Skip to main content

Living Your Values

 



When I first sat down and wrote out my core values, I half-expected something dramatic to happen—some clear sense of direction or a feeling that everything would suddenly “click.”

But honestly? I just sat there looking at the list thinking, Okay… now what?

 

What I’ve learned over the years—both in my own life and walking with others—is that naming your values is just the first step. The real transformation comes when your values begin to quietly shape your everyday rhythms… your choices, your boundaries, your relationships, even the pace at which you move through life.

 

For me, it started really simply: a note on my mirror, a gentle “no” to something that wasn’t aligned, paying attention when my body felt off. Those tiny cues helped me see, Oh… this is what it feels like to honor my values. And this is what it feels like when I don’t.

 

So, if you’re sitting with your list right now wondering what to do next, here’s what I’d invite you into:

1.     Keep your values in front of you.
Let them be a daily reminder, not a forgotten list.

2.     Let them guide your yes and your no.
Even one aligned decision can shift your whole day.

3.     Pay attention to tension.
Stress, resentment, or heaviness often point to a value that’s being ignored.

4.     Share your values with someone you trust.
Community strengthens clarity.

5.     Choose one small, doable action each day that honors a value.
Small steps have a way of reshaping entire seasons.

 

Living from your values isn’t about getting it perfect—it’s about moving with intention and grace. And over time, you’ll notice something beautiful: your life starts to feel more like you again.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

January Newsletter

    SHANNON’S CORNER Winter Blast… Brr. It’s cold outside.  Winter is not a favorite season for many people, but I love winter. There is a beauty in the dormant, snow covered, and coldness of winter that embraces and permeates us to the depths of our bones.  It reminds me of the Lord’s love that embraces and permeates us to the depths of our heart and soul.  The snow brings a smile to my face as I delight in the quietness, calming, beautifying, and a slower pace.  Recently, I was talking with someone in Louisiana who was going to be making a snowman and snow angel with his granddaughter.  What playfulness and awe to experience the Lord’s beauty. Community is so important to our lives that even the Lord noticed how alone Adam was in the garden that He made Eve.  It is where you are seen, known, and find belonging.  It has been something I have prayed for, asked you all to be praying for, have sought after in ...
Post a Comment
Read more

March Newsletter

  SHANNON’S CORNER Connect. Nurture. Grow. An unexpected and unplanned trip led me to see God’s marvelous and wonderful work at the Assist Pregnancy Center. I learned from the staff that this pregnancy center is unique and different in that the population they serve are women who come already with an 85-90% decision made of aborting their babies. The medical staff who are in the rooms with the women during their ultrasounds share Jesus with them and are compassionate witnesses to each baby as they are seen, valued, and loved. If the mother decides to have the baby the center walks alongside with the mother and family. I had the precious privilege to facilitate a training with all the staff of the pregnancy center to talk about the Wounds from the Work.  Listening to their stories of how the Lord called them to work at this pregnancy center and what the cost has been to them, and their families was sacred ground.  Creating a safe place for them to be seen and heard in thei...
Post a Comment
Read more

October Newsletter

  SHANNON’S CORNER The Saga Continues… The trip to Malaysia consisted of a two-day spiritual retreat with the theme of ‘Come Away With Me’ and a six-day conference with about 230 missionaries who serve in some aspect of translating the Scriptures. One of the many people who I met was a missionary who served in Cameroon for many years and now is in a new role. As he was sharing, most his words were very negative and depressive. I encouraged him to sign up for a time of prayer and care. At the end of the retreat, this missionary shared with me that he did have a session and I could see that his whole countenance changed, and he was hopeful. His new word he used to describe where he was now is ‘delightful.’ Our time there was creating a safe space for these missionaries to have a place to share what they are struggling with and to connect with Jesus. One missionary is at a crossroads in her life. Another finds himself in the midst of betrayal. A missionary is in a new role as a caregi...
Post a Comment
Read more