A client recently shared a beautiful phrase that truly resonated with me- Value in the Valley. This concept was originally described by Alex Wats. See the link below.
In life, we (humans) have our highs and lows, peaks or valleys. The peaks are often the most sought after, while the valleys are either dreaded, avoided or rushed through. However, avoiding the lows or the valley we miss valuable information about our self, our values, our beliefs, our window of tolerance. The valleys are crucial in order for peaks to be present or even available. Think about the mountains you see in the picture above. If the goal is to get to the top, the starting point more often than not is at the bottom. It's a place of beginnings, a space for excitement, angst and the unknown. There is room for potential, failure, hiccups, and successes. If we began at the top, we would lack a full appreciation of the peak and all that it has to offer. We would miss out of what worked and what did not work for us as we attempted the climb. We might miss the beauty that only comes from the valley such as certain animals, flower, fungi, tree's- wildlife as a whole. In a figurative sense, a valley maybe but not limited to sadness, despair, grit, pain, turmoil, lulls, addiction, regret, fear, anger or even joy, contentment. These valleys while some are more uncomfortable to others provide valuable insight in how we operate or function. There are patterns that can be examined, reflected on, accepted and possible challenged.
A personal experience is the journey of earning my master's degree or rather any of my degrees. The goal ahead was graduation and a meaningful career. Before I got there were many hurdles academically, professionally, and personally that was incredibly difficult to muster through. The valleys included despair, joy, anxiety, suffering, life changes, and failures. I realized the peak was not actually obtaining my degree but rather me working though hardship and not giving up on myself even though I wanted to many times. It was my ability to be steadfast and recognize my worth. The insights I gained through the valley included recognizing that my self-worth is not tied to the degree, my job, or socioeconomic status, but rather the ability to stand up for myself, and what is right for me, the ability to do hard things, the ability to set a goal and achieve it because that was what I wanted. Even if I changed my career path, my degree or collegiate plan it would not mean that I gave up. It would mean that I explored this path of mine and knew that I have many opportunities ahead. There are many paths we can take, and not one path is the perfect path.
I encourage you to reflect your current state- are you in a valley or at a peak. Either state, can you find value, appreciation and respect for this moment, and this moment, and this moment?
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