As I share points of reflection, it is my hope that they can be seen from a perspective of a pursuit for growth and more growth.

In the past, I was confronted with a situation where my expectations on values was tested.

It was an ongoing discussion with a young soul where I had on many occasions, made clear my views on a certain matter and some of them, very strongly and clearly. There was no doubt in both our minds that it was not a prospect that I would pursue, no matter the circumstances I would find myself in.

Of course, the discussion was not one sided. I was appraised with what my colleague thought about the matter. It was more of a “sitting by the fence” kind of response, meaning it could go either way until a decision was actually made as to what her inclination was.

Little did I know that a matter which I dismissed as concluded, was still active in my colleague’s mind. She considered the matter around her set of values and proceeded to act on it in quite the opposite way that I would have.

What struck me was her reasoning in taking that action. She explained that it was important that I understood that in taking the action that she did, she had determined what value it had in her life and why she felt that the timing was right.

It then dawned upon me is that a value set is peculiar from individual to individual. The interpretation of one’s values can be assisted by the views of others, but ultimately, those values have to resonate with the individual.

I think that once we are aware that at some point, a value set is personal, we will be able to distinguish between what we can control and what we can only share as our views, leaving the individual to decide.

Let’s share…