LIVING WITH INTEGRITY AND ALIGNMENT
Dirk DevosYour values are like the banks of a river. They shape your direction, guide your choices, and turn good intentions into real action. But it’s important to remember: values are not defined by what you say—they are revealed by what you do.
When your actions align with your values, they bring clarity, integrity, and trust. They become the foundation of meaningful relationships and shared purpose. Yet, when values collide—either within yourself or with others—the conflict can be deeply painful. These moments call for courage: the courage to hold the tension with awareness, to listen without judgment, and to practice reconciliation with kindness and openness.
Living authentically means daring to embody your values every day—not just when it’s easy, but especially when they are tested.
As Roy E. Disney once said: “When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier.”
REFLECTING ON YOUR VALUES
Exploring your values starts with asking the right questions. What are the values you will always protect? Which principles are non-negotiable for you? What do you truly value most in life? Identifying your top three to five values helps you understand what defines you and what guides your decisions.
You can also reflect on your alignment with these values. On a scale from one to ten, how satisfied are you with how genuinely you are living them today? Think of one or two recent situations where your actions did not reflect your values. What would need to shift to live in greater alignment? Even imagining a small increase—two points higher on that scale—can give you a clear sense of the changes you need to make.
Self-reflection is essential in this process. You might write down: The values I want to live by daily are… or Where I felt misaligned with my values recently was…. Consider, too, how kindness can help you bring your values into action, even in moments of conflict.
BRINGING YOUR VALUES INTO ACTION
Values become powerful when they are lived. To discover your true values, look closely at your daily actions—because what you actually do reveals what you truly value. Think of your role models: who inspires you, and what qualities do they embody? Reflect on both your peak and low moments; times of deep fulfillment or disappointment often reveal which values were honored or violated. And ask yourself the hardest question: what would you be willing to stand up for, even if it costs you?
Once you’ve identified your values, the challenge is to embody them consistently. Align your daily habits with them so that the way you spend your time reflects what matters most. Communicate openly about your values with others and invite them to share theirs—mutual understanding strengthens trust. When values clash, choose kindness. Listening and seeking common ground is more powerful than imposing your own perspective. Review your values regularly, because as life evolves, so can your priorities. And don’t forget to celebrate integrity—acknowledge the moments when you remained true to your values, especially when it wasn’t easy.
As Elvis Presley said: “Values are like fingerprints. Nobody’s are the same, but you leave them all over everything you do.”
START LIVING YOUR VALUES WITH KINDNESS
Your values are not abstract words on paper—they are living principles that shape who you are and how you move through the world. By reflecting on them honestly and practicing them daily, you create a life rooted in authenticity, trust, and clarity. And when you embody your values with kindness, you not only stay true to yourself but also inspire those around you.
Are you ready to explore your values, align your actions with them, and live with integrity and purpose?
and take the first step toward clarity, growth, and authentic living.