"Being Curious" is a fundamental value that encourages childlike wonder, adventure, exploration, and a thirst for knowledge in every environment. It inspires us to ask better questions, seek intentional experiences, and approach challenges with an open mind. Being curious meets the unknown where it resides and allows creativity, imagination, and a love for learning to take place.

To embody this value, we encourage questions, explore new ideas, and embrace our natural curiosity. By valuing curiosity, we create a culture of growth, discovery, and intellectual development that benefits us all. Nurturing the love for learning leads to a deeper understanding and relationship with life itself.

In order to answer the call to adventure to the best of our ability, we must know (and remember) that we are safe, that we are loved.

The word “curious” is derived from the Latin verb “cura,” meaning “care” or “concern.” It comes from the Latin word "curiosus," which meant "careful, inquiring, diligent, or eager to learn." Over time, the meaning of the word has taken on a sense of being open, interested, or fascinated in things that are strange, different, unusual, unexpected, or out of the ordinary.

Curiosity Looks Like:

• Bright Eyes / Alertness

• Leaning In

• Active Listening / Questioning

• Exploration

Curiosity Feels Like:

• Excitement

• Wonder / Discovery

• Restlessness

"Being Confident" is the value that encourages trust in a greater guidance, purpose, faith and assurance.

At its core, (true) confidence emphasizes the importance of relying on The Creator’s wisdom and strength, regardless of obstacles, doubts, or external opinions. It promotes a sense of inner peace and courage, encouraging individuals to step forward with trust, knowing they are supported and equipped for the path ahead.

By embracing a greater way, we can walk boldly in our callings, inspire those around us, and find deep fulfillment in surrendering to a greater plan.

The word "confidence" comes from the Latin root confidere, which means "to have full trust" (con- meaning "with" and fidere meaning "to trust").

• In Late Latin, confidentia referred to firm trust or assurance.

• By the 14th century, it entered Middle English as "confidence," meaning trust in something or someone.

• By the 16th century, it also came to mean self-reliance and assurance in one's abilities.

Interestingly, fidere (to trust) is also the root of words like "fidelity" (faithfulness) and "faith", showing that confidence is deeply connected to trust—whether in oneself, in others, or in God.

Confidence Looks Like:

• A person standing tall, speaking clearly, and making eye contact.

• An artist boldly creating without fear of judgment.

• A leader making decisions with conviction, even in uncertainty.

• A child taking their first steps, trusting they will be caught if they fall.

• Someone setting boundaries without guilt or hesitation.

Confidence Feels Like:

• A deep sense of trust—knowing that, no matter the outcome, things will work out.

• The calmness of relying on experience, preparation, or faith.

• The courage to take risks, even when success isn’t guaranteed.

• The freedom from needing constant approval from others.

• A steady inner peace, even in moments of challenge or uncertainty.

"Being Quirky" is about embracing ALL that makes you, You. It’s about allowing your personality to spontaneously animate in the light and truth of the present. It’s embodying what you’ve discovered in your curiosity. It’s expressing your unique gifts, talents, genius, brilliance, in it’s authentically imperfect perfection. It invites you to be true to the light within you.

Being quirky means embracing our quirks, celebrating our differences, whether it's your sense of humor, your fashion choices, your hobbies, or your way of thinking. It's about facing fear and being empowered to act out your part in the great dance of life.

By embodying this value, you cultivate a sense of confidence, creativity, and openness to even more new experiences. You also inspire others to cross the bridge into a more fulfilling life.

Ultimately, being quirky means embracing the diversity of human expression and celebrating the unique qualities that make each of us who we are.

The word "quirky" comes from the Scottish word quirk (16th century), meaning "a sudden twist or turn"—originally referring to unexpected shifts in speech or behavior.

Possible Origins:

• It may come from Old Norse kverk, meaning "throat" or "bend", implying something that changes direction suddenly.

• It could also be related to Middle English quyrke, meaning "subtlety" or "trick"—suggesting something unusual or unpredictable.

By the 19th century, quirky evolved to describe people with peculiar, offbeat, or playfully unconventional traits. It now carries a positive connotation, celebrating uniqueness and individuality.

Quirky Looks Like:

• A person with mismatched socks and an unexpected but charming fashion sense.

• A café filled with odd trinkets, handwritten signs, and eclectic decor.

• Someone who collects unusual hobbies, like writing poetry on napkins or making art from leaves.

• A storyteller who playfully twists logic to create imaginative, offbeat tales.

• A home with doors painted different colors, books stacked in unusual ways, or furniture arranged creatively.

Quirky Feels Like:

• A spark of delight when encountering something unexpected.

• A sense of freedom—not bound by norms or rigid expectations.

• A mix of curiosity and amusement—things don't always make sense, but that's the fun of it.

• A playful defiance of convention, like dancing to music no one else hears.

• A comfortable weirdness, like being fully yourself without needing approval.

"Being Kind" to yourself is the only job you have. It is the value that encourages individuals to act in a familiar way with compassion towards others.

At its core, the value emphasizes the importance of treating others with respect and empathy, regardless of background, belief, or circumstance. It promotes a sense of connectedness and unity, and encourages individuals to recognize the humanity in others and act in ways that encourage their well-being.

In a world where there is often strife, division, and conflict, being kind is more important than ever. By embracing kindness as a guiding principle, individuals can create positive change in how they see the world and that will make a world of difference.

The word "kind" comes from the Old English word "cynd," which meant "nature, race, family, or offspring." The word "cynd" itself is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "kundjaz," which meant "family, race, or kind." It’s been used to describe different categories or types of things, such as the nature or characteristics of animals or plants. Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to include the sense of being generous or benevolent. This sense of the word likely developed from the idea of treating others like family or kin, and showing them the same care and consideration that one would show to their own family members or even themselves.

Kindness Looks Like:

• Listening / Caring

• Giving

• Helping / Volunteering

• Sharing / Including

• Gentleness

Kindness Feels Like:

• Understanding

• Connection

• Compassion

• Appreciation / Affection