Values determine the choices we make in life. They can act like a beacon to light the way. When we’re conscious of those values it makes life’s journey clearer. But most often our decisions are guided by immediate satisfaction or comfort. It takes courage to know what’s important to you and then to act on this wisdom. 

There’s a wonderful story of a woman who prayed to God.  She ordered peace, harmony, happiness, compassion.  She dreamed God was standing behind the counter in a store and waited there for God to make these things appear.  He handed over little packets – one labeled “peace,” another labeled “love,” another labeled “compassion.”  She received all that she asked for.  She took the little packages and tore one open.  “But these are just seeds,” she protested.  God smiled at her surprise.   “You have the seeds,” He said.  “Now it’s up to you to plant them and make them grow.”

Some businesses use values to help them and those who work with them know how to move forward with integrity and teamwork. Values may include curiosity, compassion, integrity, right action, duty, loyalty, kindness, friendship, love, discernment and more. By taking time to name and define what you value, you’ll be prepared for the big decisions that come later.

Bio: Debra Moffitt is author of Awake in the World: 108 Practices to Live a Divinely Inspired Life. A visionary, dreamer and teacher, she’s devoted to nurturing the spiritual in everyday life. She leads workshops on spiritual practices at the Sophia Institute and other venues in the U.S. and Europe. Her mind/body/spirit articles, essays and stories appear in publications around the globe and were broadcast by BBC World Services Radio. She has spent over fifteen years practicing meditation, working with dreams and doing spiritual practices. Visit her online at http://www.awakeintheworld.com.