How do you define Value?

I like to think of "value" in terms of its verb and noun definitions. Value, as a noun, is in simple terms the worth of something relative to the person who is assigning worth to it. To value, as a verb, would similarly mean to assign worth, but I would also like to define value as a verb to mean holding something in high regard or appreciation (ex - "I value him or her as an employee"). I'm not going to get into a semantics lesson here because, quite frankly, everybody has an understanding of what value is.

Somebody can never have heard of the word "value" but would still have a perception of it. Not everybody may value the same things, or even hold the same amount of value to certain objects as others would, but I think we can all agree that everybody understands what it means when something is of value, or somebody is being valued.

I think we can all agree that everybody wants to feel valued.

Value can be externally reflected based on its internal worth. In other words, I believe that how I outwardly express value to that which is dear to me, is a reflection of how much I feel valued by those who have a substantial role in my existence. It's those good things in life we appreciate that fuel us to continually enjoy life, and knowing and being shown that we are appreciated and loved is also the fuel that drives us to show our appreciation in return. Value is a cycle: everybody values things, and everybody wants to feel valued.

I feel it is very critical that value be understood as a cycle. I value my family, I value the friendship I have with my friends. I feel valued by them. I appreciate them, and feel appreciated by them. I will go to the end of the world for them, as I know they would for me. My family and friends feel valued when they know that they are loved, appreciated and respected. I value my profession, and I feel valued in return when I have performed above and beyond, and I have been shown appreciation and respect for my efforts.

Feeling valued is not something you pursue. It is expressive. I think some inherent dangers to not feeling valued can result in not valuing people or things in return. I know I sound like I am talking in circles, but that is the point I am trying to make. If we do not value other people or things, we may not be a recipient of that which we are really needing to give back. Likewise, if we are not feeling valued by our families or companies, we may not feel the worth of giving back any value. This can spread throughout our lifestyles, where we no longer value:

-who we are as individuals, and as a collective

-who we know (our family, friends, coworkers)

-what we do (our duties and responsibilities)

-any sense of honesty and integrity . . .

.

Without making a much larger mountain out of a molehill, value can simply be defined the way it is done so in Random House Dictionary, but understanding the way in which value works is key to unlocking what appears to be a mystery to some who ask the question:

"How Do People Know They Are Valued?"