Values

In an effort to gain a better awareness of myself, I have been contemplating the list of characteristics I respect in others. This has been very helpful in understanding my own reactions toward the people in my life. My short list of most admired qualities includes a tremendous work ethic, fearlessness, reliability, competency, and social engagement. I also like people that are funny, adventurous, humble, positive, curious, and respect themselves. 

I just click with people that possess a high proportion of these qualities. There is a natural attraction for me to someone that can be described with these words.  

Since these represent traits that I value, it is no great leap to believe that they would also shape my “values.” If I admire these attributes in others, then it makes sense that I aspire to possess them myself.

Each of these valued traits has its own story and I can’t yet claim that they represent me, but I am proactively attempting to live up to these descriptions. My hope is that one day my friends will describe me using all of these words…even humble (but then, hey, almost nobody’s perfect.)