Values vs desire vs priorities

I value connection. 

I desire spending time with powerful, expressive, and courageous friends who do straight talk, use kind humor, ask hard questions, respond spontaneously and thoughtfully, make all sorts of mistakes, laugh, continue to work on themselves, and share with me what they’re doing.  

I prioritize this connection time through my calendar. I take those dates as seriously as the appointments with my doctors and clients. Unlike the professional appointments, however, I’m ready to jump in spontaneously as my dedicated play and flex hours allow. Yes, I have play hours throughout the week. 

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I value connection in another way.

I desire knowing what I want, trusting my decisions, and being comfortable being myself.

I prioritize my early morning practice - it’s the first decision I make in the day, and it anchors me and teaches me to sit still, drop judgments and have patience. I’ve stopped regularly questioning the importance of morning practice. I prioritize self-love by keeping my date with my soul every morning. This practice - this priority - connects me to me. 

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I value good health. 

I desire amazing meals (I’m a foodie), feeling sexy and strong (it’s an internal position of celebration of self, really), having grounded energy I can count on, and clarity of mind to make good decisions, see the play in everything, and enjoy the moment. 

I prioritize cooking, procuring clean ingredients and vegetables of all kinds, chocolate, and eating when hungry. I prioritize moving and stretching my body daily. I prioritize conscious breathing throughout the day. I prioritize having wellness partners to see regularly and making sure I have my next appointment with them in my calendar. Rather than using up good energy beating myself up, I prioritize my feelings by leaning into them, acknowledging them and then making a pivot plan; often the pivots start with my mental framework. To understand that life is a stream of pivots is to take one step closer to peace and well-being. And to knowing myself better. 

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I value freedom.

I desire world travel, Spanish fluency, and worry-free days filled with meaningful work and connection, time to play piano, read books, and explore with friends. 

I prioritize these by scheduling them into my calendar. I adjust the format and times of my work-life and other commitments to coordinate well with my desires. It's a trial and error, it gets easier with practice, and freedom comes with this sort of unattachment.

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I value mattering. 

I desire to make a difference, and to know I have a positive impact on those around me. 

I prioritize my time by creating one simple intention with each connection, play time, down time, writing time, and I continually ask myself, was this worth it?  If the answer is no, I pivot. I prioritize making sure someone knows they matter every day. 

I’m not famous, and I don’t make millions, but I have made a positive mark on this world and on my children. While I have more to offer and experience, I feel sufficiently complete. I’ve overcome a slew of hardships over my life and am experiencing the life that I value and desire… not because shit stopped happening in life, but because I finally “meddled” in the shit happening in life by prioritizing the desires that support my values. It’s the easiest, most fun solution and the most difficult thing to do at the same time because your ego won’t have it at first. But your soul and the Universe has your back, and your ego will soon follow. 

Love, Savitree