Freedom
July 2nd, 2008 by 
JD
Well it is almost the 4th of July and FREEDOM is on my mind. I realized in the past year that freedom is a strong value for me. Freedom to live my life as I choose, to be independent with confidence, to make my own choices, and live without regret or guilt over past decisions. However, honoring this value on a daily basis isn’t always easy.
We all have distractions that can steer out of alignment with our values. Stress, kids, jobs, school, whatever…LIFE sometimes gets in the way. So, how can we stay on track? Here are my 4 tips for keeping your values at the forefront during this 4th of July celebration:
- Identify Your Values - It is hard to keep on track if you don’t know where the track is. Identify your values and write them out.
- Define Your Values - This is extremely important! My definition of FREEDOM may be very different compared to yours. Figure out what your values mean to you and what characteristics each value embodies.
- Clarify Its Importance - In relation to YOU, what is important about the value? What benefits does it provide you? What do you lose by not honoring that value? Knowing these answers will help make the value more personal and easier to connect with in times of crisis.
- Honor Your Values - It is easy to make exceptions under pressure. Stand up for your values and honor them in the small situations so you will be more prepared for the BIG ones. Try to notice when you have made a difficult decision that honored one of your values. Reward yourself with an acknowledgment like: “I made _____ decision because of _____ value. Honoring that value made me feel _____.” Take a minute to give yourself a pat on the back, you deserve it!
What does freedom mean to you? What is important about it?
Posted in Reality Check | 
July 3rd, 2008 at 6:53 am
Thanks for raising the luxury of freedom. U.S. citizens are blessed with ability to think and live with freedom. Each of us is able to explore and display our values…freely.
The ability to give and receive Coaching is a result of our country’s freedom.
This 4th of July, I want each person to take a minute and reflect on freedom - freedom of choice, freedom to express, and freedom to be.
What is your freedom?
July 3rd, 2008 at 7:06 am
Kelly
Thanks for posting! You are so right, citizens in the U.S. are “blessed” with the luxury of freedom. Just realizing that freedom is not a given for everyone makes me realize how important it is.
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:43 am
JD,
And I go in the direction not so much of freedom, but more to “hmmmmm. . . what are my values again?” Suggestion #4 is great, because when I look at how I feel when I honor my values, it reinforces them so much more. To that end, I will march out and do something for ME that makes me feel GREAT - maybe get a pedicure? Happy 4th to everyone who reads this.
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:35 pm
I love it! Reinforce or reward the good and it is much more likely to stick around!