Align Your Life Using the Compass of Core Values

Welcome to Authentic Living Coaching
I’m Linda Codlin, Transformational Life Coach.

Welcome, My Friends.

Your Authentic Blueprint: Building a Life on Your Core Values

This week, in alignment with Authenticity Month, I want to talk about values—the guiding principles that shape what we do, how we show up, and ultimately, who we are.
Growing up in a religious home, I absorbed many values that were expected of me. Over time, I realized that while some resonated, others didn’t reflect who I truly was in the privacy of my own space.
When I took the time to inspect my values, I discovered that my core values went much deeper than the surface platitudes I had accepted in my youth. They reflected my authentic self.
For example, one of my main values is beauty. Along with beauty, I value organization, tidiness, and order—all essential helpers that allow me to create beauty within myself and my environment. Another key value for me is integrity, which embraces truth, wisdom, and trust.
Values are deeply personal—they are what guide our decisions, our actions, and even the energy we bring into our lives.
Do you know which values truly lead your life?

Discover Your Core Values: A Simple Reflection Exercise
Take a few quiet minutes to explore and identify your authentic values. Be honest with yourself—your authentic values are the ones that feel deeply true, not the ones others expect of you.

Step 1: Brainstorm
Write down any values that come to mind. Don’t overthink it; just let the first things that resonate flow. Some examples to inspire you:
Core Ethical & Moral Values: Integrity, Honesty, Trustworthiness, Accountability, Justice, Fairness, Courage, Responsibility, Respect, Loyalty, Transparency, Authenticity, Honor, Reliability, Ethical behaviour
Personal Growth & Self-Expression: Wisdom, Learning, Curiosity, Creativity, Self-awareness, Self-discipline, Growth, Open-mindedness, Self-respect, Independence, Mastery, Reflection, Adaptability, Resilience, Vision
Relationships & Connection: Compassion, Empathy, Kindness, Love, Forgiveness, Generosity, Gratitude, Support, Collaboration, Family, Friendship, Community, Connection, Nurturing, Service
Well-being & Inner Life: Peace, Joy, Happiness, Balance, Harmony, Mindfulness, Spirituality, Calmness, Health, Self-care, Emotional intelligence, Acceptance, Presence, Patience, Clarity
Life Philosophy & Experiences: Freedom, Adventure, Experience over things, Beauty, Simplicity, Fun, Playfulness, Exploration, Spontaneity, Novelty, Inspiration, Passion, Wonder, Awe
Achievement & Contribution: Excellence, Ambition, Leadership, Contribution, Innovation, Impact, Productivity, Visionary thinking, Initiative, Competence, Recognition, Influence, Success, Entrepreneurship, Problem-solving
Cultural & Societal Values: Diversity, Inclusion, Equality, Environmental stewardship, Social responsibility, Justice, Fair trade, Human rights, Sustainability, Civic duty, Advocacy, Cultural appreciation, Tradition, Heritage, Global awareness
Emotional & Mental Qualities: Gratitude, Optimism, Hope, Patience, Tolerance, Humour, Emotional balance, Positivity, Compassion, Kindness, Forgiveness, Vulnerability, Resilience, Determination, Tenacity
Aesthetic & Sensory Values: Beauty, Elegance, Art, Nature, Music, Design, Creativity, Sensory pleasure, Fashion / style, Aesthetics
Spiritual & Transcendent Values: Faith, Inner peace, Enlightenment, Connection to the divine, Meditation, Reflection, Gratitude, Humility, Presence, Sacredness
Freedom & Autonomy: Independence, Self-expression, Choice, Adventure, Flexibility, Authentic living, Exploration, Innovation, Risk-taking, Sovereignty
Additional Values / Miscellaneous: Curiosity, Optimism, Humour, Playfulness, Experimentation, Discovery, Legacy, Mentorship, Courageous expression, Transformation
(Tip: Don’t overthink it—circle or jot down the words that feel alive and true to you.)

Step 2: Narrow Down
From your circled values, pick your top 5–10 values—the ones that feel most essential to who you are.
Step 3: Reflect
For each of your top values, ask yourself:
How do I currently express this value in my daily life?
Where do I feel out of alignment with this value?
Where could I show up more fully in alignment with this value?
What other values support my core values?
What is one small action I could take today to honour this value?
Step 4: Integrate
Choose one value to focus on this week. Notice how it influences your choices, your conversations, interactions, and your energy.

Here are the categories in an easy to read format.

Values are more than words—they are the compass for your life. By recognizing and honouring them, you step more fully into your authentic self.
Until Next time: Take a some time to ask yourself what values truly lead your life, and how can you bring them to life more fully this week?

oxoxo Linda

As a certified Life Coach, I help you to help yourself, so you can create a well lived life your way. 

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