Values in the Chaos
Do you ever reach the weekend, excited for your days off from work and realize you have chores, errands and commitments filling the hours? Do you look at what is planned for the weekend and feel disappointed or unenthused?
Sometimes, it can feel like life is getting in the way of how we want to live. We have responsibilities; they aren't going away, but bringing attention to what matters can invite choices for moments of satisfaction and fulfillment.
We can disrupt some of the tedium of what needs to be done in various ways.
Change Your Lens: look for ways of fitting the lens of one of your values over your chores and responsibilities. This approach could mean you coax value into what you have to do in a way that makes it feel more fulfilling or enjoyable. For example, within the value of Fun, you turn your chore into a game, like needing to get your bathroom cleaned within the time it takes to listen to a favourite playlist. Another way to "change your lens" is to switch from viewing the task as an undesirable obstacle to reminding yourself how this particular task aligns with what matters to you — for example, the school assignment you're dreading aligning with your value of challenge or industry.
Create Moments: remind yourself that even small deliberate moments of acting within your values can cultivate inner balance. Remember that living according to your values doesn't have to be grand gestures but can come from intentional choices that shape your day and reinforce what matters to you. Find small pockets of time to engage in actions that help cultivate a life that is meaningful to you. This might be a phone call with a friend, meditation, or simply stepping outside to breathe fresh air.
Focus Your Routine: anchor your values to daily habits so that there is always the presence of what matters. As a part of your daily routines, make sure there are behaviours that align with your values. Then, no matter what is on the agenda, there are actions that are grounding you. For example, if gratitude is a high priority, start each day by identifying something you're thankful for. Or if Order is a top value for you, make your bed before starting the day.
Remember that you don't have to aim for perfection. When life is busy, focus on the essence of your values rather than "perfect" execution. While this post and the ideas were first inspired by the disappointment that arises when the responsibilities and chaos of life diminish the excitement for my weekend, they apply to everyday life.