Exploring the Values In Your Life by LK Tommi

Happy New Year and may 2022 be a lighthouse for all other years to come.

In my December article, I wrote about the wonderful word ‘value.’ I would like to extend on this as values are at the core of everything I do, teach and of our lives.

Values enhance everything we do, and if something is not going well for us, it is because our values have been compromised or not aligned with what we do. If we find ourselves having an unusual feeling or emotion, the experience does not align with our values.

If our well-being is not at its optimal peak, it’s because one or more of our values are not being honoured or met.

Have you stopped to think about what your values are?

It is essential to realign our values regularly, as they change when our lives change or go in a new direction. I revisit my value plan every year, and this year was no exception. I took my computer and sat in nature to review my value plan.

When I work with young people, we do a values plan where they answer a range of questions that reflect their lifestyle.

For example:

1. What are three objects you always have with you?
2. What are you good at, or you are known for doing well?
3. What do others say about you?

We connect these questions and reflect on past experiences to understand their value to our lives. You will be surprised that there are reoccurring words, and these are your values. Then from the answers, we create the values grid (here is mine).

My values are: Connections, Knowledge, Relaxing, Creativity and Empower.

There is no set number to the values that you have. You might be surprised when you realise that you have lots of values. The next step is to prioritise the list; this can be trickier than you think when it comes to placing importance on one value over another—however, a fantastic exercise to do.

At the core of everything I do is the motto Empowering Generations, Empowering Lives one step at a time, and this is in perfect alignment with my values as I love to empower others.

Notice that your values can have many layers; the word knowledge encompasses books, reading, teaching, mentoring, consulting and learning, all of which I love to do. The value of connections links to family, friends, colleagues, nature, spirituality or objects that connect me to my world.

We then use the values grid as the basis to setting our vision for the year, and before we do the vision board, we recheck it to see if our values are aligned with us.

What is your vision for the year, and are these connected to your values?

Values are lighthouses and the compass of our lives. They are signals giving us direction, meaning, and purpose to all we do. So let them guide you and make sure you listen to what your values communicate to you, particularly in tricky times, as they do send you messages.

Enjoy exploring the values of your life and watch how you connect with your values in the 2022 year ahead. If you would like to check in on your values and would like to do this great exercise, please get in touch with me through:

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Website: https://thetommiconnection.com.au/