Living a Values and Principles Led Life

Living a values-led life is a powerful way to navigate the world. As a spiritual person, I include spiritual principles in my system of values and refer to them as values and principles. 

A standard is a widely accepted norm or criterion that guides behavior, practices, or quality and serves as a benchmark for comparison. An ideal is an aspirational concept or vision of perfection. It represents what we strive for, even if it’s only sometimes attainable. You can catch yourself operating from a standard or ideal when you say, “You or I should do or be x, y, or z, rather than your authentic self.” This statement and belief leads to guilt and shame when we or others don’t live up to who we think they should be or how we think they should look, act, or otherwise.

Values refer to the beliefs and attitudes that are important to us. They are deeply ingrained in our psyche and shaped by our upbringing, culture, and experiences. Principles are fundamental truths or rules that govern behavior and actions. Universal and timeless principles apply to all aspects of life. Loving-kindness, adventure, fun, compassion, and humor are essential values and principles in my life, not to mention my most significant value: Spirit! My relationship with the God of my understanding is of the utmost importance. Spirit first, and everything else falls into place.

Remember, while standards and ideals may change with circumstances, values and principles remain steadfast, shaping a meaningful and purposeful life.

Be committed to your values and principles instead of standards and ideals.  Standards and ideals keep us stuck in the polarity of right and wrong or good and bad while knowing our values and principles empowers us to live our lives with intention, powerfully creating light and goodness daily.

I choose to live my life guided by my values and principles for a few reasons.

1. Authenticity and Integrity: When we align our actions with our core values, we live authentically. Integrity becomes our compass, guiding us even when no one is watching. This consistency fosters trust and self-respect.
2. Clarity and Purpose: Values provide clarity about what truly matters to us. They help us prioritize and make decisions that resonate with our inner compass. Principles are universal and timeless, giving us purpose and direction.
3. Resilience and Fulfillment: Living by principles allows us to navigate life’s challenges with resilience. Honoring our values gives us a more profound sense of fulfillment and well-being.

Do you know what your values are? What makes your heart sing and blows your hair back? What’s important to you? Sometimes, other people tell us what they think our values are or what they should be. You don’t have to subscribe to their values because those are their values, not yours.

Take some time this week to consider your values and guiding principles at this point in your life. What matters most to you?

Enjoy yourself!

And so it is.