Shannon's Corner

  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.  ...

  SHANNON’S CORNER Connect. Nurture. Grow. BELONGING.  What does belonging mean to you?  It was the focus of our Chai Chat with students in TCK Connect this month, and the conversation was powerful.  Here’s a little glimpse into what came up in my group. What are the places that you think about, when talking about belonging? My house. – boy student   America and where she is living in her host country. – girl student   Not sure. – girl student   What helps you feel like you belong in an environment or place?   My family’s support and my cat. – girl student   Routine, more specifically school routine. – boy student   Consistency and having an item that I’ve crocheted. – girl student   How do you engage or not engage with the culture you are living in?   My family and I participate in some of the cultural festivals, one is where you go from house to house and you eat and there are so many people that it is overwhel...

  We often hear the phrase  “live by your values,”  but many people quietly wonder:  “ How do I actually know what my core values are?”   Values aren’t chosen at random. They are discovered, clarified, and strengthened over time. They are the principles that shape your decisions, direct your energy, and define what matters most in how you live and lead.   Here are some meaningful ways to identify your core values: 1.       Values often reveal themselves in your emotional responses. Know what fills you and what drains you. 2.       Reflect on peak moments in your life. Think about times that you felt deeply fulfilled or proud. 3.       Strong uncomfortable emotions can be a compass too. Pay attention to what grieves you or makes you angry. 4.       Your choices reveal what matters to you. Look at your patterns of decision-making.  5.    ...