kindness you witness in the subway station, a gift in someone’s hands on the street – I look for these details to balance out harshness and negativity.
• Loving nature. Being outside reminds me of the beauty that exists on our planet and reminds me to think outside of my bubble. 
• Creativity is a positive force that results in life. For me, creativity tends to embody itself in art, writing, reading, music, and of course, food.
• Magic and wonder are alive. I believe in signs and serendipity. I like to figure out an explanation for everything. Though after I know what caused the event, I like to marvel for a moment and appreciate mere existence. 

EQUALITY

• Everyone has a burden and everyone has a heart that breaks. When I watch people, I think about what their faces show, what troubles they’ve seen and what hopes they have. This practice reminds me of the basic goodness in humanity and the importance for compassion toward all.
• Everyone has a valuable opinion and perspective. It may differ from my own, but I like to learn how others think. 

Have you defined your core values? Do you find them useful when facing a decision? Do you share any values of mine?