Sometimes we find ourselves going through the motions—checking all the boxes, doing what’s expected, keeping busy—yet still feeling off. Like something essential is missing, even if we can’t quite name what. In many cases, that “off” feeling is a signal: we may be living out of alignment with our values.
Your values are the inner compass that helps guide your decisions, priorities, and sense of purpose. They’re the deeply held beliefs that define what truly matters to you—not what you should care about, but what resonates at your core.
Values can include things like family, justice, freedom, stability, and spirituality. When you’re living in alignment with your values, you tend to feel more fulfilled, energized, and grounded—even when life is hard. But when you drift out of alignment, you might start to feel confused, resentful, or disconnected from yourself.
To see how this plays out in everyday life, imagine two people with different core values:
There’s no “right” value to have—what matters is that your life reflects yours. Trouble tends to arise when we live by someone else’s values, or when the way we’re living doesn’t match what truly matters to us inside.
Falling out of sync with your values doesn’t always happen all at once. Sometimes it’s gradual—shaped by burnout, pressure to meet others’ expectations, or simply losing sight of what really matters to you. Over time, it might look like:
If any of this sounds familiar, know that you’re not alone. Many people reach a point where they realize they’ve built a life that looks “fine” on the outside, but doesn’t quite feel right inside.
Living in alignment with your values doesn’t mean your life is perfect—it means it’s yours. When your choices reflect what matters most to you, you feel more confident, focused, and at peace with yourself.
Clarifying your values can help you:
Working with a therapist can offer space to unpack what’s getting in the way of that alignment—whether it’s old wounds, self-doubt, fear of disappointing others, or simply the chaos of life pulling you off course.
Take a moment to slow down and reflect. Below is a short list of common values. Choose the 10 that matter most to you—and then rank them in order of importance.
Values List:
Once you’ve ranked your top 10, ask yourself:
Remember, there are no right or wrong answers here—just insights. This is about getting curious, not critical.
Exploring your values can feel empowering—but also overwhelming, especially if you’re realizing just how far you’ve drifted from what matters to you. The good news is that change doesn’t require a complete overhaul. You can get started with awareness and small, meaningful steps. At Medens Health, our providers are here to support you in that process. Whether you’re navigating a life transition, facing burnout, or simply feeling disconnected, we’ll help you reconnect with yourself and chart a path that feels true to who you are.
Get started here, call or text (833) 624-5400, or fill out our contact form today!
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reliance on any information this blog provides is solely at your own risk. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified mental health provider with any questions regarding your medical or mental health. If you don’t currently have a therapist, we can connect you with one who is qualified to give you safe, professional, and ethical advice regarding your mental health.
If you or someone you are responsible for is experiencing a medical emergency, is considering harming themselves or others, or is otherwise in imminent danger, you should call 9-1-1 and/or take them to the nearest emergency room.
Photo Credit:
Contributed by 3rdtimeluckystudio, photo ID 2440869533, from Shutterstock under a standard license
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