Add Value

I watched a video of the top 10 human values earlier today. Number 3 on the list was gratitude and appreciation, #4 was kindness and compassion, and #6 was giving. It is amazing how three out of ten values to help fulfill our lives have to actually do with fulfilling other peoples lives.

Gratitude and Appreciation

Making time each day to look at what you are blessed with and being thankful for those things can make a difference in your whole outlook. Many mornings I start the day by picking a word to focus on. Perhaps if I was quick to raise my voice the day before, I may pick calm or patience. If I was annoyed I would choose empathy. Conversely, if I woke up feeling exuberant, that would be the focus for the day. I then write down three things that I am grateful for. I have found that the more you reflect on what you are appreciative of, the deeper you dig. Meaning, when you look at your list and it starts with the basics, family, friends, pets, etc. you realize that it is also the small things that bring us joy. A kind gesture from a stranger, that your electricity came back on after a storm, that your child passed a test, even though it was a "D".

To broaden your pursuit of gratefulness you can add other notes to reflect upon. Find an inspirational quote, challenge yourself in a certain area to be a better person. Perhaps you can reflect on your strengths or weaknesses and how to improve upon them. Maybe you pick a bible verse that would inspire you to share your gifts with the world.

Kindness and compassion

Kindness connects us to who we are. Niceness connects us to how we want to be seen. I just learned this lesson recently. I never really knew there was a difference but there is. Kindness truly comes from the heart. Let's choose kind. No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.

Compassion is a feeling of deep emotion for another who has been hurt or harmed accompanied by a strong desire to comfort that person. It is taking time out of your day to put another's struggles ahead of your own issues. Letting someone know you care about what they are going through and that you not only interested, but care about what their trials and tribulations are.

Giving

Giving certainly encompasses many things. We can give time, talent, and treasure. But it can also include heartfelt giving. I think that is when we truly feel the love that we are giving that we understand has the impact we can have on our world. I know that I have donated to many charities, and I always feel good afterwards. However, nothing compares to when you actually see a difference after you have put your heart into a project, philanthropy or a one of those sudden needs that pop up when you least expect it. These top 3 values reflect my blog ideal and I hope to be an inspiration for others to join in and become a person who gives freely and happily to make a difference in the world.