It's a pretty common thing to think about in this society. Who am I? There are disney movies about it, it's the question asked in all those adventure stories, and we are constantly questioned about our identities as we grow up (and even as we grow older). But sometimes it's hard to know. You can't just pin yourself down in a few words, that's ridiculous!
One of the things I learnt about in hospital was values. And I realised that, to know myself, one of the best places to start is my values. Our values and attitudes are shaped by many different factors: family, friends, environment, culture, location, education, religion... the list goes on. Knowing what our values are goes towards knowing ourselves.
Here are some dominant values of modern western society:
- Conformity (why do we bother with school/work? why don't we just do what we want? why do we bother being polite?)
- Exclusivity (why do we have a class system?)
- Ambition, education and achievement, talent, dedication, perseverance, initiative, responsibility, patriotism, egocentrism, efficiency, creativity, stability, money
However, the point I want to make is that everyone has different values. Some vary a little, and some are completely different from others- it all depends on how we are influenced throughout the course of our lives.
One of the things I learnt about in hospital was values. And I realised that, to know myself, one of the best places to start is my values. Our values and attitudes are shaped by many different factors: family, friends, environment, culture, location, education, religion... the list goes on. Knowing what our values are goes towards knowing ourselves.
Here are some dominant values of modern western society:
- Conformity (why do we bother with school/work? why don't we just do what we want? why do we bother being polite?)
- Exclusivity (why do we have a class system?)
- Ambition, education and achievement, talent, dedication, perseverance, initiative, responsibility, patriotism, egocentrism, efficiency, creativity, stability, money
However, the point I want to make is that everyone has different values. Some vary a little, and some are completely different from others- it all depends on how we are influenced throughout the course of our lives.
Identifying your values is something I think is really worthwhile doing. Why do you value these things? How much do you value them? Do you live by your values?
Asking these questions is taking a huge step towards knowing ourselves. By living in accordance with our values, we can be happier and more content in ourselves (or so I believe). My illness has given me an even better appreciation of many of the things above, especially my family, and I find that the ability to feel gratefulness leaves me happier and more satisfied. I hope this gives you something to think about!
Love always,
Em xx
Asking these questions is taking a huge step towards knowing ourselves. By living in accordance with our values, we can be happier and more content in ourselves (or so I believe). My illness has given me an even better appreciation of many of the things above, especially my family, and I find that the ability to feel gratefulness leaves me happier and more satisfied. I hope this gives you something to think about!
Love always,
Em xx