Our society places more emphasis on self-esteem and this invariably allows for the problem of measuring oneself against another as opposed to paying attention to one’s inherent values. Your worth is your value as an individual. Acknowledging and following your intrinsic values helps to build your genuine self such that you are free and this in turn allows you to do away with pressure. Better interpersonal relationships are fostered as people understand that they can take you for your words, your actions and words align with your intentions.

I am a keen believer of being authentic. No doubt, there has been times that I leave out my core values and these times leave me unhappy. These were periods where I had to live someone else’s desires. These were times I had to try to impress someone but to no avail-it was ineffective.

Interestingly, trying to impress somebody else may seem perfect but it is surely for a short while. It never lasts because it is not real. Inauthenticity dissipates; only being true to who you are brings lasting happiness. We all have unique values. Below are a few questions I ask myself as I examine my progress:

1. Honesty. Am I true to myself and the people around me? Am I as transparent as I claim to be?
2. Beauty. Do I act beautifully? I do not mean physical beauty. Of what good is a pretty face with ugly intentions.
3. Love. Do I give enough love? Strikingly, there are levels of love but then, when I love, is it wholeheartedly?
4. Passion. Do I do the things I do because there is a driving force or do I do them for the sake of doing?
5. Happiness. Importantly, am I happy? “Until you understand where happiness comes from, you’ll keep chasing after it”

Our values are different but sometimes similar. Whatever they are, I encourage you to live in parity with them as they reveal the beautiful reality of who you are.