Values
Love:
Has there ever been a word as emotionally powerful? Its meaning is elusive, yet all encompassing. It is freedom while still feeling eternally attached. It allows forgiveness in almost any situation and is a base in which meaningful relationships exist. It is much more than true friendship; though, such friendships may establish a path to it. It is comforting and complete. It is humble. It is passionate. It is exotic. It is the root of all other emotions. It is the deciding factor in determining what really matters in life. Love is life.
Respect:
If Love is the root of all emotions then Respect is the peak of all values. It is the goal to which all other values aspire to become; yet, it also allows for all other values to exist. Without it there would be no honesty in which to build trust. There would be no order; no loyalty. Friendships could not exist and families would crumble. Relationships would be impossible to build because all communication would be looked upon as confrontations. Respect allows life.
Creativity:
There is something about endless possibilities. When one is able to look or think beyond the here and now, beyond the known and even further still, that is a truly marvelous gift. It is such an extraordinary ability to bring something into this world for the first time, whether it be an idea, an answer to a puzzle or question, or in some artistic form. To be able to share such an experience with another either during inception or at a later time allows for the growth of all knowledge. It permits the expansion of our world in all forms because it inspires even further creativity. This is the power contained within Creativity.
Aesthetics:
There is something about the little things in life. At any given moment there is the possibility of seeing something incredibly special. It's almost a reassuring feeling when one is able to experience it; a moment in which it seems only you were meant to witness. Moments such as noticing how brightly a flower shines at dusk or the way the greens of the world seem to radiate after a rain shower. You may also experience it when taking a deep breath on a peaceful misty morning; a feeling that it was the most powerful breath you have ever taken. Or maybe in hearing a bird's sweet song you realize just how beautiful it really is. There may also be times when you may take notice of how striking the silhouettes of power lines and a tower are against a setting sun's sky. This is only a small sample of the beauty that surrounds us all.
Integrity:
This is a matter of holding one's morals through thick and thin. One's morals are second nature and involve an emotional connection to what they see as right and wrong. One cannot always verbalize why they feel something is right or wrong because it is an emotion rather than a thought. One should not be afraid to "stick to your guns" on all occasions in which one's morals may come into question. One must also be willing to understand and accept that other’s opinions and morals will differ from one's own. When such situations arise, one must remain faithful to their own morals even if compromise is needed to attain a consensual goal. The courage to continuously stand for what you feel (not necessary believe--for that entails thinking) is right, that is Integrity.
