Evolution of Values: Embracing Change
Values are fundamental beliefs and principles that guide our attitudes, behaviors, and decision-making. They play a crucial role in shaping our identities and influencing the way we interact with the world. It's fascinating how these values can transform throughout our lives due to a variety of factors.
Life experiences often serve as catalysts for changes in our values. These experiences can be both positive and negative. For instance, personal achievements, such as landing a dream job or achieving a long-term goal, can lead to a greater emphasis on values like ambition or perseverance. On the other hand, facing adversity, loss, or hardship can prompt a reevaluation of values, placing greater importance on qualities like resilience, empathy, or compassion.
Cultural exposure and diversity also contribute to the evolution of our values. Interacting with people from different backgrounds and belief systems can broaden our perspectives and lead to a deeper appreciation for values like tolerance, inclusivity, and cultural sensitivity.
Moreover, as we progress through various life stages, such as adolescence, adulthood, or parenthood, our priorities and values often shift to align with our evolving responsibilities and personal growth.
Think of a value that you have now that you did not used to have, or one that has become more important to you. What life experiences led to this value changing? How does this change affect you now?
Please share your thoughts and experiences on how your values have evolved.
Reflecting on the evolution of our values can help us embrace change while cultivating the Being (Relationship to Self) Dimension of the Inner Developmental Goals.
@SoulfullyAButterfly Thinking back on changing values has great power. My own experiences with loss and difficulties have made empathy more important to me. I used to prioritize ambition, but these days I put understanding other people's hardships first. This change improves my relationships and helps me act more compassionately. What changes have you seen in your values?
@SoulfullyAButterfly
What an insightful post! I really appreciate your thoughts on how values evolve through life experiences. One value that has become much more important to me is gratitude. In the past, I often took things for granted and focused more on what I didn’t have. But a few years ago, I went through a tough period of uncertainty which really forced me to reevaluate what mattered most.
@Phoenixthepoised I'm really sorry to hear about how difficult your situation was a couple of years ago, I hope things are better now. It sounds like it completely changed your perspective on life. If you don't mind me asking, how do you practice gratitude?
@SoulfullyAButterfly This is SUCH an important post and something I needed to read. It was like a huge self realization, not only to why different people have different values, but also how I evolved to grow new values too! I always thought the values I have was pre installed in me, but yeah I suppose we all become a new person every decade.
🖋️ Think of a value that you have now that you did not used to have, or one that has become more important to you.
-Acceptance. When I was young, I was brought up in an judgemental environment where everyone thought they know a lot about how reality works and would judge me for making mistakes, and growing up I'd replicate that value and behavior. But eventually I learnt that nobody really knows about what they are doing. Life is so unpredictable and the more you know about life the more you realize everything is pretty much out of your control, you're just lucky that things are often happening the way you aimed it to happen. I slowly started judging less and started accepting life as it comes. Accepting my flaws, accepting others flaws, accepting perspectives. And it immediately started to improve my mental health.
🖋️ What life experiences led to this value changing? How does this change affect you now?
I went through a dark night of soul in 2023 where I did pretty much everything that's required to do to achieve something and I failed spectacularly. It was almost like the whole universe was telecasting my failure as well as orchestrating it. And it created a deep crisis of meaning in my life because everything I used to think turned out to be wrong. I was dead wrong.
It humbled me a lot and I searched for meaning. Eventually I reached the stage where it made sense to let go of judgement and just accept life as it comes. To dissolve ego. To just be. To respond instead of react. To play chess with life instead of a swordfight.
Now I'm able to channel my stress, anxiety and panic in a healthier direction that allows me to move through life better.
@SoulfullyAButterfly hi
@SoulfullyAButterfly I think the presentation of our values is another way they might evolve. I thought I had compassion growing up and into young adulthood. I did care about helping and supporting others and easing suffering wherever/whenever possible. It took a while for me to understand, though, that helping people without respecting or understanding how they want to receive support isn't so helpful.
@zealousRose5745 I really like your insight! I hadn't considered it until your comment. 😊
How do you preserve your compassion?
@MarinaLexi Thank you! :) I gave your question some thought and I think the answer depends on who you are and might even change for an individual at different times..weirdly, I think the best way to protect my compassion lately is to take care of myself.
@SoulfullyAButterfly Fantastic post! An incredible interesting and comprehensive overview of values, as well as the circumstances and variables which may cause them to change. I really enjoyed reading your thoughts.
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Forgiveness is one value that i feel i became aware of and developed with experiences while growing up. Youth had that energy and sense of self importance and ego that aimed at revenge . Life taught me to cultivate forgiveness for my own best