What is Value?

In our book, Rewiring the Process, we discuss the barrier of perceived lack of value experienced in communication discord. We define the concept of value as personal feelings of recognition, appreciation, respect, and worthiness. Our value can be expressed in our ideas and contributions we create and share among ourselves and others, but it is not merely the sum of tangible, productive actions or output. Jason and I had a recent conversation about the idea of value that sparked inner reflection of my perspective on the subject.

I view the concept of value as a reflection of my energy expanded (moved) in creation. My value is in the internal energy in what I create for myself and in the external energy of what I create in my environment for others. My value reflected internally is directly tied to my self-worth. When I create thoughts, feelings, or actions to uplift and inspire myself, I feel a deep sense of purposeful value in my body and soul. When I create thoughts, feelings, or actions that criticize, belittle, or harm my self-image, I feel a lack of self-value. The same is true for the external output in my environment among others. I feel valued when I am creating something tangible through action or offering something non-tangible that improves the surrounding environment and lives of others. I feel a lack of value when I am not able to create or produce something for altruistic betterment, especially when I know I could but hold back of my own accord. My value is truly only dependent on how I see myself, although in the past I’ve let others define my value through reliance and dependence on their external validation.

Value is entirely subjective and varies among the perspective asked. The importance is in defining what value means in your perspective and how you apply that understanding in your life. Below are a series of self-reflective questions aimed to provoke an internal discussion of what you believe value to be and the ways in which that belief is validated and embodied.

Self-Reflective Questions on Value

1. What adjectives do I correlate with the concept of value?

2. Is value measured in input, output, or a combination of both?

3. Do I view value in relation to what others define or validate as value?

4. Is my concept of value tied to my self-worth and self-esteem?

5. What are ways in which I experience an internal reflection of value?

6. What are ways in which I experience an external reflection of value?

7. How does value impact my life?

8. Do I agree with the idea that value is energy expanded in creation through my internal or external means?

9. What specific qualities embody value?

10. What is my definition of value?

-Jaclyn