From Doing, to Being

Since starting this blog, I’ve been deeply moved by the messages and feedback — people sharing how something resonated, how they felt seen, inspired, or just a little more connected. One thing I keep hearing? That I’ve “found my purpose.”

It’s flattering — and it’s made me pause. Have I? I mean, I love what I do. It lights me up. But is that all purpose is? And is chasing it really the key to a meaningful life?

We’re so often told to find our “one big purpose,” like it’s a finish line we’ll reach and everything will click. But I’m starting to believe that maybe it’s not about that at all. Maybe it’s not one big thing. Maybe it’s about living in alignment with our values — showing up fully, every day, with intention.

Have you seen Soul by Pixar? One of the main characters, Joe, believes his purpose is to become a great jazz musician. But when his life takes an unexpected turn, he realizes that the beauty of life isn’t found in one grand achievement. It’s found in the small, present moments — the ones where we’re truly ourselves.

We’re often taught that purpose is a destination — a career, a cause, a calling. Something to achieve. Something external that gives our life meaning. And yes, purpose can offer direction. But it’s something we chase.

Values, on the other hand, are internal. They’re the quiet compass points that guide how we live each day — things like honesty, freedom, kindness, creativity, and compassion. When we live by them, life feels more grounded, more “us.” They’re not about doing. They’re about being. They don’t wait at the finish line; they walk with us the whole way.

I think that’s what so many of us miss. We get so caught up in pursuing something big — something we think will define us — that we forget about the power of just being. Of living from the inside out.

For me, even when I hit goals that were supposed to feel like purpose, something still felt off. It wasn’t until I started thinking about living through my values — showing up with intention, as often as I could — that things began to shift. Fulfillment didn’t live in the outcome. It lived in alignment.

Alignment doesn’t happen overnight. And in the midst of busy lives, responsibilities, careers, and commitments, it can feel impossible to slow down, let alone reflect on what really matters.

But I’ve learned (and am still learning) that it’s possible to create space for my values, even in the middle of it all. It doesn’t have to mean huge, dramatic changes. It starts with small, meaningful practices — like checking in with yourself, noticing what feels off, and being honest about what matters to you.

This is the work I’m doing, too. Every day. It’s ongoing.

Living your values isn’t about getting it perfect. It’s about returning to yourself, over and over again. Here are some simple ways to begin:

Notice your gut: When something feels right or wrong, pause and pay attention. Your body often knows before your mind does.

Slow down: Even just a few breaths can bring you back to the moment.

Sit with your feelings: Let them be. They’ll show you what you care about most.

Let go of perfection: You’ll stray from your values sometimes. That’s okay. Come back. Again and again.

Be present: In conversation. In nature. At the dinner table. Wherever you are — be there. That’s where your values come to life.

Purpose matters and it’s our values that bring it to life. It’s not about achieving some big goal or finding the one thing you’re meant to do. It’s about living in a way that feels true — to who you are, what you care about, and how you want to show up.

You can’t always control where life takes you. But you can control how you live, how you love, how you lead. When you live by your values, every moment gains meaning. Purpose becomes something you live, not just something you find.

So, take a moment. Ask yourself:

What are your values?

How can you live them, one moment at a time?

I’m committed to doing this work right alongside you. It’s ongoing — and maybe it always will be. But along the way, the beautiful outcome is this: you get to rediscover yourself.

“You can’t always control what shows up in your life, but you can choose how you show up for it.”

— Steven C. Hayes

If you have any questions, please feel free to comment below. I invite all comments with an open heart.

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