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Using your values as your compass IV


11 years ago 0 11213 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
I always thought you had a good sense of humour ~m! Being able to laugh when things are difficult can be so helpful. Bringing this skill to the top of your toolbox sounds like a good idea
 
 
Ashley, Health Educator
11 years ago 0 1022 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Thank you Ashley...
 
Breathing,
 
Calming down,
 
Confusion lifting.
 
And a bonus understanding:
 
I'm pleased that you appreciate the nuances of my communication style... weird sense of humor, sarcasm, and all that.  Not many people get it. But being able to step back a little and laugh at myself and my circumstances has been a lifeline for as long as I can remember.  
 
Thanks for helping me notice and appreciate that about myself.  I'm not known as a funny person. (funny, strange? Yes.  But not funny, humorous.)   Nobody would put that in the top ten descriptors of who I am... before today... not even I would have thought to.  
 
It's so weird how random (powerful) things can come out a vent and discussion of seemingly unrelated stuff.   But it is related isn't it...?  Humor is something I value.  It can fill me up and chase away the despair.  Gratitude and humor... I'm moving those to the top of my toolbox for easy access.
 
Thanks for listening 
11 years ago 0 11213 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Ok, take a deep breath... it's ok. No one on earth is living in total alignment of their values, no one is perfect so do not aim for perfection; aim for progress.
 
It sounds like this perfectionism may be tying you up in a knot! I noticed you used that word a few times. Please remember looking at your values is a side element that can help you lead a fulfilling life and plan pleasant activities but the main program is what is used to treat depression. If you feel looking at values is not helpful to you right now then don't think about it right now. It's as simple as that. 
 
The good news is you are making and have made progress; you are starting to understand what you value. Some people go through their whole lives never knowing this. You are ahead of the game already! Also, try not to think of it as "work" if your thinking that it's work then it's not important right now. Thinking about values should feel exciting and resonant. If not then don't worry about it now.
 
You and your husband are different. Fantastic! Not a problem. Two people who have different values can complement each other. It takes a bit of planning to figure out how you can complement each other but it can certainly happen. Having two people exactly alike can actually be problematic as they may be fighting for a specific role.
 
So remember it's not about "fixing" it it is not a black and white issue. Fufillment is on a spectrum, just thinking about it and being aware move you higher along the spectrum. So this is a good thing!
 
Your compass spinneth out of control LOL (I love how you can be funny in your despair - it's a real skill)!
 
What are some thoughts coming up for you now?
 
Glad you posted ~m - we'll figure it out together. 
 

Ashley, Health Educator
11 years ago 0 1022 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
caution... negative post... temper tantrum... inappropriate despair
 
 
******************************************************** 
 
 
Values? Compass? 
I've given up on looking at my values.  I'm not living up to them and what's worse I am only just realizing my values are very different from those of my dh.  How can that be?  How could I knot have known this.  how could i knot have understood the conflict, the drain.  this is just crazy.  my compass has no true north.  my compass spinneth out of control.  I'm tired of trying to fix things that maybe can't ever be fixed.  
11 years ago 0 11213 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
A bit part of maanging depression is participating in new activities you find pleasurable, productive and or fulfilling. Finding new activities that you enjoy are an important part of behaviour change. Having a good understanding of your values is important in understanding yourself and what new activities you would find fulfilling.  
 
Now that you have clearly defined your authentic values you can now use them to guide you in your day to day life.
Ask yourself often (especially when feeling “stuck” or unfulfilled):
 
  • How am I honouring my values?
  • What can I change that would allow me to live more in line with my values?
  • Where am I stepping over my values?
  • What or who helps me to honour my values?
  • How can I remind myself of my values when in an unhappy situation?
  • When looking through the lens or perspective of [insert value name] what do I see? What’s different about the situation?
  • When thinking about your life’s purpose how do your values fit in?

Ashley, Health Educator


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