Careful! Your Values are Showing

Values.

You know, your personal beliefs about what is right and what is wrong.

Those non-negotiables in your life.

Want to know what other people value?

Just sit back and observe.

Want to know how others can identify your values?

Yep. You got it.

The words you speak, the actions you take, how you spend your time, what you put your energy into, all speak to your values.

Observe me, and you would know I value health.

You would know I value learning and knowledge. (I value knowledge in and of itself, but the process of growth, which learning implies, I hold in even higher esteem.)

And truth.

And peace.

My external actions align with my internal intentions.

But that’s not always the case.

Do you believe someone values truth when they propagate lies?

Do you believe someone values peace when their words and actions divide?

It’s tempting to believe our personal values are somehow more worthy or honorable than others.

But the thing is, values just are.

Values can change though…through experiences, through listening, through learning, through a true desire to change.

But can you force others to change their values?

Not so much.

Lecturing and ranting certainly don’t work.

And there hasn’t been a meme or a post that has caused me to ‘cross over’ to an opposing side.

Identify your values. What’s important to you? Do your internal intentions match your external actions?

Take time to understand the values of others.

Have the conversations, listen to each other, ask questions, understand what is being said.

When all is said and done, we may never agree. Our values may differ, but we can still love and respect each other.

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A Tasty Recipe

Who doesn’t love a soft, chewy bagel fresh from the oven? These bagels were super easy to make and the entire process was incredibly satisfying. From the bubbling of the yeast to the kneading of the dough to the smell in the kitchen as the bagels baked to perfection, a very satisfying afternoon. And an even more satisfied belly.

A Good Read

My son Logan recommended this book to me. I can’t even begin to tell you how impactful it was. Not only did I develop an empathy for those whose stories are so different than my own, but it made me think about how a single event or decision can alter the trajectory of a life. (I definitely relied on the family tree at the beginning of the book to keep all the relationships straight!)

Words to Ponder

PSA: Please, please, please check your sources before posting on social media. Just because you want something to be true, doesn’t make it so.

Here are a few of my favorite sources to verify information.

Media Bias Chart

Media Bias/Fact Check

Snopes

Fact Check

Hope you all had a productive week! Enjoy your weekend!