From Maid of Honour to Advocate of Happiness: The Role of Values in a Joyful Life

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to have it all figured out, living a life full of happiness and purpose? The secret isn’t about having more money, fame, or even the perfect job title. It’s about aligning your actions with your core values—a lesson I’ve learned through my own life experiences, including the many times I’ve been honored to be a maid of honour.

Over the past 40 years, I’ve had the privilege of standing beside some of my closest friends on their wedding days. When I asked why they chose me, their answers were eye-opening. They saw me as trustworthy, dependable, and organized —qualities that have defined who I am. Funny enough, they also noted that they’d never seen me lose anything important or show up late. That’s when it hit me: part of my happiness stems from being organized and well-planned. These qualities are deeply rooted in my values, and when I align my actions with these values, I find myself living a happier life. (Thank you my dears! You know who you are!)

The Importance of Knowing Your Values

Living a joyful life isn’t about chasing external achievements; it’s about understanding what truly matters to you and letting those values guide your actions. For me, being organized isn’t just about keeping things in order; it’s about creating a sense of stability and peace. When my life is well-organized, I feel calm, confident, and—dare I say—happy. It’s not about perfection, but about living in a way that feels authentic to who I am.

The Dark Side of Ignoring Your Values

Now, let’s talk about the flip side—what happens when you’re out of alignment with your values. Picture this: you’re so focused on climbing the corporate ladder that you forget who you are outside of work. You start defining yourself by your job title, and before you know it, you’re stuck in the shadow of your business card. It’s like waking up one day and realizing you’re not living your life, but a life designed by someone else. Spoiler alert: that’s not a recipe for happiness.

Regular Life Reviews

So, how can you avoid falling into this trap? Start by doing regular life reviews—no, not those work performance reviews where you scramble to remember what you’ve achieved. I’m talking about taking a step back to reflect on your life outside of work. Ask yourself: “Am I living in alignment with my values? Am I happy with the way I’m spending my time?”

By regularly checking in with yourself, you can ensure that you’re living a life that feels true to who you are, not just who you’re expected to be. Remember, your identity is so much more than your job title.

happiness isn’t a destination; it’s a way of living

When you know your values and align your actions with them, you create a life that’s not only fulfilling but also uniquely yours. So, take the time to reflect, recalibrate, and most importantly, live your life on your terms.

NOW IS THE TIME

Ready to start your own life review? Set aside some time this week to reflect on your values and how they align with your daily actions. Don’t let your job title define you—build a life that’s independent of your business card. Recall some conversations with your friends and family… what have they mentioned about you that you weren’t even aware of? You might just find that happiness is closer than you think.

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This article originally appeared on GraceChan.co .

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