Living in Alignment: How Your Values Shape Everything

Welcome to another heartfelt moment with us—Erin and Chris—where we invite you into a real and raw conversation from our Extraordinary Purpose Podcast. Today, we’re diving into a topic that, yes, we say this a lot, but this time we mean it—this one truly changes everything: Living in Alignment with Your Values.

Whether you're a parent, a teen, or a young adult navigating life’s messy middle, values are your compass. And when you’re out of alignment with them? Well…life can start to feel like you're running on empty. So let’s unpack why values matter so much—and how they shape everything from your choices to your confidence.

Why Values Matter More Than You Think

Let’s start with something simple yet powerful: values are not just nice words on a poster. They are your personal blueprint—the non-negotiables that guide how you show up in the world. They define your standards, influence your mood, and ultimately shape your future.

Chris put it beautifully in our recent podcast episode: "Your values are your signature ingredients." There’s no one else with the exact same mix. That means YOU are the only one who can fully live out your purpose.

So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck in a decision, unclear about your next step—it might be a values check-in that you need.

Our Mornings: A Real-Life Glimpse into Values at Work

Erin’s Story:
This week was hard. I was facing a very real and personal parenting challenge with my teenage son. I won’t sugarcoat it—there were drugs and vaping involved, and the mama bear in me wanted to storm upstairs, take his phone, and ground him for life. But I paused. I sat in the tension instead of reacting. I chose to ground myself first through my morning routine—coffee, meditation, intentional journaling. Why? Because I value personal growth, and I value showing up with love and clarity. That choice changed the trajectory of my day.

Chris’s Story:
I woke up feeling heavy—tired, overwhelmed, emotionally drained. But instead of spiraling in those feelings, I got up. I leaned into the structure of my morning routine. Not because it was easy, but because I value resilience, calm, and preparation. I showed up to my life today because I knew what I valued—and I knew what version of me I wanted to be.

And friends, that’s the difference values make.

Your Values Are Already Inside You

You don’t have to become someone new—you just need to reconnect with who you already are. Living in alignment isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being intentional. When you start making decisions that align with your values, you feel more confident. You trust yourself more. You show up with purpose.

Think of it this way:
💡 What are the top two or three things someone would remember about you after a meaningful conversation?
That’s the trail of your values. Follow it.

Four Key Areas Where Values Must Show Up

Living in alignment isn’t just about one part of your life. It’s about all of it. Here’s how values play out across four essential areas:

1. Relationships

Values help you know who belongs in your life. Erin shared how her values around nature and personal growth helped her recognize early that Chris was her person. (Spoiler: Third date = forest hike 💚). Relationships thrive when your values are seen, shared, and honored.

2. Career or School

Your work needs to reflect what matters most to you. If you value growth and freedom, sitting in a cubicle all day might feel like slow death. When Erin built her career in coaching, she knew nature and personal development had to be at the center of it. So she made it happen.

3. Hobbies & Creativity

Don’t overlook this! Creativity is a core value for many, and ignoring it leads to disconnection. Chris recently coached a young adult musician who felt off—not because of grades or relationships—but because he wasn’t making music. When we reconnect with our passions, everything shifts.

4. Rituals & Habits

What do you do when the day feels like too much? Your habits are either supporting your values—or pulling you away from them. Morning routines, quiet time, journaling, nature walks… these aren’t luxuries. They’re lifelines. Anchor points that remind you who you are.

A Simple Way to Start Living in Alignment

Ready to get started? Try this:

Step 1: Identify Your Top 5 Values.
(Examples: Freedom, Connection, Integrity, Adventure, Growth, Creativity)

Step 2: Reflect on where they are and aren’t showing up.
Are you honoring your value of connection in your relationships? Is your job aligned with your value of creativity?

Step 3: Make ONE small shift this week.
Maybe it’s a walk in the woods. A heart-to-heart with someone you love. Or finally picking up that guitar again.

Final Thoughts: Alignment = Empowerment

When you live in alignment, life feels clearer. Not always easier, but absolutely more empowered. You stop outsourcing decisions to other people. You stop questioning yourself every five minutes. And you begin to build a life that feels like home.

So whether you’re a parent navigating the teen years, a young adult figuring out your next step, or someone simply trying to live more on purpose—know this:

🧭 Your values are your compass. Trust them. Follow them. Live them.

We’re cheering you on every step of the way.

With Love and Purpose,
Erin & Chris
Master Life Coaches, Extraordinary Purpose