A Guide to Living in Line with Your Values
Navigating Life's Challenges: A Guide to Living in Line with Your Values
Amidst the challenges that life brings, it is easy to lose sight of the compass guiding us toward fulfillment and happiness—our values. Living in line with our values is not just a philosophical concept but a practical approach to navigating challenging times. As we grapple with life's complexities, for some of us it is crucial to seek guidance and support to rediscover our true selves. Shifting Sands Psychology Counselling and Education, nestled in the heart of Southport, welcomes you to explore the transformative journey of aligning your actions with your deepest values.
The Foundation of Valued Living: Research suggests that valued living is the cornerstone of sustainable happiness. Studies have shown that increased success in enacting values correlates with heightened positive affect and overall life satisfaction. However, the reality is that life's challenges often divert our focus, leading us to prioritise problem-solving over living in accordance with our values.
The Role of Resilience: Research also reveals a strong correlation between resilience and valued living in the face of stressful events. By engaging in behaviours aligned with our values, we may cultivate resilience, creating a pathway to weather life's storms. This insight underscores the importance of proactively embracing valued action to maintain harmony between our actions and our core values during challenging times.
Managing Anxiety and Distorted Thinking: Anxiety has a tendency to distort our thinking, making us overestimate the likelihood of negative outcomes and exaggerate potential consequences. At Shifting Sands we support and encourage you to challenge irrational thoughts by taking a moment to reflect on the facts surrounding a situation. By grounding oneself in reality, you can make decisions and take actions based on your personal values rather than fear.
Tools for Reconnection with Values: The counselling approach at Shifting Sands emphasises the importance of reconnecting with personal values during challenging life events. Here are some tools to guide you in this process:
Normalising the Experience: Acknowledge that it is common for us to lose touch with our values during stressful times. Self-compassion is key, as we need to understand that reconnecting with values is a journey, not a destination.
Focus on Personal Values, Not Blame: We encourage you to reflect on your values without blaming yourself for losing connection. The goal is to remind yourself of your values and become empowered to re-align with those values through valued action.
Living in Line with Values Doesn't Always Mean "Fixing" Problems: Living in line with your values doesn't always involve solving a problem. In situations beyond your control, the focus should shift to the question: What kind of person do I want to be under these conditions?
Encourage Dynamic and Creative Expression of Values: Here we emphasise that reconnecting with your values doesn't need to look exactly as it did before. Creativity is encouraged, as you evolve and find different ways to express yourself and live in line with those values important to you.
Consistent Self-Reflection: Remember, when facing challenges, you can constantly stay connected to your values by regularly asking: What can I do now to be the person I want to be under these conditions?
Remember, in the midst of life's challenges, valued living can guide us back to the path of fulfillment. Shifting Sands offers a supportive environment in Southport, inviting opportunities to rediscover your values and live authentically. It is never too late to reconnect with what truly matters, and professional counselling can provide the necessary tools to navigate your personal journey towards a life aligned with your deepest values.
Kaye Dallow