I HAVE A REALLY COOL THOUGHT TO SHARE! This past week I was privilege to attend a lovely Think Tank from Crystal Boyack- Wee Violin Studio. Such an inspiring discussion about how to avoid burnout as a teacher or parent. Her guest speaker was the brilliant Leisa Wallace talking about the importance of finding our absolute value. (for the full article click here https://www.authorleisawallace.com/single-post/discovering-your-absolute-value-thriving-amidst-the-positives-and-negatives-of-chronic-illness) please check it out as it includes everything I reference below in more detail.
Here's what I learned :
First, may I quote directly
"In math, the absolute value of a number is its distance from zero, regardless of whether it's positive or negative. For example, the absolute value of both 5 and -5 is 5. It doesn't matter if the number is in a positive or negative space—its value remains unchanged. And it hit me: my value, like that number, doesn’t fluctuate based on circumstances. It remains constant, whether life is smooth or rocky, whether I’m able to do much or very little. My value is absolute."
But how do we sink this belief deep down into our subconscious? I don't know about you but my brain can sniff out a lie I tell myself a mile away. (unless its about how many dates with butter on top that I've eaten in the last week.. total crickets on that one.. weird... anywayssss)
1) Start with identifying your core values and strengths.
Leisa has a fabulous chart to help you pin down the vocab for this. Super helpful! For example: Honesty, Kindness, Gratitude, Resilience, Patience, Purpose, Curiosity, Passion, Respect, Loyalty, Adaptability, Independence, Responsibility, Loyalty. Pick 3 or 4.
2) Now identify how these reflect in your day to day reality.
Make it a practice to see how these qualities that you value about yourself show up in daily life. Does your kindness motivate you to smile at others in the store? Does your Independence help you find creative solutions to a problem you've been struggling with? Does your loyalty shine in caregiving for an elderly family member even when it's exhausting?
3) Write your Value Mantra
Point one: Deep Inside I glow with 'resilience'
Point two : which shines outwards as 'my mental and emotional strength during difficulty'
Conclusion: despite the ups and downs in life my values are absolute. not because of anything I do, but simply because I am.
Our Value Doesn't Change.
Your kids aren't cooperating = Your value as a parent doesn't change.
The kitchen isn't clean = Your value doesn't change.
Our absolute value shines inside of us no matter our circumstances or what's changing in our life. Often in ways we can't see or don't notice unless we search for it. These qualities DO NOT REQUIRE A DIRECT VISIBLE EFFECT TO BE TRUE.
To quote Leisa again: "Your light doesn't diminish because you're in a new place. It can't, its purpose is to shine."
This week I encourage you to join me in practicing this. Next week I'll be using my inner value of Curiosity to create a way to explain this for children (pray for me) :)
Stay tuned for the free downloadable worksheet! Whoop Whoop!
okkkeyloveyoubye
