Feeling Anxious, Exhausted, or Restless? How Knowing Your Values Can Help You Restore Balance and Purpose
- Caroline Ballard
- Aug 17
- 3 min read
Life can be very busy and feel like a constant push and pull. Trying to stay ahead at work, keeping up on social media, managing bills, and navigating the ups and downs of relationships all while wondering what the future holds.
It can get consuming and leave you feeling unsettled and caught in a cycle of negative self-talk or comparison. That cycle can feel endless. The more you compare yourself or question your worth, the further away you drift from the balance you are longing for.
When we are not clear on what truly matters to us, it is easy to slip into living on autopilot. We can end up making choices based on pleasing, convenience, pressure, or habit. Life may look full on the outside, yet inside there is a subtle hollowness, a feeling that something essential is missing.
You are not alone. In those moments when life feels engulfing, having something steady to return to can make all the difference. Your values are that anchor, like a trusted compass when everything else feels chaotic. They help you approach your thoughts, choices, and behaviours with greater clarity and reconnect you with what truly matters.
This is where values step in.
What Are Values, Really?
Values are not goals you tick off a list. They are your steady anchors, the guideposts that point you back to what is most important and meaningful, even when life feels complicated.
They are what help you feel aligned when you are living by them. And when you feel aligned with your values, you feel authentic, living as who you truly are rather than who you think you should be.
Think of them as the roots of a tree. The stronger and deeper they are, the more grounded and resilient you will be even when life’s winds inevitably blow. For example:
If authenticity is a core value, you might choose to set a boundary, saying no because it honours your needs in that moment, rather than saying yes just to protect someone else’s feelings.
If growth is a value, you might seek out challenges that stretch you, even if they are uncomfortable, instead of making yourself small to create space for others.
If belonging is a core value, you might seek relationships where you feel seen and accepted for who you truly are, rather than making yourself blend into something you are not just to fit in.
Why Values Help You Live Authentically
When you live by your values, your actions, decisions, and words line up with who you are at your core. This alignment creates a deeper sense of integrity and peace even if the road is not easy.
Living authentically does not mean life will always be smooth or that you will never face doubt. It means that in those moments, you have a reliable guide to come back to. Your values remind you: This is who I am. This is what matters.
A Free Resource to Get You Started
If you are unsure what your values are, that is completely okay. This free values list is here to gently guide you as you begin exploring what matters most to you. You can use it on your own, with a friend, or with a therapist, whatever feels safest and most supportive on your journey. Take your time and remember there is no rush and no right or wrong answers. Click on the list below to begin exploring your values.
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