Said Values VS. Lived Values
Click to listen to this post on my podcast: Journal with Jenny
When someone asks you, “What do you value most in your life?”
What do you say?
I instantly respond, “Family. Family is my biggest priority.”
Many of you would say family or learning or faith or career or relationships are high on our list of values, but are we living those values?
Over the past couple of years, I have thought a lot about where my energy goes. I’ve really shifted how I live my life after reflecting upon this because I want to put my energy into what matters most to me.
For example, if you say that family is who/what you value most… Do you put the phone down when your kids are talking to you? Do you play games with your kids? Are you making an effort to connect with your husband? Do you have family dinners? What about with your parents and siblings? Are you reaching out?
Do your actions match what you say you value most?
Are you living your values?
JOURNAL PROMPT…
What matters most to you?
Make a list.
If you need help, take this online values test - it takes less than five minutes. Or look over Brené Brown’s List of Values
When I took the values test, it stated my top 10 values are:
1.) Inner harmony
2.) Happiness
3.) Family
4.) Creativity
5.) Integrity
6.) Faith
7.) Curiosity
8.) Balance
9.) Spirituality
10.) Efficiency
I would agree with this, but I would also add relationships and connection to the list. I never would have thought to put “inner harmony” on my list, but it’s true, if I’m not feeling content, balanced, and happy within myself, or if I’m not taking care of myself, then how can I take care of everyone else?
JOURNAL PROMPT…
On your paper, write three of your values.
Under each of them, write what ACTIONS you take to live those values.
If you are in alignment with your actions and your values, then my guess is that you are feeling satisfied and happy. If you are out of alignment, how can you take more action to live your values? Write about it. What can you do this week, this month, this year to live in alignment with your values?
Post your values somewhere that you will them every day. Mine are on a post-it note on my bathroom mirror, so I can check in with myself each morning and night.
I encourage you to write about your Said Values vs. your Lived Values each week. It will take five minutes to put pen to paper, and it will help you come into alignment and be in integrity with yourself. Ask yourself what actions you have taken this week to live your values.
I would love for you to write in the comments what your values are and if this writing activity helped you recognize if you are living those values or not.
Writing helps us understand ourselves better - to get out of our heads and get our hearts onto the page.
Until next time!
JT
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