Thanks for your comments guys.
bravebluemice: Your idea of making conscious choices makes sense. And, hopefully, eventually the new Value should become automatic. Someone once said that 'we are what we consistently do'. (can't remember who)
Brutha: Yes, taking consistent action to reinforce the new behaviour is probably the key. Thanks.
astra: Thanks for your question; let me clarify a little:
I would say it's about interpretation of the Value. I mean Freedom means liberty, freedom of choice, freedom of speech etc.. but when I say Freedom I mean 'free to do what I want, when I want'.. I resist any attempt to control my freedom. Many people would define this as selfishness! I think it may have come about because my mother is a bit of an unhappy martyr who restricts her own life to serve others. (??) And I've gone the other way!
Luckily, because my #2 Value is Love, it generally means that I am a good, compassionate person and not a complete self-serving hedonist!
However, the problem I've discovered is that my obsession with doing what I want has caused a yo-yo affect with romantic relationships... I want to be with someone, but as soon as things get too close..I want my freedom..as soon as I have my freedom..I want Love..etc.
Also, with Financial success..I become very driven to be successful but then yearn for the freedom to do what I want instead of working so darn hard!!
Anyway: here's my new list of Values. (Might be fine-tuned later) :
#1 HEALTH, happiness, balance, harmony.
#2 LOVE; romantic, family, friends, universal compassion
#3 LIFE PURPOSE / Contribution/ Dharma; outward flow of energy, service to others, Lightworker.
#4 SPIRITUALITY/ Consciousness; one-ness, source, energy, flow, peace, joy, bliss, purity, simplicity etc...
#5 SELF-KNOWLEDGE / Self-Mastery / Personal Development; knowlege, skills, capability, independence, usefulness, growth etc...
#6 MATERIAL and FINANCIAL SUCCESS, money, status, toys, accomplishments, fun, experiences etc..
Basically a change from selfish inwardness to balance and contribution outwardly.
Thanks for your advice and if anyone has any futher comments or insights please let me know.
DLH
