Imagine yourself seated in a boat, preparing to embark on a journey. What do you think is absolutely essential before hoisting the anchor? Indeed, you need a course—a specific direction in which to sail. Without a clear destination, you’ll drift aimlessly at sea. When a boat drifts, the wind, not the captain, determines its course. This can be incredibly dangerous, especially during a storm.
Values in psychotherapy
Our lives are like great journeys. We are constantly in motion, but without direction, we are likely to drift aimlessly. A life without direction often resembles a chronicle of random events rather than a purposeful journey.
In psychotherapy, life directions are often referred to as values—our beliefs about what is important and what truly matters to us.There are numerous ways to work on personal values and select life directions. I prefer the “ripples on water” metaphor, as it resonates with my childhood experiences.
Ripples on water – my story
I grew up in a small town, in an apartment building housing eight families. Our building had a large backyard where I often played with the neighbors’ children. The yard was adjacent to a river. As a young boy, I recall our backyard being filled with small stones, their origins still a mystery to me.
I loved picking up these stones and tossing them into the river, captivated by the splash and the ripples that lingered long after the stone had sunk. I was so engrossed in this activity that our neighbors jokingly warned my father that no stones would remain in the yard by the time I grew up.
Now, as an adult reflecting on my life, I feel a connection to those thrown stones. We are all like stones, tossed by an unseen hand into the vast expanse of space and time. We appear in this universe without knowing how long we will remain, but our presence creates ripples that spread far and wide. Our actions, inactions, words, and silences all have an impact on the lives of others and the world around us. Sometimes, these ripples endure long after we are gone, like an echo.
The message
Our existence undoubtedly creates ripples of impact, much like a stone striking the water’s surface. We cannot avoid having an impact, but we can strive to ensure it is intentional.
After reading this, take a moment to consider: How aware are you of the impact your current actions and words have on the world and those around you? What kind of ripples are you creating right now? What kind of ripples do you want to create?
Use the answers as a compass to guide you.
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