Core Values

As an introvert, I feel like I know myself fairly well. Or, at least, I used to.

It wasn’t until a dear friend gifted me with a few Life Coaching sessions that I realized I hadn’t actually sat down to discover the things that were important to me for a very long time. Between school, teaching, a new job, and other responsibilities over the years, I lost touch with certain things that mean quite a bit to me. Over the past few weeks, I (with guidance from my coach) processed and dreamed and came up with 5 core values, paired with unique definitions and scripture. These are the things that I need to be my best, do my best, and give my best.

I went back and forth on sharing them, but these core values made a lot of things in my life make sense and I’m now a firm believer that everyone should discover their own at some capacity. Without further ado, my top 5 core values:

 

 

 

Solitude

A Space or Mindset that allows for settling, and ultimately clarity. Where needs are seen and acknowledge without interference. 

 

 

 

 

Creativity

The ability to see and process the beauty and/or organization behind something and shape something new out of its inspiration.

 

See, I am doing a new thing!
    Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
    and streams in the wasteland.

Isaiah 43:19

 

 

 

Consistency

Something or someone that has proven itself/themselves steady and available.

 

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

 

 

 

 

 

Authenticity

To be transparent with no hidden agendas or motives. To be fully oneself in every moment – no digging needed.

 

Let’s be honest here – I would  have to twist a whole lot of scripture up in order to place a verse with my definition. However, there are a lot of authentic examples in the Bible. Paul was pretty blatant about who he was, his intentions, and the way he saw the world. David is one of my favorite examples of authenticity – if you ever get a chance to read his Psalms… He wore his heart on his sleeve.

 

 

 

Independence

Autonomy. To be a mountain living in harmony with others, but able to exist without dependence on any given source. To be allowed to stand tall and strong in my ability to make accurate deductions and wise decisions.

She looks for wool and flax
And works with her hands in delight.
She is like merchant ships;
She brings her food from afar.
She rises also while it is still night
And gives food to her household
And portions to her maidens.
She considers a field and buys it;
From her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She girds herself with strength
And makes her arms strong.
She senses that her gain is good;
Her lamp does not go out at night.
She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hands grasp the spindle.
She extends her hand to the poor,
And she stretches out her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid of the snow for her household,
For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
She makes coverings for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies belts to the tradesmen.
Strength and dignity are her clothing,
And she smiles at the future.
She opens her mouth in wisdom,
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
She looks well to the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.

Proverbs 31:12-27

 

 

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What are your core values? If you’re not sure, when was the last time you sat back and got to see yourself, who you are, and what you need? If you do know, feel free to share in the comments!