Create a life we love.

Isn’t that everyone’s lifelong goal?

Yet after our basic needs are met, what that looks like is different for everyone.

To truly live a life you love, you have to know who you are, what your values are, and what is important to you.

Because if you don’t, you’re creating a life based on other people’s standards, other people’s desires, and other people’s values and it won’t feel good to you. 

It’s why owning the big house, the luxury car, and the second property at the lake doesn’t always make for a happy life if you’re still fighting with your partner, or feeling stuck at work.

Developing self-awareness and truly understanding who you are is essential to create a life you love. 

But many of us don’t know who we are beyond the labels of mom, wife, or [insert your job title here]. 

I was a teacher for 18 years, but I never felt like the identity of teacher fit. And as a frequently overwhelmed and exhausted teacher, I didn’t really have time to figure it out. 

If only I knew 20 years ago what I know now: 

Having a deep understanding of who you are and what your values are is the foundation for creating a life you love. 

If I’d taken the time to dig deeper into who I was, to discover what was important and meaningful to me, to recognize and live in alignment with my values at 25 instead of at 40…

I wouldn’t have had the same life lessons and experiences that made me who I am today. And I’m grateful for how life turned out, despite the many ups and downs to get here. 

But I recognize that if I’d clarified my values at a younger age, I may not have stayed in a career where I burnt out 4 times. 

I would have recognized that teaching wasn’t in alignment with who I was and that’s why the teaching identity never truly fit. 

At the start of my Erickson Coach training, I was confused and unsure about my values. But we dove deep into them and spent several peer coaching sessions discovering what’s truly important to us. 

Being coached specifically on value exploration and discovery was the best self-discovery I could have done.

Your values act as your life compass.

When you’re clear on your values and honour them on a consistent basis, life becomes good and fulfilling. 

Once I realized what my values were, I began to make changes and that’s when I realized I was starting to create a life I love.

Using my values to guide me, big decisions that I’d wavered on for years became easier because I knew what choice would support me in creating a life I love. 

So how do you discover who you are and what your values are?

There are value exploration exercises you can do online to help you get started.

Usually, they provide a list of values and you’re directed to circle the ones that resonate with you. Then you narrow it down to 2-4 core values that you hold as the most important—many people feel comfortable with 10-15 values, but finding the final 4 (or final 2!) can be quite challenging!

This is a good place to start, but to really dive deep, working with a life coach is the way to go. 

A good life coach will personalize their approach to your individual needs. They will help you clarify your values and will help you link your values to your vision so that you can truly create a life you love.

Not sure what a life you love looks like?

That’s more common than you think. Many of us are so busy going through the motions that we don’t even know what kind of life we want. 

And life ends up passing us by because we never take the time to ask ourselves “What does a life I love look like?” 

As a life coach, I’m passionate about helping my clients clarify their values, discover what is truly important to them, and visualize what a life they love looks like.

Don’t be the old woman in the seniors’ residence who is wondering how she ended up there after 50 years of going through the motions. 

Be the woman who is captivating her audience from her rocking chair, telling stories of her adventures, having lived a fulfilling and purposeful life.

Start by finding a life coach that inspires you, encourages you, and makes you feel heard. They should be as excited to discover the possibilities that lie in wait for you as you are. 

Maybe you’ve worked with a personal trainer to become fitter or to lose weight. Maybe you’ve talked to a therapist, counsellor or psychologist to overcome trauma or grief. 

A life coach is there to help you create the life you want, a life you love—whether you’re seeking to break the glass ceiling, or you want to find a long-term romantic partner. 

I can help you on your journey of self-discovery. Together we can explore your values and discover what’s important to you.

And then we will create a plan of action so that you can start creating a life you love NOW.

Working with a life coach is transformational

(I speak from personal experience!)

So what are you waiting for? 

There is no better time than now to figure out who you are and what you want.

Why?

Because you only get one chance at this thing called LIFE.

And you need to start creating a life you love NOW.

Isn’t that what we all want anyway?