Core Values For Discovering Our Life Path

In this episode, Ipek & Tara explore the fundamental role of core values in shaping our lives. Join their insightful conversation as they discuss how values influence our decisions and actions through life's various experiences. Discover how these values act as guiding principles, helping us navigate challenges and celebrate successes. Tune in as they share personal anecdotes and practical insights into how understanding and embracing our core values can lead to a more fulfilling and authentic life journey.

Transcript

Welcome to Ipek and Tara's Threads of Light,

A talk series that illuminates the path to a brighter and more meaningful life.

Join us as we set sail on a journey of self-discovery,

Transformation,

And shared wisdom.

Hello beautiful beings,

Thank you for tuning in.

In this episode,

The topic that Tara and I would like to talk about is how our core values,

If we are nicely aligned with them,

Shape our life path.

While thinking about this and looking for a quote to share,

I came across this quote from an unknown source.

Our character is determined not by our circumstances,

But by our choices.

Each time we choose actions that align with our values,

We are shaping our destiny.

I think this quote is a beautiful conversation starter for us,

Isn't it Tara?

What are your thoughts about the connection between our core values and our life path?

Thank you Ipek.

I agree,

Our character is determined by our choices,

And I'd also add that it can't be taken away from us,

And so focusing on things like that are important.

My character has guided decision-making in alignment with core values,

And has put me on the right path,

In the right place,

At the right time.

And usually when this happens,

Things come more easily,

And I notice that.

And those are feelings I've begun to look for as assurance that I am in alignment with my life path or purpose.

And it takes some awareness to know when the flow is easier than not.

And there are some signs and signals when this is taking place,

Like a strong feeling or conviction about something,

And there's no question.

And as I've shared previously,

My core values are now focused around integrity,

Joy,

And wisdom,

Among others,

With learning and introspection as common threads.

And just to share a story,

Before the pandemic,

And especially over the course of the year that followed,

I had finally gotten the time I needed to reflect and pause.

At that point,

I was already at a crossroads after losses with ongoing grief from years of caregiving,

Going to school and working,

Being in a high-pressure job,

Which really ultimately led me to being burnt out.

And thankfully,

With that time and space over the several months during the unraveling global crisis,

I had a cocoon where I learned to have patience and tender care for myself,

Without being overcome by the fear of the unknown,

Even though there was plenty of that.

I began exploring my desire for new experiences and tried new things and volunteered and started doing things even virtually,

Wherever I could express my mental creativity.

And I really held faith that there was light at the end of the tunnel.

And during that time,

Transformed myself in the process,

Attracting new people to cross my path.

And my choices continue to be informed by my core values,

With careful selection of how I spend my time and energy and who I spend it with.

You know,

I've learned that I have an ability to sense energy vibes and I pay attention to how I feel about people or places more now than in the past.

And my belief in divine interventions,

While mostly recognizing them in hindsight after they've taken place,

Gives me confidence that we do experience what we are ready for as part of our life path.

And when I reflect and learn from past experiences,

I can actually see patterns emerge from my life taking shape.

Certain strengths and drives have guided my decisions and actions or calls,

Perhaps I would refer to them as.

And one of my core strengths has been learning and driving action,

Shaping or doing things creatively.

And this insight has helped me further recognize other inherent strengths and weaknesses.

And I often tell others and advise them that a weakness is a strength that is overplayed.

And there's numerous examples of where I can see this play out in my past.

And my core strength is,

I would say,

One of them is being a high functioning person,

Multitasking.

And so while my weakness becomes over functioning,

And that is the strength being overplayed.

So now I'm using this awareness to reflect and modify my own behavior.

Additionally,

My core values have shaped me as a leader with a life path to guide others with my wisdom.

And I now enjoy the freedom and variety that comes with offering support and advice and direction to others as a consultant,

Advisor and guide.

And doing this service,

I continue learning to recognize divine inspiration as patterns and really discovering my life path.

So with reflection and curiosity,

I would ask us in the audience,

You know,

What character strengths and or values can you think of as shaping your life path?

Beautiful Tara,

Listening to you made me think of my connection with my strongest core values and how they had a big role in shaping my life path.

Also,

How fluid they are really,

Even at my age,

While recording this,

I am 54 years old,

They still are shifting and growing.

My top three core values are fairness,

Love and honesty.

And these core values have been rock solid all my life.

Since I was a little girl,

I was the one who stood up always for everyone who didn't do that for themselves,

Like a rebel.

That caused me quite a lot of headaches,

Especially in the workplace when I was a part of the corporate world.

And in every project,

Every platform and every community I am a part of,

I look for fairness for everyone.

And I don't say equality,

I say fairness.

Because fairness and equality,

Even though seem like the same,

They are not.

Equality is treating everyone the same without considering the differences in their circumstances or needs.

It's like giving everyone the same size of shoes,

Even if they don't fit properly.

Fairness on the other hand,

Is about treating people in a way that is just and appropriate to their circumstances and needs.

It's like giving everyone the right size of shoes,

Rather than trying to implement one size fits all.

And anyone who knows me well,

Knows that love for every being is another part of me that grew further along the way in my life.

I found out about the meaning of self-love,

How it opens the floodgates for love for others.

Last few years,

I became more and more interested in core values and with the confidence I cultivated in myself.

Honesty,

Authenticity,

Transparency,

And expression became bolder and stronger values in my life.

I'm more assertive and courageous when it comes to exercising those values these days.

The moment I said to myself,

When I turned 50,

Joy will be my North Star from now on,

That value also became an important part of my life,

My path.

Today I look at everything that comes my way and ask myself,

Is this bringing me joy?

If yes,

I give it a try.

If not,

I say,

Not for me.

I try to do the same with people in my life.

I want positive,

Joyful,

Loving people,

And I create my inner circle with that in mind.

Other values that speak to me and have an impact in creating my life path are curiosity,

Understanding,

Acceptance,

Forgiveness,

And service.

I listen and explore everything with curiosity and the intention to understand other perspectives.

That approach helps me really appreciate and accept what is,

In any given circumstance.

I try my best to leave judgments out of my thought patterns.

I also practice forgiveness for myself and others,

Because I know that forgiving and letting go is the way to move forward with a sense of freedom.

Forgiving literally liberates us.

So it's safe to say that my core values have been front and center of my being.

My dear friend Susan LePlait Miller has a beautiful slogan,

Kind of like a mantra and I love it.

She says,

Know your value,

Live your values.

I appreciate and acknowledge the value I bring to the world and embody the values I see as near and dear to my heart.

My dear Tara,

What do you have to add or share?

Well thank you,

Ipek.

That is very inspiring,

Knowing your value and living your values.

That says a lot in just a few words.

So thank you for sharing that and such deep perspective of your own.

You know,

I really relate to the pattern of a strong tendency to defend and protect others.

And that started really as a child.

I can remember being on the school bus and other kids teasing a girl who had orange hair and quickly moving my seat to be beside her as almost protecting her from their harmful words or teasing.

And even on the playground where the same things happened.

And then this played out in adult life,

You know,

At work,

In the corporate settings.

I was always standing up for others,

Pursuing my beliefs,

You know,

Or what is right without fear.

And behind many closed doors,

I was a defender of people.

And you just do that when it's the right thing.

So core values create strong feelings and they really,

They are asserted without hesitation.

And that's when you know they're coming from that deep place.

As we conclude today,

Let me offer a positive affirmation.

I am in the right place at the right time,

Doing the right thing.

And I honor my path.

Thank you for listening.

We hope you found this episode insightful.

If so,

Please share it with others.

Until we reunite under the cosmic embrace of our next episode,

May your days be filled with the brilliance of your unique light.

Take each step with purpose and let the threads of light guide you.