What are my values?

Values come from our true selves. They are the answers that come from asking ourselves “What matters most to me?” Values may be carried with us throughout our lives, or they may change over time. Values are deeply personal and vary from person to person. Some values may be more abstract, like loyalty or honesty, while others are more concrete, such as spending time with my family or committing to daily prayer. Sometimes it is easy to stay true to our values.  However, sometimes events happen in our lives that cause us to shift our focus away from our values.

This handout is about ways to identify your values, recognize challenges in living from your values, and explore how best to match up your life and values.

How do I know what matters most to me?

Consider doing one or more of the following exercises:

“The Sweet Spot” Exercise:¹

Think of a time when you felt the “sweetness” of life. Perhaps you felt a real appreciation for a loved one. Perhaps you noticed a connection with your community or environment. Call to mind this moment as if it were going on right now. Notice specific sounds, smells, colors, etc. as you think about it.

What does your experience of this moment say about what matters most to you?

In this moment, what was your relationship to yourself, those around you, and/or your environment?