So how do we process what is coming at us now, let alone, what will be there in future? There has to be a way to sort through this landslide of facts and fiction, to go over each piece and determine for ourselves its inherent validity and relevance to our lives.

In each epoch in our history there were major transition points that affected all of humanity. These were marked by chaos and fear, upset and upheaval, all related to a convulsive present and an indeterminate future. Examples would be “Agricultural Revolution,” when, as a species, we stopped wandering and gathering, and started cultivating fields and growing our own food. Then came “Industrial Revolution,” where there began vast process of mechanizing our work. In all such cases, an old way was leaving, while new way was being born. During these transition phases, chaos and upheaval were signs of times. Many current writers are suggesting that this is also case today, with present Information Revolution; and I would agree.

In previous times, as cited in above examples, some sense of order had to be derived from chaos that was all about. Some way of making sense of whole unfolding process was required and basically had to be invented on spot. It was never a question of “not living through it” because change was already upon population. It was always a matter of “how” to live through it and minimize impact on day to day life.

History repeats itself, we are often told, until a particular lesson is learned. What is history trying to teach us right now? “That we appear not ready for great leap forward we are about to take?” In part this may be true, but what else? I draw sustenance from an old Myth that says: “when a person is ready, what is there waiting for them becomes visible.”

1. If you don't know who you are, you can't be true to your self.

Sounds obvious, but many of us go through life without taking time to identify what truly matters to us.

2. It makes decision-making easier.

When faced with a decision, look at your choices in light of your values. How does each choice support you in living your values? If both support your values, which value does it support? And which of those values is more important to you? Makes it easy, doesn't it?

3. It helps you identify people, situations and things that don't support those values.

Sometimes people, situations or things don't make us comfortable. Very often, negative emotions they evoke are caused by a value being threatened. Without understanding that, and without knowing which value they threaten, we use valuable energy defending or protecting ourselves. If you have a strong need to be true to yourself, look around. What situations evoke those feelings? In my experience, we only have a strong need to be true to ourselves when we're not being true to ourselves. The rest of time, we just are.

4. It helps you identify people, situations and things you do want in your life.

Being clear about what your values are allows you to proactively seek people, situations and things that support those values. That gives you freedom to replace items you identified in Step 3. It puts you in charge of your life.

5. It gives you an incredible sense of peace.