You Didn't Think You'd Be Reading About Chickens

Core Values... I've got mixed feelings about core values. There's more negative than positive in that feelings mix. I spent years helping nonprofits get organized, write mission statements and strategic plans, and of course, identify core values. When the people involved are truly invested and excited about what they are doing, that process is energizing. When the people involved are there because they have to be, or worse, they feel like they should be there... it can suck your soul dry. Most people don't get excited about these things.

I know there are people who have their own personal mission statement and core values. They have goals and strategies to reach those personal goals. Let me tell you, I have rolled my eyes long and hard about that. I mean really. How very precious. Honestly, isn't everyone's mission to get through this life in one piece? Core values? How about staying alive? Getting through the day? If it works for you, more power to you. I'm not interested.

You know where this is going, don't you? 

Yeah... the core values chickens have come home to roost.

Photo by James Wainscoat on Unsplash

In May I signed up for a personal coaching program based on the recommendation of someone whose opinion I very much respect. Like, I didn't even google this program, that's how much I respect this person's opinion. He recommended it and I signed up. Just like that. 

I like the program quite a bit, but there was just one thing. The program includes identifying your personal core values. I sighed deeply. I pretended that I didn't read that part of the book. I went forward with the other parts of the program. After 5 weeks, I wasn't getting very far. 

I went back to the core values section and made myself go through the steps. That's when I realized I knew what my core values were and I've know for most of my life. I never called them core values. I don't think I called them anything. Maybe, if pressed, I'd come up with something like "firmly held beliefs." Anyway, I still think the whole thing is a little precious, so I googled "synonym core values" and "moral philosophy" was one of the choices. I like that much more.

So what is my personal moral philosophy?

1. I respect the inherent dignity of all people.  This applies to everyone, whether I like them or not. There's plenty of times that I have to remind myself of this. I'm wrestling with this with a particular person that I don't especially like right now. Liking someone isn't a criteria for respecting their innate humanity. But this person is a part of God's creation, so who am I to judge. Just because it's my personal moral philosophy doesn't mean I'm perfect.

2. Why do it if it isn't fun?  This is not as flip as it sounds. We are given one precious life. We need to make the most of it. It should be filled with laughter, joy, goodness. In the Creation stories, God pronounces his work "good." He takes a break on the seventh day. God is not a fan of drudgery. God takes a day to kick back and enjoy his work. I think fun fits in nicely with a sound, moral life.

So that's my personal, moral philosophy. I've got more to say, but not now.

I'd like to end with another chicken. It made me laugh.