Acting in Alignment with your Values is a Self-care Practice

Katariina Malkamäki
Feb 15, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Feb 17, 2024

Understanding and acting in alignment with our values isn't just a matter of personal integrity, it's an important form of self-care. It's a process towards discovering what truly moves us, towards giving ourselves the permission to pursue what makes us come alive.

This pursuit is about aligning our actions with the core principles that define who we are. When we live in harmony with our values, we tap into deep motivation and contentment, creating a life that is not only fulfilling to us but also creates a positive impact in the world around us.

Within each of us, lies a passion that ignites our enthusiasm and drives us to make a positive impact in the world.

Yet, in our daily lives, we often find ourselves doing things or taking on roles that do not reflect our inner values. These misalignments, driven by external pressures and expectations, deplete our energy and leave us feeling empty and disconnected from our identities and purpose. The dissonance between our actions and our values creates a void that can be difficult to articulate, but deeply felt.

Discovering and Pursuing Our Passions

Within each of us, however, lies a passion or a cause that ignites our enthusiasm and drives us to make a positive impact in the world. For some, this passion is evident and has guided their path always. For others, it requires introspection and the courage to explore what truly resonates within.

This alignment brings a sense of purpose and connection, reminding us that we are part of a larger narrative, striving to leave a positive mark on the world.

A woman sitting on the beach in Lamu Kenya

Our hearts yearn to contribute to something greater, to make the world a better place. When we give space for this yearning to surface and allow ourselves to create a deeper connection with ourselves, we tap into a powerful source of motivation and inspiration. Our society often emphasises productivity and success in material terms, yet it is more often the feeling of purpose that we get from acting in alignment with our values values, that truly enriches our lives.

Psychological research supports this exploration, showing that aligning our lives with our personal values is linked to heightened wellbeing and satisfaction. Acting from this place not only enriches our own lives but also empowers us to contribute to the world in meaningful ways.

The Power of feeling Purposeful

Allowing our values to guide our actions is an act of rebellion against the status quo. It is a form of activism that starts within and radiates outward, influencing the world around us. Whether it's advocating for organically grown food, women's rights or species conservation, acting in alignment with our values empowers us to contribute to meaningful change. This alignment brings a sense of purpose and connection, reminding us that we are a part of a larger narrative, striving to leave a positive mark on the world.

Acting in alignment with your values is a self-care practice

If you're feeling lost, empty, or scattered, consider this a sign that your life may not be fully aligned with your deepest beliefs and values. Such feelings can serve as a trigger for introspection, urging you to explore more deeply the principles that you want to guide your life. By doing so, you embark on a journey towards a more purposeful and fulfilling existence.

Some tips for introspection to come more into contact with your core values:

Reflect on Past Experiences: Think about moments when you felt the most fulfilled or deeply frustrated. These emotions often highlight what matters most to you.
Identify Your Role Models: Consider the qualities of people you admire. Understanding why you look up to them can reveal the values you aspire to embody.
Journal Your Thoughts and Feelings: Regularly writing down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences can illuminate what you truly value. This introspective practice can reveal patterns in what brings you joy, peace, and fulfilment, as well as what causes discomfort or discontent, helping to clarify your core values.