Where’s Your Value?

“I am hungry for authenticity.

I am hungry for a change,

I am hungry for the truth.”

When I was in high school I was depressed and anxious; I felt hopeless and suicidal.  So much was going on in my life, and I felt completely helpless to change it.  

It wasn’t until much later that I realized that although so much of what was going on in my life was out of my control, that which was in my control was value–and in my practical, everyday decisions I placed my perception of value on all the wrong things.  I wanted things to change, but I esteemed toxic people too highly to let them go. I hoped for a miracle, but I had my trust entrenched in routine.

Value is intrinsically placed on those things we seek to attain--these days even on things others say we should be seeking to attain.

We place value on things we covet and desire, often without ever really thinking of the true worth of what we want in and of itself.  What I think we misunderstand is that whatever we place our value on is what we will seek after–even if it is the thing that is destroying us.

Most of us value some things on purpose, and a host of other things we have placed value on/in without realizing it.  

We don’t even realize that particular show means so much to us, or that that tea latte at 7am before class or work really does make or break our morning.  We think we’re tired of our dying, unhealthy relationships, but don’t catch the meaning we’re associating with the sweeping affirmations we receive after torrents of mistreatment.  

There is so much that we unintentionally place value in and hold onto, because really there is so much that we are subconsciously taught to attach value to in the first place.

Each time we watch anything, go anywhere, do anything, or talk to anyone there is so much information (value systems, beliefs, judgments, and subconscious cues) that we unknowingly take in. Without discernment and awareness, we are the perfect puppets, the easiest targets–students who don’t even know they’re being taught.

Learning to intentionally set value on those things which deserve value, and withholding such high esteem from the things that do not can change your life.  

Purposefully evaluate what you care about, what you want, what you’re holding onto, what you value.  Learn to be intentional in all things!

The Word is so clear, so on point, and so relevant in these matters: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it…And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…[setting] your affection on things above [and] not on things on the earth.” Proverbs 4:27 + Romans 12:2 + Colossians 3:2.

Where is your value placed today?

Marie