Janelle: In your post you write, "permanently disabling illness". I just met a doctor who is treating many "incurable" neurological diseases with adult stem cells from that person.
I don't know what your circumstance is, but this doctor gave me a lot of hope for better days ahead. I'm still learning there are more things to be "healthy".

Go to: www.stemcell.md

To Janelle Helling:

I like "coincidences"! I've never read comments before following Todd's bloggs...but I feel prompted to write to you, and hope you check in again. My life was significantly changed at age 15 by a life-threatening disabling illness that was 90% paralyzing. Now I am "old" :-) and spend a lot of time staying functional...but I am very "healthy"! Looking back, I can see how God ordered my life to prepare me for a very important purpose which I probably would have missed had I been "well" enough to do the physical career I had planned.

Once in a while I wonder what my life would have been if I could still play my horn, or paddle a canoe or go hiking, but my life has been blessed and rich as is. The important thing is a core value of PURPOSE. Do what is necessary to be functional, focus on what you CAN do, not what you can't. Work on your strengths, and find the purpose God has for you.

Hi Robert,

I love your attitude and outlook.

Thanks for sharing!

Todd

Hi Todd,

another thought-provoking post from your desk.

I'm pretty sure that I'm not yet thoroughly done with this task.

Honestly, at the moment I'm rather getting rid of some values, false ones perhaps and self-made rules that imprisoned me.

How many values and rules do we really need if we follow the Golden Rule ?

Take care

Oliver

Hi Oliver,

I was just speaking with my wife this morning about people's rules, and how many of their rules are negatively impacting their lives. I think this would make a great topic for a future post. Will you please either share below or send me an email and tell me about some of your self-made rules that have imprisoned you?

You are right about the Golden rule. It is a big one, but how you treat yourself is equally important.

Let me encourage you to read over the list above again and really put some deep thought into your new rules and values. If you feel like you have some false rules negatively impacting your life, the sooner you take some quiet time and really think about this subject the happier and more free you will feel.

Have a great weekend!

Todd

Hi Todd,

thanks for your advice again. I appreciate it. You'll get that email.

Take care

Oliver

Great philosophy suggested in your post to lay the foundation
to an unshakable, rock solid life creed.

Thank you for your insight.

Regards and best wishes for your weekend.

Powerful stuff! Love the second paragraph and it could have not been said more clearly. Totally agree with the filter analogy as it'll empower us to make the best decisions and associate with whoever share our vision. These are little things that make a whole world of a difference if we put the time to value them and hold strong to what we stand for, tools that are at the reach of every human being and we have been given for FREE.

TY Todd and I'm more than grateful for coaching :)

HI El,

You are right! These are little things that will make a whole wold of difference if people will take the time to really think about this lesson and establish values they are committed to living by the rest of their lives.

I appreciate your kind words!

Todd

Good afternoon Todd, this was an exceptional lesson on your part. I will definitely do as you've suggested, because I realize the value of these as life changing in the most positive aspects. Thank you and may your day and weekend be one filled with peaceful relaxation and rejuvination with your loved ones. By the way, Happy 25th Wedding Anniversary to you and yours. Live, laugh and love, Donna Brewer

Hi Donna,

Joy and I had a great anniversary in Whistler, BC. Thanks for your kind wishes.

If you have not already blocked out some quiet time to think about your core values, let me encourage you to do it this weekend. They will help bring clarity and direction to your life.

Thanks for your thoughtful comments!

Todd

Hello Todd,
This is another fine life lesson worthy of sharing. I try to project my Core Values in my many quotes as an everyday guy who was just here...

"I think that all positive people have the ability to express their thoughts into the form of worthy creative memorable quotations." - K.J. Kilroy Was Here!

I’m currently in the process of finding my Perfect Dream Recruits for my K.I.S.S. M.L.M. Team. The following are some of the trait qualities & core values I’m looking for. On a scale from 6 being HIGHEST to 1 being the LOWEST is how I currently rate myself after the numbered trait. Since Perfect is an unrealistic concept, everyone should attempt to keep improving, thus making 6 an unattainable score. In my humble opinion 5 is to strive for excellence.

Core Values, Traits & Qualities

1) A Dreamer With Vision-5
2) A Natural Leader-4
3) Balanced-2
4) Believes In What They Do-5
5) Can Grow With Criticism-4
6) Can Read People & Motives-4
7) Caring-5
8) Charismatic-3
9) Coachable-4
10) Comfortable With People & Situations-4
11) Communicates-5
12) Competitive-4
13) Confident-4
14) Cool Under Pressure-3
15) Don’t Lie To Self & Others-3
16) Drive-5
17) Energetic-4
18) Experience From Self & Others-4
19) Flexible-4
20) Friendly-4
21) Gambler-5
22) Goal Setter-4
23) Hard Working-4
24) Have Huge Aspirations-4
25) Helps Others-4
26) Honest-3
27) Honestly Excitable-4
28) Humble-2 (If I Was Humble I’d Be Dangerous)
29) Humorous-4
30) Integrity-4
31) Intelligence On Fire-5
32) Learns From & Admits Mistakes-4
33) Likeable-4
34) Listens-5
35) Open Minded-4
36) Open To Ideas-4
37) Organized-5
38) Patient-3
39) Persuasive-4
40) Positive Attitude-4
41) Positive Mindset-4
42) Positive Self Image-4
43) Problem Solver-4
44) Professional-4
45) Public Speaker-4
46) Resourceful-4
47) Responsible-3
48) Self Motivated & Starter-4
49) Supportive-4
50) Teacher-3
51) Team Player-4
52) Tolerant-3
53) Understanding Of Themselves & Others-4
54) Well Rounded-3
55) Willing To Learn-5
56) Worry Free-3
57) Open & Vulnerable-5 (Thanks to Todd Smith)

No New Records Today,
Kevin J. Kilroy

HI Kevin.

I enjoyed reading your list. I smiled when I read you ranked yourself as dreamer with a vision and gambling at a (5). I can tell from our communications over the last 6+ months that you are a dreamer with a vision and a gambler!

I think the way you listed various traits and qualities and then ranked yourself is an interesting project. I just put it on my "To Do" list. How can you improve in an area of your life if you haven't brought awareness to it, which is exactly what you did.

Thanks for being open and vulnerable! You can give yourself a (5) on that point as well.

Take care!

Todd

Thanks Todd,
When I did this last year I tried to have one for each year I've been on this planet. I'm now up to date again.

Another Year Another Value,
Kevin J. Kilroy

I have long had a set of core values with which I live (or at least try to live) my life. They aer values that reflect MY inner values which I hold as the "cement" tht holds everything together, the reason why I do what I do & probably why I get what I get. Some of these values are honesty, integrity, love, loyalty, optimism, empathy, courtesy, compassion, spirituality, selflessness, gratitude, fairness, leadership, optimism, fortitude, determination, companionship, friendship and the list goes on.
I could honestly say that throughliving as close to these values as I possibly can, I have grown in every aspect of my life. Without having lived these values, I could only imagine the emptiness of my life.

Hi Ken,

Thanks for sharing some of your core values and the impact they have had on your life. That was a great list.

Todd

I find it interesting that you have health listed as a core value. What happens when someone who has been active in a career and outdoor sports cannot do those things anymore because of a permanently disabling illness? I still want people to know me as strong and smart and capable and spiritual, as someone with compassion and integrity. I do not want to be seen with an identity of illness, being selfish or a whiner. Health becomes a primary priority many days simply in order to get through the day. Maybe there's a difference between "health" (doing the best I can with the circumstances) as a core value vs. "being healthy," (which will never happen).

Janelle, We often do not have control of what happens to us in life. What "happens to us" also "happens" to everyone else. Life does not choose side. These "things" that happen to us through out life affect each person different. It is how THEY interpret the events & how THEY decide to erspond that determines everything. The fact that you already have a mindset of wanting to be known as somweone with compassion & integrity, one who is strong, unselfish & not a complainer.

My suggestion would be to continue to get & stay involved & SHOW THE WORLD what you say in your post. My foundation; Know No Boundaries; is a foundation that stresses just this point. WE set our own internal boundaries as to what we can & cannot do (@ least for the most part). So break through your boundaries of limitation & storm the world.

God Bless you.

Hi Janelle,

I am sorry to hear about your disability. In reading your comments I can see that you have a great attitude and that you are making the best of your situation. I am proud of you!

You point is exactly right. No matter how old someone is or what their limitations may be, health should one of everyone's core values.

Thanks for your comment today!

Todd

Great timing on this post Todd. I was actually thinking about this very topic over the long weekend, and was trying to develop a simple phrase or two in my head. I will, instead, take the time to write up a formal document per your instructions.

Thanks as always,
Scott

Hi Scott- I am glad this came at the right time for you. Let me also encourage you to write your mission, vision and purpose statements. They will do wonders in bringing clarity to your life. Thanks for your comment! Todd

Defining my values in a document titled "Nelson's Brand" has grown my self awareness. Great article Todd. Nelson has a Win-Win Attitude and focuses his efforts on stewardship...
Just ask me for the rest of my document if you are interested in knowing more about 'Nelson's Brand'. I'd like to see yours also.

Nelson, you rock! I would love to read your document titled, "Nelson's Brand". Please send me an email to todd@littlethingsmatter and I would be happy to respond by sharing mine with you. Todd