Family Sayings and Values

Values are defined as "deeply felt beliefs that are shared by a cultural group and that reflect a perception of what ought to be, not what is." (Martin, 37). Our cultural groups influence our values. Our parents are members of our cultural group who usually have the most influence in our values. One way they are able to influence values is with their commonly used statements or sayings.

It is interesting to think about the sayings that my parents liked to use when I was little. One of their favorites was "You can do anything you put your mind to." I believed them. They also instilled in my siblings and I a good work ethic. My parents taught me that if I worked hard and had a goal in mind, that I could reach it. I feel very lucky to have been taught these values.

After having a few different jobs, I see that not everyone may have been taught these same values. I have had coworkers who do not work very hard. I also have been around people who think they are entitled to great things without having to work for them. I feel like they are wrong. Because of what my parents taught me, I value hard work to reach your goals. If you have a good work ethic and are striving to reach a goal, you will have success.