There was a time I stayed within a social circle that quietly chipped away at who I was. Not because I didn’t know better—but because I was afraid. Afraid of being alone. Afraid of losing the comfort of familiarity. Afraid of what it would mean to walk away. After all, we were vibing!
At first, it was subtle. I let small things slide. I laughed at things that didn’t feel right. I stayed quiet when I should have spoken up. I told myself, “It’s not worth the drama.” But with every silence, every swallowed truth, I felt myself shrinking. My values—once so clear—began to blur. My boundaries softened into suggestions. And the person I had always been started to fade.
Then one day, a group member made a joke— “Hmm, some Pope we have!” It was meant to be funny, but it landed like a punch. Because deep down, I knew he was right. I had stopped living in alignment with what I believed. I had betrayed myself to belong. That moment cracked something open in me.
💎 What Are Core Values?
Core values are the non-negotiables of our soul.
They are not preferences but principles.
They are the deep truths that guide our:
– Decisions
– Relationships
– Boundaries
– Priorities
– Purpose
They are the compass beneath the chaos. When we know our values, we know our way.
🌱 Values Create Integrity
When our actions match our values, we feel whole. That’s integrity—not perfection, but alignment.
And alignment creates:
– Peace of mind
– Clarity in chaos
– Confidence in decisions
– Strength in storms
– A life that feels like yours
We don’t need to be everything to everyone. We just need to be true to what matters most.
Steps to Discovery
We don’t find our values in a textbook but in our story.
Start here:
– Reflect on moments when you felt most alive. What were you doing?
– Think about times you felt betrayed or angry. What value was being violated?
– Ask yourself: What do I stand for—even when it costs me?
– Notice what you admire in others. That’s often what you long to embody.
– Write down your top 5 values. Then define what they mean to you.
Our values aren’t just words.
They are our roots.
How to Protect Them
Once we know our values, we have to guard them. Because the world will try to trade them for approval, comfort, or success.
Protect your values by:
– Saying no to what doesn’t align—even if it’s popular
– Surrounding yourself with people who respect your principles
– Checking in with yourself regularly: Am I living what I believe?
– Letting your values—not your fears—shape your choices
– Being willing to disappoint others rather than betray yourself
Living our values won’t always be easy. But it will bring focus and tenacity of purpose which will always be worth it.
An Invitation to Reconnect
In 2026, let’s stop living on autopilot. Let’s live on purpose.
Let’s stop asking, “What should I do?” And start asking, “What do I value? Because when we live by our values, we stop performing—and start becoming.
Peace and integrity to you.
