Values as a price

“The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it”

— Henry David Thoreau

This came up as a memory from a photo I took while reading a book years ago. It was really great timing — thanks universe! I spent the week traveling for work (which is exhausting on it’s own) for a new role I’m taking on in the agency I’ve been working with for 10 years. It’s really exciting and also will be challenging. Not gonna lie, I do appreciate a challenge. AND, I can appreciate the insecurity and nerves that come along from moving out of our comfort zones.  When I took this role I was very conscious of ensuring that my values and the people most important to me would not be pushed aside. Often we can adapt and morph ourselves when needed, but at a cost to ourselves. I needed to draw a hard line and define the cost I am willing to pay, and the cost I am unwilling to pay. The amount of life I’m willing to exchange is imperative to my happiness these days. 

As I sat through meetings, talks and workshops I felt excited and scared. Not a bad thing, when I’m aware of why and where the emotions are coming from. I also had a constant loop running in my mind about those values and boundaries. This isn’t to say I won’t try my best or work very hard, of course I will, but I will also hold on tightly to what makes me and my family happy. I won’t be selling for any price.

Sure, a job is a job. A career, if you’re lucky. And, it’s a part of you, but that’s the point — it’s a part of you. It isn’t the whole you and it isn’t your worth. The more we can tend to our values — the things that make our lives in-exchangeable — the more we can open ourselves up to opportunities while being confident that we’re pursuing them for the ‘right’ reasons.

Challenge: what is in-exchangeable in your life? Do you know?

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