Exploring what it means to live an authentic life.

In a world full of distractions and pressures, it's easy to lose sight of what's really important—your core values. When we aren't living in alignment with our core values, we often experience a lot of negative emotions. In a recent episode of Whatever Happened to the Gentle Men podcast, I talked about how living in alignment with your core values can lead to a more fulfilling life.

So the first question is...

What are your core values?

Core values are the fundamental beliefs that guide your decisions and actions. They are like a compass in your life (if following) that should guide you where you need to be. Helping you navigate everything from your relationships to your career and personal growth. When you are living in alignment with your core values, then life becomes easier, more rewarding and gives you purpose. However, when there's a disconnect, it can lead to stress, dissatisfaction, and a feeling of being “stuck.”

So how do you know if you are living in alignment?

I like to break it down into 7 key areas of life, if all of these feel right for you, then you are living in alignment. 

Work & Knowledge

Are you happy at work? When you’re passionate about what you do and how you grow, work becomes more than just a paycheck—it becomes a source of fulfillment. There are more questions in the podcast episode, so I urge you to go and have a listen. 

Love

Do your relationships reflect who you really are? Authenticity in love is key. If you’re constantly compromising your values for the sake of a relationship, it can create resentment. We discussed in the podcast how understanding and listening to your values in love helps you create deeper, more meaningful connections.

Community:

How do you show up for your friends and community? The people you surround yourself with should reflect and support who you are. It’s important to nurture relationships with those who align with your beliefs and priorities, whether it’s in your personal life or within your community.

Emotional Health:

Your emotional health is influenced by how well you’re living in alignment with your core values. In the podcast I emphasised the importance of emotional awareness, vulnerability, and self-reflection as part of maintaining a healthy emotional state.

Physical Health:

Does the way you care for your body align with how you see yourself? Your physical health is a reflection of how much you value yourself. Staying healthy is not just about fitness; it's about treating your body with the respect it deserves so you can live a long and vibrant life.

Leisure & Pleasure:

Do you give yourself time to enjoy life? Leisure is an important part of life's balance, yet many don't think about it. On the podcast I talked about the importance of making space for joy and relaxation in life to live a better life.

Inner Peace:

Ultimately, inner peace comes from living in alignment with your core values. When your actions and decisions reflect truly who you are, you can create a sense of calm and fulfillment. We wrapped up the episode by diving into mindfulness and inner peace as the ultimate rewards of living authentically.

PS. it's unlikely you can have inner peace without all the other areas being in alignment. 

Why living in Alignment Matters:

Living in alignment with your core values isn't just about feeling good—it’s about creating a life that resonates with who you are. When you align your work, relationships, health, and personal growth with your values, you become more connected to yourself and the world around you.

If you’re feeling disconnected or unsure about your direction in life, take some time to reflect on your core values. Consider how they play into the different areas of your life. It might just be the key to unlocking a more fulfilling and authentic life.

Go grab yourself a pen and paper and listen to the questions asked in the podcast episode, to discover whether you are living in alignment.