Values

Values

We live in a very fast world. Everything has to be just in time. We want up to the minute updates about anything and everything. Our friends, this weekend happenings, family, academic and professional obligations. The need for us to constantly stay connected with the rest of the world. The need to be in many places at once. That’s just a lot sometimes. As a result we get 'lost' in the world and that which is important to make the better person we truly want to be. We lose sight our goals both long term and short term. This are eroded by the need for us to satisfy our short term pleasures with disregard to the future. This later hurts our long term goals.

I was feeling a little off and down before I revisited this excerpt from " Inspiration and Motivation to go" by David Leonhardt.

"A rooster was scratching the ground in search of some good grain to eat, when he happened upon a sparkling jewel. The jewel was a joy to behold, but the rooster was unsure what to do with it.

"What a beauty you are, and surely you are of great value," the rooster said to the jewel. "But I would happily opt for a single grain of delicious barley than all the jewels in the world."

This fable, adapted from Aesop, reminds us to place our own personal value on things. A high price tag does not bring happiness. A bright shine does not bring joy. Usefulness, sentiment, personal meanings are all more important.

Do the things that bring you happiness. Spend time with people who make you complete. Surround yourself with things that bring you comfort, and you will create daily happiness for yourself. " David Leonhardt,