Values give us a ‘code of conduct’ to follow, and can be thought of as rules or guidelines that we live by. They are a kind of compass that guides you. Our values speak of what we believe in, what we stand for, and what is important to us.

If you were able to look back on your life in slow motion, could you begin to pinpoint the exact moments when you made choices that changed the entire trajectory of your life? These can be the big life decisions like where to move or who your life partner is or whether or not to change your career. Choice points can also be the small daily interactions you have with your day that impact your perspective.

Have you been in the midst of trying to forgive yourself for a mistake and a friend comes along and tells you to just “let it go”?

I wish it was that easy to put down the burden and move on, but more likely, deeper healing needs to occur. Carrying around guilt and shame can feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders with nowhere to lay down that load.