Today’s passage, “Is value derived from mass appeal?” There is a socially sanctioned grading system for which we are all judged, so ‘appealing to the masses’ becomes fundamental in achieving many of our extrinsic goals, whether it is landing a promotion in our career, fundraising for a charity, starting a business, serving on the PTA, and on. 

We are so deeply conditioned to assign value to people who achieve material and worldly success but what would happen  if we made a conscious decision to not play that game? What if our values became intrinsic, meaning our values were rooted in something greater than ourselves, our personal needs and material achievements?

Isn’t it obvious that happiness becomes eternal and joy replaces fleeting pleasures when we seek internal value over outward ‘successes?' But, how do we live in a society so dedicated to seeking validation, praise, approval and recognition from our peers? How do we establish value outside of the traditional norms? It doesn’t happen overnight; however, small, consistent, daily changes can improve our overall value system. First, you have to have awareness for what you actually value. You may say, I value my partner and children and perhaps that is true but ask yourself these questions:

1) How do you fill your space? 
2) How do you spend your time? 
3) How do you spend your energy? 
4) How do you spend your money? 
5) Where do you have the most order in life? 
6) What do you think about the most? 
7) Where are you the most disciplined and organized? 

This will give you an ideal of your value system and where you might want to make changes.  After digging deeper into what you value and why you can counter anything popping for you that doesn’t fit who you are or where you want to be.

Let’s say that you value your children but when you began asking yourself these questions, you realize you’re prioritizing time on social media over being present with them. You have to replace the drug, in this example, social media, with something else like, committing to spending weekly  scheduled 'one on one' time with your child.

By becoming aware about what you value aside from societal expectations, you will begin to experience the joy in living a life of meaning. Perhaps, you love your partner or family and they're your priority.  The beauty is you will love them for their essence not for the social 'show'. You will see that you are not clinging to them for validation or emotional support, just enjoying their company.  It is is the same for valuing your environment. You may love the way you fill the space in your home, however disquieting it is to others, because it represents you. Loving yourself and going out into nature, so that you wake up to the realization that there is no loneliness. This is the gift of value when it is inwardly derived and void of success, recognition and approval labels from our very wayward society.

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