Have you ever had that quiet, nagging feeling that something isn't quite right? Maybe you can't put your finger on it, but life feels a little off. I've been there too.
For me, it happened when I was running my first business while raising a young family. On the outside, everything looked fine, but on the inside, I felt a persistent nudge—a sense that I was prioritizing things that didn't truly align with what mattered most to me.
That realization set me on a journey of reflection and recalibration. I discovered that alignment isn't about having a perfect life. It's about living in harmony with your values, passions, and purpose—even when life gets messy (and let's be honest, life can be really messy.) Alignment doesn't mean everything is perfect—it's about learning to navigate life's imperfections in a way that feels true to you, rather than simply meeting others' expectations or ticking boxes.
This isn't always easy, but the good news is you don't have to figure it out all at once. These ten questions are here to gently guide and support you as you take steps toward a life that feels truer to you. Whether you're exploring small, meaningful adjustments or ready to make bold changes, this is your starting point. Let's dive in together.
Question 1: What brings me joy and energy?
Why it matters: Joy and energy are clues to what aligns with your authentic self. When you engage in activities or relationships that bring you genuine happiness, you're nurturing your spirit and staying connected to your core values. Neglecting these moments often leads to feelings of being drained or unfulfilled.
Consider: Picture the last time you felt deeply joyful or energized. Was it during a creative project, a conversation with someone close, or even a simple walk outdoors? What were you doing? Who were you with? How did it make you feel? Pay attention to those moments—they reveal what truly matters most to you.
Actionable Tip: Pick one activity that brings you joy and carve out time for it this week. Start small—even 15 minutes can make a difference.
Question 2: Do my daily actions reflect my core values?
Why it matters: Your values are your compass. When your daily life aligns with your core beliefs, you experience fulfillment and clarity. However, when your actions contradict those values, it can lead to frustration, resentment, or even burnout.
Consider: Write down your top three values. For example, if family, creativity, and honesty are key, does your daily schedule reflect them? Are you prioritizing what aligns with these values or succumbing to external pressures?
Actionable Tip: Identify one habit or commitment that doesn't align with your values. Consider adjusting or eliminating it to create space for something that does.
Question 3: How do I feel about the way I spend my time?
Why it matters: Time is your most finite resource. When you spend it on meaningful activities, you feel more aligned and purposeful (of course, no one spends 100% of their time in deeply fulfilling activitiesThe goal, however, is to strive for balance and intentionality) Conversely, spending time on tasks that don't serve you can lead to resentment and dissatisfaction.
Consider: Look back on the past week. Were your activities fulfilling or just obligations? Did you spend time on things that genuinely mattered to you, or were you reacting to others' demands?
Actionable Tip: Conduct a time audit. Write down how you spend your time each day for a week and assess whether it aligns with your priorities. Make adjustments where needed.
Question 4: Am I nurturing my mental, emotional, and physical well-being?
Why it matters: Your well-being is the foundation for everything else. When you're physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy, you have the energy and clarity to live in alignment. Neglecting self-care often signals deeper misalignment.
Consider: Ask yourself: How do I feel at the end of most days? Do I feel rested or exhausted? (And be sure to notice the difference between 'blissfully exhausted,' after a full but satisfying day, and 'rundown exhausted', which leaves you feeling depleted.) Do I feel balanced or overwhelmed? Are there areas of self-care that I've been neglecting?
Actionable Tip: Commit to one act of self-care this week, whether it's a 10-minute meditation, a nourishing meal, or simply going to bed earlier.
Question 5: What am I tolerating that drains me?
Why it matters: Tolerating energy-draining habits, relationships, or situations often pulls you out of alignment. Toleration is when you put up with something that frustrates or drains you instead of addressing it head-on. These "energy leaks" can prevent you from focusing on what truly matters.
Consider: Create a list of things you're currently tolerating. This might include tasks, people, or commitments that feel heavy or unaligned. Why are you continuing to tolerate them? What would it take to change that?
Actionable Tip: Choose one item from your list and take action to resolve, delegate, or let go of this week.
Question 6: Am I proud of the life I'm creating?
Why it matters: When you feel proud of your choices and accomplishments, it's a strong indicator that you're living in alignment. If you feel uneasy or disappointed, it's worth exploring why.
Consider: Imagine describing your current life to someone you admire. What parts would make you proud? What areas might you hesitate to share? Those areas of hesitation could signal misalignment.
Actionable Tip: Pick one area of your life that you're not so proud of and brainstorm small, actionable changes to move it in the direction that feels right for you.
Question 7: Do I feel fulfilled in my relationships?
Why it matters: Relationships have a profound impact on alignment. Supportive and meaningful connections elevate you, while toxic or one-sided relationships drain your energy and pull you off course.
Consider: Assess your relationships. Which ones feel nourishing and aligned with who you are? Which feel one-sided, toxic, or draining? How do these dynamics affect your well-being?
Actionable Tip: Reach out to someone who uplifts you and schedule a time to connect. Alternatively, set a boundary in a draining relationship.
Question 8: What would I do differently if fear or judgment weren't holding me back?
Why it matters: Fear often keeps us stuck in patterns or situations that no longer serve us. Releasing fear can unlock doors to growth, creativity, and authenticity.
Consider: Think about a choice or change that you've been avoiding. What are you afraid of? How might your life improve if you overcame that fear? Imagine the possibilities!
Actionable Tip: Take one small, brave step this week toward facing a fear—even if it's something as simple as having an uncomfortable conversation or trying something new.
Question 9: Does my work feel meaningful to me?
Why it matters: Work often occupies a significant portion of your life. Meaningful work aligns with your values and brings a sense of purpose, while misaligned work can feel draining and unfulfilling.
Consider: Ask yourself: Does my work align with my strengths and passions? Is this important to me? Do I feel proud of the impact I'm making? If not, what small changes could make it more fulfilling?
Actionable Tip: Look for one way to make your work more meaningful, whether it's volunteering for a project you care about or exploring new opportunities.
Question 10: Am I living for myself or others' expectations?
Why it matters: Living for others' expectations can lead to a life that feels hollow or disconnected from your true self. Embracing your own desires is key to living authentically.
Consider: Reflect on a recent decision. Was it made to please others or because it felt right for you? What would change if you focused more on what you truly want?
Actionable Tip: Make one decision this week based on your desires rather than external expectations, even if it's something small.
Living in alignment is a lifelong process of recalibration. I've experienced this firsthand, especially over the last decade as I've pivoted careers, stepped away from a business I built, and leaned into the calling to help others find their purpose as well. Alignment isn't about getting it perfect; it's about tuning into yourself and adjusting as life evolves. After all, that's what makes the journey so powerful.
If you're ready to dive deeper into your alignment journey, consider booking a complimentary session. Together, we can uncover the areas of your life that feel misaligned and take meaningful steps toward living in harmony with who you are. The path to alignment is yours (and only yours) to create, and I'm here to support you along the way.
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