Core Values

Part of what I'm doing on this journey is a program that teaches participants about renewal. Finding that center that keeps you focused.

One of the early parts of this was defining our core values and I've been musing about them.

My three core values that I've decided to focus on are:

Honor/Integrity-I have grouped these two together because I believe that there are intertwined to the point of looking similar but still have distinct differences. Both deal with the basic principle of "saying what you mean and meaning what you say", but I think Integrity deals with how you do things and Honor deals with why. In both I am striving to live a purposeful life that focuses on "doing the right thing", which is often a moving target between people, but within on deals with a specific code of ethics and morals. I follow my code to do what I think is right, strive to do no harm and be willing to accept the consequences, regardless of what they may be, for this path.

Discipline-"Argue for your limitations, and sure enough, they are yours."~Illusions by Richard Bach. I have a rather dichitomous approach to this that I am working to simplify in that when it comes to doing the things that affect others, I'm very good. When it comes to things affecting only me...well I need a little work. Discipline is adhering to the course I set out for myself and it is much easier to do when someone else is dependent upon me than when it is only for myself and I'm working to make this consistent.

Compassion-Justice, standards and rules must be tempered by compassion, consideration for the circumstances and perspective of others. I have my own perspective and code, and I live it purposely to the point of seeming obstinate sometimes, but I am ALWAYS willing to hear another perspective, viewpoint or opinion. I am less receptive if a person is cruel, dishonest or domineering--if you aren't willing to work with me and talk as adults open to discussion, I have less sympathy, but compassion allows for circumstances and perhaps provides some extra room for negotiation.


Lastly, I submit for those who don't know it one of my favorite pieces, Desiderata. It reminds me, when I feel lost, where the path is and how to get back on.

Jonathan

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.~

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.~

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let not this blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. ~

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. ~

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams; it is still a beautiful world.

Be careful.Strive to be happy.

Things that make you go hmmm....

So, this was in the Sunday comics...how perfect is that?

Of course it makes you think, sometimes things come in ways and shapes that you don't expect and you have to "cooperate with the inevitable" as Jubal Harshaw would say...

Points if you got the reference.

Bonus points if you understood the meaning.

Sometimes when you're not looking for something it comes raining down on you like sulfur in a biblical story, other times when the thing you've envisioned shows, you can't be surprised at the form it takes.

You have to just enjoy the ride and the wonder...

Back on the Block...

Well, it's been awhile...

A little over two years to be exact, and I'm not certain what has lead me to come back here, but I have a pretty good idea.

But to bring up to speed, here's the dream sequence recap to bring anyone who needs it up to speed.

12 Months ago

I launched a campaign to run for office, shortly after running my first physical race in my life.

9 Months ago

With my program phasing down, I leave the EZ to focus on my campaign. I also begin the Shannon Institute Leadership Program.

5 Months ago

There is no endorsement in my race and decide to end my campaign while I begin a new position as Executive Director of Hallie Q. Brown Community Center.

1 Month ago

I go to see "The Dark Knight" and prophetically enough, my life changes forever and for good...really good.

Which brings us to where we are today...living the dream. I've often said that age does not necessitate wisdom, but in addition to that it does grant perspective...I look at where my life is today and where it was 2 and 10 years ago and some things never change...and yet some things do...