They are going to be honest and tell everyone how much you mean to them and how you are a valuable part of their life. They’re not going to be cynical or critical. Pick someone who knows you and loves you and appreciates you for who you are….

When I ask most people about this exercise they rarely talk about their car, or their house, or money or jobs. The things that are valuable are day-to-day things like listening, or just being there for someone.

Sometimes it is more useful to look at what kind of person you want to be, and what you stand for, rather than what you want out of this world.

When I speak about values I mean broad, general terms like kindness, generosity, courage etc. These qualities are very useful because there are thousands of different ways you can act on them. Ask yourself – is how you act in line with your values? If you value being a kind, caring person then what gets in the way of you being that? Are your thoughts telling you that there are certain rules that you have to follow? Are you finding it difficult to act in line with these values because of your emotions? If no matter what you did, everyone in the world loved you and cared for you, what would you change in your life?

Your values are like a compass. They give you direction in your life. You still need to act in order to actually get anywhere though. Think about the values that you have chosen and think of something that fulfils those values. This something is outside of your comfort zone and habits
(although you don’t have to save the world!) Pick something that you can do in the next day or so. If you live your life in line with your own sense of who you are and what is important to you, you may find a greater sense of purpose, meaning and richness.

Luke Walters is a clinical psychologist, healer and chi gong instructor who may be contacted at Ph: (07) 54491130