value

Value.  Many people take that word differently.  Some put a dollar sign on it.  Some attach value to other, incalculable things.  I try to make everything I do or participate in be of value or benefit something or someone in someway.  It's how I measure whether something is worthwhile doing.  There are words built into our everyday language that accomdate that mindset too.  Worthwile, waste of time, opportunity cost.  I've been taking a pretty hard look at some of my hobbies and activities recently and trying to decide if they are adding value to my life or diminishing it.  To give an example, I am one of those people that really enjoy working out.  That obviously adds value to my life as it makes me healthier and adds years to my life.  Some other things are harder to justify.  Like watching TV.  A documentary is obviously enriching, but a drama show?  I would argue that time spent relaxing is important in moderation too.  Also there are shows that I enjoy watching with my wife and that social time is very important as we don't get a lot of one on one time. 

 

Something else came to mind as I was making a list of activities that add value to my day is a list of friends I have and what I value about them and how I would like to be more like different aspects of them.  Some I value for their optimism, energy, perseverance, peacefulness, and/or, inspiration to be fit.  I wonder what others value about me.  I hope that some look to me as a valuable pat of their life as I look to others.

Be the Change

"Be the change you want to see in the world" is a quote from the most peaceful person that has lived in my lifetime that I'm aware of, Ghandi.  It's a very hard directive to follow sometimes.  I have no problem being kind to others or showing generosity as I wish more people in the world would do, but lately work has been rather, as a friend once put it, soulcrushing.  I know everyone has days where it is hard to get out of bed and get motivated to go to work, but the flavor of disgust I've experienced lately has been toxic.  I was assigned to walk around on a foot patrol and in doing so I crossed another employee who I've noticed NEVER smiles and NEVER has a kind word for anyone but their close friends.  I thought to myself, I do not want to end up like that and how sad that they are so unhappy.  I said good morning and have a good day and all I got was a blank stare in return, but I tried to do something to show them that a) not everyone in my department is an un-charismatic slob, and b) life isn't as bad as it can seem and people do notice you. 

 

My wife once told me that she read somewhere that you should surround yourself with people you want to be like or aspire to become.  It's a subliminal form of self improvement.  It makes sense though.  If you are trying to drink less, don't hang out with your bar hopping buddy, hang out with your friend that has been dry for 3 years.  If you are trying to get finances back on track, avoid the friend that is swimming in a sea of consumer debt and chat up your friend that just paid off their student loans.  I have a good friend that is always smiling and full of energy.  That is the change I want to be.  I make excuses often that I'm tired due to my shift and I don't get enough sleep, but perhaps I can do the Mind over Matter thing and just become happier.  I don't have more than average to be upset about.  Everyone has bills, most people don't really enjoy their jobs (blessed are those that found their dream career!!), and it seems all have interpersonal conflicts from time to time.

 

So no longer will I be sad, sleepy Klint, but rather serene, content and happy. (I'm not one for the cheerleader over the top crazy happy...think that's the quickest way to get a drug test at work if I ever saw one).

 

~Peace