Imagine leaving a legacy that truly reflects who you are.

I'm not sure who planned it or why Mental Health Awareness month hits in May, but it seems like a good month for it. The earth is waking up again after its winter slumber, and at least for me, my gardens are starting to bring an energy into my world that literally slows me down to stop and smell the flowers.  Spring is a time for renewal, and what better way to renew ourselves than by exploring our core values?

Speaking of core values, one of mine is seeking out adventure - usually through some sort of travel or camping excursion! I kicked off May by heading out on a short camping trip with a dear friend, and I'm still smiling thinking about it.

Here's the thing: core values are like a superpower for your mental well-being. They help you make choices that feel authentic, like that cozy night in with family or that spontaneous weekend getaway. But even more importantly, they become your moral compass during tough times. Stuck in a tough decision? Feeling overwhelmed with everything going on in your life? Core values offer clarity and guidance, helping you navigate the uncertainty you may be facing without compromising who you are.

These values aren't just a set of rules; they're a way of being. They represent your truest self and influence everything from your relationships to your goals, shaping how you interact with the world. When you're living in your values, you're practicing self-compassion, which ultimately brings about a sense of authentic living and meaning –  a key ingredient for good mental health!

“A highly developed values system is like a compass. It serves as a guide to point you in the right direction when you are lost.” – Idowu Koyenikan

Listen, sometimes life throws you curveballs, and you might feel like you are lost, and not quite living your best life. Maybe you're unsure of your core values, or perhaps you're not using them to guide your choices. Don't worry, you're not alone. Here's a simple exercise you can use to get back in touch with or establish your core values:

Imagine it is your 90th birthday, and you are surrounded by the people you've done life with - family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, etc. There is a time during the celebration where they share special words, thoughts, and feelings about you. What would you want them to say?

If it was my 90th, I hope I'd hear things like:

"She's such a loyal mother and wife, always prioritizing her family's needs."

"Her faith is important to her, providing strength and guidance for the day."

"She's always in search of the next adventure!"

"She speaks the truth, and you always know where you stand with Laurie."

"Her work is important and deeply meaningful to her, in order to positively impact the lives of others." 

Those phrases essentially speak to my top 5 core values: Spending quality time with family, living out my faith, seeking out adventure, speaking with honesty, and doing meaningful work. Of course, I fall down daily. I'm a perfectly imperfect human, and I know I won't get it right all the time. However, I know that if I can commit to living out my core values a good majority of the time, I'm closer to that space of living an authentic life and ultimately that means taking good care of my mental well-being.  

Helping people figure out their core values is one of my favorite things. Need help navigating the next step on your journey? Please reach out.