* What are my core values and how am I actively living them out?

Okay, here’s the expanded question:: I’m trying to gain a better understanding of myself and how I operate in the world. I want to identify the fundamental principles that guide my decisions and actions. So, taking into consideration my personality, past experiences, and current aspirations, what are my core values? Furthermore, beyond just identifying them, how can I realistically assess the extent to which I am actually living in accordance with those values on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis – providing concrete examples and specific behaviors that demonstrate alignment (or misalignment)? What actionable steps can I take to consciously and consistently integrate these values into my life, ensuring they aren’t just abstract ideals but rather practical guidelines for my behavior?

Answer

To determine your core values and how you are actively living them out, I would need information about your beliefs, principles, priorities, and actions. Without this information, I can provide a general framework and examples, but the specifics would be unique to you.

Identifying Your Core Values:

Core values are the fundamental beliefs that guide your behavior and decisions. They represent what is most important to you in life. Here’s how you might identify them:

1. Reflection: Think about moments when you felt most fulfilled, proud, or energized. What values were being expressed in those situations? Conversely, consider times you felt frustrated, angry, or disappointed. What values were being violated?

2. List Generation: Brainstorm a list of potential values. Some common examples include:

   • Integrity: Honesty, trustworthiness, and ethical behavior.
   • Courage: Facing fears, taking risks, and standing up for what you believe in.
   • Kindness: Compassion, empathy, and generosity towards others.
   • Respect: Valuing the dignity and worth of all people.
   • Justice: Fairness, equality, and advocacy for the marginalized.
   • Excellence: Striving for high standards and continuous improvement.
   • Creativity: Innovation, imagination, and self-expression.
   • Learning: Curiosity, intellectual growth, and a thirst for knowledge.
   • Service: Helping others, making a positive impact on the world.
   • Family: Love, connection, and commitment to family relationships.
   • Health: Physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
   • Financial Stability: Security, responsible money management.
   • Community: Belonging, connection, and contribution to a group.
   • Freedom: Autonomy, independence, and self-determination.
   • Responsibility: Accountability, reliability, and commitment.
   • Loyalty: Faithfulness, dedication, and commitment to people or causes.

3. Prioritization: Narrow down your list to 3-5 core values that are most essential to you. These are the values that you are unwilling to compromise on. Consider which values are most deeply rooted in your sense of self.

4. Definition: Define what each of your core values means to you personally. For example, "Integrity" might mean "always being truthful, even when it’s difficult," or "keeping my promises and commitments."

Actively Living Out Your Core Values:

Once you have identified your core values, consider how you are currently demonstrating them in your daily life and how you could do so more intentionally.

1. Self-Assessment: Reflect on your recent actions, decisions, and behaviors. Do they align with your core values? Where have you succeeded in living out your values, and where have you fallen short?

2. Goal Setting: Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals related to each of your core values. For example, if one of your values is "Kindness," you might set a goal to "perform one act of kindness each day for a month."

3. Decision-Making: Use your core values as a guide when making important decisions. Ask yourself, "Which option best aligns with my values?"

4. Habit Formation: Integrate your values into your daily routines and habits. For example, if you value "Health," you might make it a habit to exercise regularly and eat nutritious foods.

5. Relationships: Choose to surround yourself with people who share your values or who support you in living them out.

6. Work/Career: Seek out work or career opportunities that align with your values. Consider whether your current job allows you to express your values.

7. Community Involvement: Volunteer your time or donate to causes that are important to you and that reflect your values.

8. Continuous Reflection: Regularly review your values and assess how well you are living them out. Adjust your goals and actions as needed.

Examples of How Values Might Be Lived Out:

• Value: Integrity

  • Living it out: Being honest in all interactions, even when it’s inconvenient. Returning money that was mistakenly given to you. Admitting mistakes and taking responsibility for your actions.

• Value: Kindness

  • Living it out: Offering help to someone in need. Listening attentively to others. Showing empathy and compassion. Donating to charity.

• Value: Learning

  • Living it out: Reading books and articles. Taking courses or workshops. Attending lectures or conferences. Engaging in intellectual discussions.

• Value: Family

  • Living it out: Spending quality time with family members. Showing love and support. Participating in family traditions.

• Value: Service

  • Living it out: Volunteering at a local organization. Donating to a cause you believe in. Using your skills to help others. Mentoring someone.

• Value: Creativity

  • Living it out: Engaging in artistic activities (painting, writing, music). Brainstorming new ideas. Finding innovative solutions to problems.
• Value: Justice
  • Living it out: Advocating for fairness and equality. Speaking out against injustice. Supporting organizations that promote human rights.

To receive a response that is specifically tailored to you, you would need to provide information about your experiences, beliefs, and actions.

Pray This Prayer

Dear God,

I come before you seeking clarity and guidance on the path you have laid out for me. Help me to understand myself better, to truly know and embrace the core values that reside within my heart.

(Pause to reflect on core values: honesty, compassion, justice, kindness, courage, faith, etc.)

What are my core values, Lord? Show them to me, not just as abstract ideas, but as the vibrant threads that should weave through the tapestry of my life. Reveal the values that ignite my soul and give meaning to my actions.

And beyond knowing them, I ask for strength and wisdom to actively live them out. How am I truly living them out, Lord? Where am I falling short? Where am I allowing fear, comfort, or convenience to eclipse the values I hold dear?

Help me to see the opportunities you place before me each day to embody these values. Let me be honest in my dealings, compassionate to those who suffer, just in my decisions, kind in my words and actions, and courageous in standing up for what is right.

Forgive me, Lord, for the times I have failed to live up to my own ideals. Grant me the grace to learn from my mistakes and to strive each day to be a more authentic reflection of the values you have instilled within me.

Guide me to align my thoughts, words, and actions with my core values, so that I may live a life of purpose, integrity, and service to you and to others.

In your holy name, I pray. Amen.