A pillar is what supports, what carries, what keeps us upright.

In a house, without solid pillars, everything can collapse. In life, it’s the same.

Our values are those invisible but essential structures that help us stand firm, move forward and make choices that resonate with who we really are.

Find or REfind your pillars

I’m currently participating with a few other people in a “beta” program (under construction) that allows me to question several aspects of my life. I observe. I simply feel. To help me see what I’ve chosen, what’s been instilled in me, what I’ve accomplished, what I no longer want, what I’m keeping.

It’s amazing, beneficial and also a little difficult.

This morning, we did an exercise on our values. Because our values are the foundation of our lives.

First, from a list I was given, I had to circle the values I recognize in myself and group them into categories. Then, I had to establish whether these were my own values, or whether they came from my ancestors, parents, environment, etc. (i.e., inculcated values). And finally, I had to determine the 2 or 3 fundamental values that guide my life. I loved the experience!

A very rewarding and enlightening exercise

In an ever-faster-paced world, where reference points sometimes seem blurred or changing, it’s good to get back to basics: our human values.

Ask yourself: what’s really important to me? What guides my choices, my words, my actions?

For example, I’ve noticed that family ranks very high in my first choices. This is normal, especially at a time when I’ve just lost my mother a few weeks ago. For me, family is an essential haven of love.

But there were two others that stood out.

What do I value?

Take a moment and write. Ask yourself: What do I value?

Kindness, authenticity, respect, listening, solidarity, joy, justice, simplicity, goodness, discipline, integrity, wisdom, family, humor, courage… Make a list.

These values are not abstract words: they are the cement of our relationships and the foundation of our humanity.

When you’re aligned with your values, you feel more alive.

Our actions become more precise, our energy flows better, our bonds are strengthened. Even in difficult times, they offer us solid support. They help us to say no, to set limits, to reach out, to take another step towards others… or towards ourselves.

Why not take a moment to name them?

Do the exercise yourself. What are my 3 core values? The ones that resemble me, the ones I want to embody, the ones I want to pass on.

Do you know what? It seems that we can choose a value and put things into practice to develop it! Do something consciously, every day, as often as possible, to integrate this value.

Gratitude, for example. By taking a moment every morning, every evening, to name or write down 3 things I’m grateful for. I bet that after a few months, paying attention and being in a state of gratitude comes naturally. Our brains WANT to have thoughts of gratitude.

What’s laughter got to do with it?

In my workshops and encounters, I see every day how, with awareness, with respect, with heart, it’s a profoundly human act, rooted in noble values. Laughter can be a bridge between people, when it’s rooted in love for others and recognition of our shared humanity. Without even thinking about it, that’s what IS. That’s the power of laughter!

What are your core values?

I invite you to honor them. To bring them to life in your daily gestures, in your silences, your smiles, your decisions.

Perhaps that’s where the real change in the world lies: that it begins at home, in what we choose to nourish.

Take a moment to visit the pillars of a meaningful life.

It did me a world of good!

Affectionately

Laughter, joy and health

Linda