Values: a compass to guide you

When we speak about being well, we must begin with the individual themselves. How are we supposed to [be well] if we don't know how to be? Or who to be?

I believe that each of us is born with this innate knowing, the knowing of our truest selves. As we enter the world and absorb the norms and beliefs of the society around us, we lose these pieces. Often, this happens early on, but throughout life, there is always a place to which we can return—our core self. Sometimes we may have to do some excavation work to get there, but we can always reach it with some space, support, and curiosity.

In therapeutic work, we consider the first step in this excavation to be identifying our values. Values work is considered the ground level in finding our way back to ourselves.

The worksheet below is a compilation of some of my favorite values work experiences, drawing from my own cultural lens and some of the values I have seen emerge time and time again in my work.

I hope this serves you and provides a moment to dig deeper into your grounded self.

Download your worksheet here and bring it with you next week as we build on your values through our journey through water and our introduction to emotional literacy.

may this week be warm for you

• M