YOUR LIFE A-Z VALUE

ENJOY THE ARRANGEMENT OF BEAUTY

VALUE

What is it that you value and how do you know that you value it?  Value is also a word that one needs to "qualify"; how much value do I place on that which I value.   Because we are at the start of the New Year, let's not talk about monetary value, but heart value.  If we really value someone, why is it that we really don't listen to what s/he says or needs?  Why do we continue our same old behavior that they tell us hurts them.  Is it because we really don't care if we hurt them or is it because we just believe they are trying to change us and we refuse to change for the good of the couple-hood or family.  See, value is not as simple as it sounds.  In fact, value is quite complicated.  So during this time of taking the Twenty Minute Coach as a serious route of change for this coming year, spend some reflective time with the word value.  The dictionary says to value something is to decide on its worth, importance, and its usefulness.  I do not believe we can value others until we value ourselves.  But, paradoxically, unless we value others they are not going to stick around unless they believe they deserve someone who does not hear them.  What would be so wrong with making some change for those around you?  What is it that you really value?

YOUR LIFE A-Z:XEBEC

XEBEC

How appropriate that xebec follows warrior.  A xebec is a three sail, sailing vessel used mostly in the Mediterranean as trading vessels.  They had little depth and often used oars to help them propel fast through the waters.  Thus, they had a versatile ability to adapt to the weather and wind conditions.  The xebec’s long overhand gave it the appearance of looking larger than it actually was.  In the days of trading, pirates would come out of nowhere, attempting to overpower the vessels but the crew were well equipped with guns to protect themselves from those who did not work to get the useful articles of trade aboard the vessels.  

The warrior you created yesterday wants to stand guard on your xebec and make sure that those pirates and scavengers that try to board your ship are booted off and you can sail fearlessly into the dreams you are creating.  You have precious articles of trade aboard you xebec and you need help of the inner warrior to protect them.  You trade your time; energy and talent for the pay check your boss gives out.  That is your value to the work environment and it needs to be honored.  Your patience, discipline, and love that you give your children are your precious articles of trade and you deserve respect and appreciation in return.  Your gifts of friendship and empathy deserve fair trade in your relationships.  Do not let lazy pirates take away all the joy you have traded so hard for.  Let your inner warrior stand guard so you can move fast and furious in your xebec.  

YOUR LIFE A-Z: JUSTICE

BE AN ADVOCATE FOR CREATIVE JUSTICE

JUSTICE

Justice is a squirrely word as it can be used to harm in the name of self-righteousness. For example, where there is no emotional concern to the other, but a rage at some crime committed or political ideology, such as different points of view on abortion.  Justice is absolutely necessary to have a social society that works together.  Laws must exist inmeaningful ways to keep society from falling into greed, anger, and other negative emotions that can take over at times.

There are other types of justice as well. What does personal justice mean to you today?  Do you still have yourself locked away in an emotional prison because of some past action that brings you shame when you think about it?  Is your inner judge fair or does that inner judge always rule on someone else’s behalf leaving you alone, isolated and paying an emotional price that is way to high?  We recite the Pledge of Allegiance with those important words, “…liberty and justice for all.”  You are part of the all.  Justice must start first with you.  If you are still serving a self-imposed emotional sentence for something you feel ashamed of in the past, why not sit down and write yourself a get out of prison today document.  Use I statements, such as “Today I take this key and unlock the prison door of my shame.  I see that part of me that I have been holding hostage for way too long.  I open the prison door and invite that part of me out of prison and back into my life.  I do that to create Justice in my life today.