Personal Values and Living with Intention
It’s Monday - another weekend past. How did you spend your precious free time? Do you feel recharged for the week ahead or anxious?
It’s so easy to be living on autopilot that we forget to check in with ourselves. Are you living with intention?
Something that I have been reflecting on lately is the idea of personal values. What are my personal values? Where do they come from? Do my actions reflect them? Do the people I spend my free time with share my values?
When we are clear on what we value in life it becomes easier to live with intention. We can learn to be of service to others in a way that aligns with our personal values leaving us feeling satisfied and fulfilled. Are we spending our free time keeping ourselves distracted from what truly brings us a sense of peace?
Aside from the daily duties of your life such as working or taking care of your family, how are you spending your “free” time?
First we need to get clear on what our personal values actually are. I suggest sitting down, clearing your mind with 10-15 minutes of meditation* and asking yourself, “What do I value?” After your meditation use these prompts below to help you get clear on your personal values.
What are my personal values? Jot down whatever comes to mind.
Where do my personal values come from? My family? Society? Community?
How do my actions reflect them? Is the way I spend my time a reflection of what I value?
How can I become more aligned with my values? Do the people I spend my time with share my values?
After you’ve gotten some clarity on your personal values and how you are spending your time - think about what your goals are and if they are guided by your values. Do my goals reflect my personal values or someone else’s? Am I seeking someone else’s idea of success? How will I feel when I achieve my goals?
Just for fun and to help get you in the mood I created a playlist filled with songs that reflect the sentiment or energy of some of my personal values. You can throw it on when you sit down to journal or when you need a little pick me up.
Wishing you a life filled with soul satisfying purpose.
In good health,
Tiffany
*If you are new to meditation try using an app for guidance (Insight Timer, Calm, Headspace, Waking Up).
