Needs and Values

It's been almost a week since the devastating earthquake in Christchurch in my country New Zealand and for many people life will never be the same. What a blessing that it occured at 4.30 in the morning and there was no loss of life. Looking at the physical destruction it is hard to believe there were no more injuries or fatalities. Being faced with a natural disaster in my own country made me think about our needs and values.

As humans we all have 4 basic needs - food, love, security and shelter. For many people in Christchurch some of these basic needs have been stripped from them and this has been emotionally upsetting. Our thoughts, prayers and best wishes go out to all these people as we as individuals who haven't been affected try to help each in our own way.

As unique individuals, all of us go through life with our own set of needs and values. Apart from the 4 basic ones I've mentioned above - do you know what your individual needs and values are? The reason I ask is because I've found that if you take the time to find out what they are - life tends to become easier to live. Our values are in essence what we stand for and they underpin our behaviours, decisions and actions. When you know (with all certainty) what your values and needs are decisions become easier to make - and this drives our behaviour and actions to be congruent with our values - thereby creating more happiness and joy.

I'm always surprised at how many people don't know what their values are - they have a "vague" idea - but if asked, find it difficult to articulate. If you can't reel off your top 5 values, can I suggest you take some time this week to contemplate what they are - a good starting point is to think about what really, really irritates you - the opposite is highly likely one of your top values! Another way to pinpoint your values is to think of people you admire and ask yourself why you admire them - again this will lead you to your own values. The wonderful thing about our needs and values is that there is no right or wrong - we just are who we are! Knowing that my five top needs and values are achievement, recognition, freedom, spirituality/transcendence and contribution/service helps me make decisions on a daily basis that brings more joy and happiness into my life. Have fun finding out what's important to you! .