What Are Your Life Values?
When I first moved to south-west France, I was struck by how much more vigorous and colourful the vegetation was compared to the UK. As we settled into village life, we were kindly invited to dinner by a neighbour. I had noticed their garden was very practical, with a large vegetable plot. Ours, by contrast, was filled with flowers – and my beloved herb garden, of course. Much of the credit goes to the previous owner, who was clearly a passionate gardener.
Wanting to offer something thoughtful, I picked a bunch of bright yellow flowers from the patch outside my kitchen window – flowers I had enjoyed looking at daily. I thought my new friend might appreciate them too.
They were received graciously and placed in a vase in a prominent spot. We had a lovely evening.
But when we got home, my husband turned to me and asked gently,
“Did you realise you gave them a bunch of weeds?”
I was mortified.
Had I embarrassed us? Did they think I was ignorant – or worse, rude? It felt like such a shame at the start of a new friendship, especially when we knew no one.
But then something shifted.
It made me ask:
Who decides if a plant is a weed or a flower?
To this day, our lawn is a wild mix of field grass, clover, and weeds. Right now, the dandelions are in full bloom. Here’s a photo – what do you think?
Is it beautiful or unwanted?
This simple garden moment speaks to something larger.
Who decides if a person is good or bad? What if someone has been judged – by culture, by appearance, by past mistakes? Are they really “weeds”? Or might they bring beauty, healing, or joy in their own way?
For me, I choose to judge both plants and people on how they make me feel.
✨ Do they bring joy?
✨ Do I feel safe and seen in their presence?
✨ Do they live without harming others?
That, to me, is enough.
What are your values? How do you decide what belongs in your life – and what doesn’t?
💌 Enjoyed this article? Get new posts straight to your inbox.
Click here to subscribe to blog updates
Drop a comment and say what your views are….
If this speaks to something deep within you, you’re not alone. Join our growing circle of spiritual men exploring emotional strength, inner fire, and grounded purpose.
👉 Click here to join the Your Soul Family community
When the heart is broken, even the smallest ritual can bring comfort. A candle, herbs,…
Nature offers simple, soulful practices to deepen your spiritual journey. From grounding barefoot to seasonal…
The waning moon invites release and renewal. Like autumn, it’s a time to let go…
For centuries, people have looked to the moon’s phases for guidance. Each stage of the…
Chasing perfection often leads to stress and exhaustion. By embracing a good enough life, we…
In uncertain times, family and community connections help us feel grounded and supported. By reaching…