As the American journalist, Gloria Steinem stated, "We can tell our values by looking at our checkbooks." Where do you spend your money? On things? People? Causes? Where do you spend your time? Reading? Socializing? Volunteering? What type of issues do you think about most? How to help the homeless? Where to invest money? How to protect the rights of kids?

What type of friends do you value most? Funny people? Ambitious ones? Compassionate people? What type of neighborhood do you prefer to live in? The suburbs? Do prefer the quiet country or the hustle and bustle of city life? To some degree we are living out our belief system. And our lifestyle speaks to others about who we are, and what we deem important.

Trace these values to their root system, however, and you'll find many of our beliefs are grounded in opinions and expectations of society--our parents, church and educational institutions, other authority figures and peers. At some point, dissatisfaction and boredom grip our lives because we begin to face the fact that we have silenced our own voice to fit into society. Isn't it time to listen to our own hearts? Isn't it time to live a life based on our own passions? Can we live a life based on our design?

Spend time with yourself and ask,"What is most important to me in life?" You have then defined the word "value." A value is simply a cherished belief or philosophy that drives our lives.

Here is a partial list of values to consider:

Forgiveness-
The ability to let go of another's offense, and being able to accept the shortcomings of others.

Self Control-
To be disciplined, to control how one thinks and feels.

Cooperation-
The ability to work together as a team to accomplish a goal.

Achievement-
Setting and reaching one's goals.

Gratitude-
The ability to see and appreciate the good in one's life, expressing thankfulness to to others.

Justice-
Administering reward or punishment as deserved.

While this is an incomplete list, let it initiate your thinking. What do you find yourself gravitating to as you watch TV, read magazines and the newspaper? Ask friends to name the top five values they see exhibited in your behavior.

One client, Jerri, realized she really enjoys watching police and detective shows. "What value can you find in these shows that you can incorporate into your life?" I asked. After a long pause she replied, "Justice is important to me. It's fascinating to watch investigators use top technology to nab a criminal. I find myself applauding when the bad guy finally gets caught."

"The challenge then", I suggested, "is to find out how you can incorporate justice more into different areas of your life since its important to you."

Since then, Jerri has volunteered with a missing children's agency to find children and locate the "bad guys" who exploit them. She loves doing it.

From where is meaning derived? How can you find more satisfaction in life? What is the cure for boredom? In identifying and implementing your top five values in different areas of your life, you'll find greater joy, direction, passion and purpose in life. Live life by design not by happenstance.