It’s interesting when you read a header like, “What do you value?” The first impression one might have, from just four simple words, can vary quite a bit.

I believe, part of this reason is because, we all have a variety of conceptual ideas about the relevance and substance of what is considered to be, quote unquote, of value.

Some will say, we value family, ethics or religion. While others, will mention relationships or quality of life and health. Yet some will be more material focused, highlighting wealth, business or career based significance.

Regardless of what it may be, I want to challenge you for a moment, to put your money where your mouth is…

Close your eyes for 30 seconds and think for a short time frame about three valuable treasures, that if you lost within the next 60 minutes and you could NEVER get them back, how it would devalue your life.

Seriously, close your eyes and don’t continue reading until you have done this exercise.

Now honestly evaluate what was the image or images that came to mind?

Did you imagine someone or even several people immediately?  Some of you may have even considered the health and well-being of yourself or a loved one.

If this was sincerely the case, I certainly hope so, because this means you ‘value‘ human life or others.

The thought of losing someone closest to us, should make us feel a slight unease that calls to action, a way in which, we can deliberately, show more, of how much they mean to us.

But perhaps, this wasn’t the case for some of you, and if that’s so, it’s okay. It just simply means you have chosen to ‘value‘ something else beyond a human relationship.

I want to challenge you to think about the second part of my statement and how losing what you imagined would truly devalue your life.

Certainly to lose an item, like a precious family heirloom, an investment, a business or even a career aspiration could be devastating, but you must remember, these things, while not easily replaceable can often be gained again or replicated in some form or fashion.

“The ultimate value of life depends upon awareness and the power of contemplation rather than upon mere survival.” ~ Aristotle 

As we determine the course of our actions for the next 24 hours, let us remember and focus our awareness and attention on the persons, places or things we value the most.

For I believe, that it is this focused effort, that will bring ‘true value‘ to our everyday lives!

#whatdoyouvalue