Recently I came across an interesting article which was talking about Benjamin Franklin. I am usually one of those gals that seriously does not enjoy most historical information. I am just not a history buff, and I prefer the literary world much more. However, there was a blurb in the article that caught my eye.
It stated that Benjamin Franklin made a list of thirteen personal virtues in which he wanted to develop within himself during his lifetime. I was absolutely fascinated with that idea, and immediately I saw a scrapbook layout developing in my mind.
The virtues that Mr. Franklin chose were: Temperance, Silence, Order, Resolution, Frugality, Industry, Sincerity, Justice, Moderation, Cleanliness, Tranquility, Chastity and Humility. I was amazed at the list and was surprised that many of my virtues are the same as his, and that many of his virtues I had never even considered a virtue before. Time to really sit down and re-evaluate my own values and virtues and how they play out in my life as a wife, mother, daughter and friend.
So I set out on my own “quest” of sorts to discover who I am and who I want to be. I decided to take old Ben’s advice and stick to thirteen at first. I figured I would branch out later. In my research into the whole humanity and value thing, I discovered HumanityQuest.com.
HumanityQuest.com is a website that is building a community and portal for the exploration of human spirits, values, attitudes, principles and emotions. That was exactly the type of thing I was looking for. They have a growing list of over five hundred different human values so finding the ones you feel are important should not be difficult at all.
I have embarked on creating layouts not only commemorating my journey of self-discovery, but I plan to make a layout for each value I deem important in my life. I think I might make it into a small scrapbook in and of itself. That way I can add to it throughout my life as things change and my life changes. I urge you all to consider doing the same. In just the week long process I have taken so far, I have found an inner peace. Something in me snapped, and I now really evaluate decisions and situations in much greater detail. I have my lists, which will eventually be put into layouts that truly help in this process. I promise, that when I have a few more pages, I will share them with you all. I’d also really love to see yours.
For more great journaling ideas or ideas on how to scrapbook about yourself, visit the scrapbooking blog.
Nicole Humphrey writes about everything related to scrapbooking in the Scrapbooking Blog, saving money and living a frugal lifestyle in the Frugal Blog, and being the best photographer you can be in the Photography Blog. She enjoys guest blogging on a variety of topics as well, and you can read more of her articles by clicking here.