Do you live in alignment with your values?

Values are the principles we live by. They are what drive us or make us tick. They define who we are and what we hold dear. Perhaps you value truth, trust and freedom. Family may be a strong value, or connecting to others or maybe you value flexibility. Our happiness at any given time is related to a value we hold. When we are happy, a value is being honored and when we are upset, either a value is being taken away or is being threatened.

Having a firm understanding of your values helps you to make decisions, prioritize your life and work, and to set goals. Values are a product of your experiences and can be influenced by family, religion and community. Sometimes people hold values and they don’t have any idea why that value is important or where the value came from. Many times, these “unconscious” values don’t serve you but rather you are at their mercy.

There are two types of values: Fear-based and Conscious-based.

Fear-based values are usually connected to the past and are held because you want to avoid something that caused you pain or anxiety. The value is usually followed by “or else”. For example, “I value having the power in a relationship or else someone will hurt me or take advantage of me.” Or, “I must compete at work or else I’ll get passed over for a promotion.”

Conscious-based values allow you to take positive action. They are the things you choose and are connected to the present. You choose them because they serve you. For example, “I value flexibility so I only accept work situations that allow flexibility in my schedule.” Or “I value spending time with my family so I limit my outside engagements.”

Most of the time, fear-based values do nothing positive for us. By examining our values we can move from fear into consciousness and decide on behaviors and courses of action that truly align with values we CHOOSE. The benefit?  Living a much more authentic, happy life.