Over the series of newsletters since the new year, we’ve been talking about how to invest in our health, our bodies, and our self-care. Last time, I described ways in which my spending changed when I started recognizing and attending to my values. Putting words to your value system is like writing a manual for your internal OS (Operating System). It sets the direction of your actions, habits, and words to align with those values so that you can operate in integrity rather than incongruently with your desires.
We all have values. Some values are taught by our family of origin and are so deeply ingrained that we hardly recognize them. Others come from our close communities, like church or groups of friends. All corporations have a value statement and set of organizational rules that (ideally) arise from those values. We are teaching our children, colleagues, and close associates about our values through spoken and unspoken interactions in almost all things that we do each and every day.
For something that affects most aspects of our life, it makes absolutely no sense that we rarely take the time to write out our values, to refer to them in regular communication, and most certainly to use them as starting point for conflict resolution. Do this now, and you will see how easy it can be to resolve both internal and external problems when you have a clear vision of your internal OS, a.k.a. your personal values.
To gain clarity on your values, follow these guidelines:
- Set aside 30-60 minutes to journal and reflect on these questions. I designed them to guide you toward noticing what continually comes up as important to you.
- Drawing from your results, craft a maximum of ten statements that define your core values. Remember, values are not goals. Your statements should reflect what is deeply important to you (not what you think “should be” important). For example, when I changed my alcohol drinking habits to support my Autoimmune healing and to act in accordance with my role as a professional healer, I realized, “I value sober connectivity with my husband, friends, and family.” Another example, I hold my personal and professional growth in high esteem because “I value continued growth, studentship, and education.” You see, it is easy to choose my activities, monetary spending, and recreation when I align with these values.
- Write out the ways in which your current actions align with each value. Notice if there are gaps in how you are spending your money, time, and energy. These gaps result in conflict, both internally and externally. If you are working or living in a way that conflicts with your values, you will feel out of integrity with yourself. Similarly, if you are consistently engaging in an activity that aligns with someone else’s value, but is in conflict with your own, it sows discontent in that relationship. Initiating a conversation that is based on the value conflict rather than fault will allow you to come to a resolution with ease.
Pure Health is Values Aligned with Action
If you find that you have a strong value around your health, joy, peace, and personal integrity, but you feel like your actions aren’t meeting those values, schedule a time to speak to me. It is my gift and pleasure to help you identify your values and meet goals associated with those values. I look forward to connecting with you 1:1.
Want to hear from others who have changed their lives in the Pure Health Group Coaching? Read Tanya’s testimonial below to see how aligning habits and values gave her the skills to navigate a major family crisis, or listen to Robin explain how coaching supported her personal evolution.
Just click here to schedule (choose Pure Health Discovery Session under Coaching Services). This is a free opportunity. Book before January 25 and get an extra 15 minutes added to your first session!
I’m looking forward our next conversation!
In the mean time, be well.
Gin
919-619-0211
ayurvedagin@gmail.com