My Values

     I would definitely say that the values I hold dear to me are much more in line with the "emerging values" listed in the textbook. Among these that I use to guide my everyday life are: Physical Fitness, Youthfulness, and Concern for the Environment.
     As an athlete physical fitness is hugely important to me. I am determined to never be a stereotypical "fat American". Soccer , biking, and hacky sack (foot bag) are my activities of choice, but I love to stay active anyway I can. My zeal for physical fitness likely comes from my three older brothers (with four boys we were always on the run) and my friends, who are athletes as well. I also believe that it comes from a disgust of the state of our nation and the way that we are viewed by the world. Over 35% of  adults living in the United States are obese and I am determined not to be one of them.
     Youthfulness is another value which I hold near to my heart. It is my personal belief that you have to get old, you don't have to grow up. Although this isn't entirely true I feel that if you keep a youthful attitude you are more likely to be active, fun, and healthy; both mentally and physically. This year my dad turned fifty years old, he is still fairly active, despite the signs of aging, and loves to snowmobile, go boating, camping, and hunting. I believe I have acquired this value from my girlfriend who is determined to never let age dictate how much fun you can have. After all, it's just a number.
     Concern for the Environment is more than just a value to me, it is a passion. I always try to go out of my way to do good for our Mother Earth, whether it be picking up litter, car pooling, recycling, or paying a little extra for Eco-friendly products. For example, today in class I had a tube of  "Save the Earth" Gum from Project Seven. The idea is that for every tube of gum you buy, they plant one fruit tree, thus providing food and eliminating CO2 from the air. If I have the option I will always buy a product made from materials that have a minimal footprint on our environment. I believe that this value was instilled in me by my love for the outdoors. As previously stated my brothers and I were always running about, especially in the woods near my house. My family also does an annual trip up to Big Lake, near Boulder Junction, Wisconsin. I am so passionate about the environment that I am considering making it my profession. It has impacted my daily life in many, many ways. The inserts of my shoes are made from Eco-friendly cushioning, I chew "Save the Earth" Gum, and my girlfriend and I are both very passionate about our planet.



The questions for the day are: What are your major values?  How do you use those values in your daily life, and where did those values come from (what makes you value them)?