The Evolution of Values

Do you know your core values? What is a value, really? 

These are questions that often surface during moments of introspection or deep conversations with those who understand the language of the soul.

Values are the guiding principles that shape our decisions, our actions, and ultimately the way we show up in the world.

Have you ever wondered if your core values are truly yours, or if they were passed down to you, conditioned into your life by family, society or past experiences?

For those who are new to the Wild Wellness Blog and the wondrous world of Wild Wellness with Hannah, my core values, in no specific order are love, integrity, authenticity, creativity, wisdom and intuition. These values are the compass that guides me through life, anchoring me in my truth and my purpose, and they infuse every aspect of my personal and professional journey.

In a recent conversation during a monthly women’s circle I , hosted by a divine woman, the creatrix of Circle of Life with Ellen, a profound discussion unfolded with some of my soul sisters. We explored the evolution of our values and how they have shaped who we are today. One of the most powerful realisations that arose during this discussion was, that even when others challenge us—telling us that a certain value cannot possibly be a value—we always know deep within what truly resonates with us.

Our values are deeply personal, supporting who we are and how we choose to show up in life.

How do we discern whether our values are authentically ours or if they were conditioned into us? It begins with reflection and a willingness to question the beliefs we have held for so long. Are these values something you have chosen consciously or were they handed down to you by parents, family members, teachers, mentors or society?

Understanding the origins of your values is the first step toward living in alignment with your true self.

It is important to recognise that values are not static—they evolve as we do, and will continue doing so. What resonated with you a decade ago, or even as little as a week ago may no longer feel aligned today, and that is totally natural. Embrace this evolution as a sign of growth, and allow your values to shift and expand as you continue your journey of self-discovery.

As someone who deeply values love, creativity, integrity, authenticity, wisdom and intuition, I have witnessed firsthand how these core principles, these value, have continually evolved throughout my life. There were times when I felt the weight of societal expectations, when the values I held were not truly mine, but rather the ones I thought I "should" hold. It was through moments of challenge, introspection and connection with my wild woman spirit that I began to peel back the layers and discover what truly mattered to me.

Love deepened far beyond romantic notions, becoming a guiding force in how I relate to myself, to others and to the world. Creativity blossomed not just in the arts, but in the way I approach challenges in life, finding innovative solutions and expressing myself freely. Integrity became less about clinging to rigid rules and more about flowing gracefully while being true to my word, my actions and my inner truth. Authenticity transformed from a buzzword into a lived experience, where I allowed myself to show up fully, flaws and all. Wisdom evolved into a gentle knowing, a quiet confidence in my inner guidance. And intuition, once something I second-guessed, became my true companion, leading me toward choices that resonate with my soul. 

Choosing values that truly resonate with you is a journey of self-discovery. Here are some tips to help you along the way.

Take time to reflect on your life experiences, especially the moments that brought you joy, fulfillment, or a sense of purpose. What values were at play during those times? These experiences often hold clues to the values that matter most to you. If you felt most alive while creating something new, creativity might be a core value for you.

Think about the aspects of your life that you are unwilling to compromise on and identify your non-negotiables. These are the things that you hold dear, that guide your decisions and actions. Non-negotiables are often closely tied to your core values. If honesty is something you never compromise on, integrity might be a key value for you.

Your intuition is a powerful guide when it comes to identifying your true values. Listen to your inner voice, the one that speaks quietly but confidently about what feels right or wrong for you. Trust that this inner knowing is aligned with your authentic self. When you feel a deep sense of peace or "wholesomeness" about something, you are likely in alignment with your core values.

Consider the influence of others as you reflect on the values that have been passed down to you by family, friends, or society. Do they still resonate with you, or do they feel more like expectations that you have been carrying? It’s okay to let go of values that no longer serve you and embrace those that truly reflect who you are now. This process might involve releasing guilt or even fear associated with stepping away from what others expect of you.

When you think about certain values, do they bring you a sense of peace, fulfillment, and alignment? Prioritise what brings you peace & fulfilment as values that resonate with you will feel like a natural extension of who you are, not something you have to force or justify. Prioritising these values will guide you toward a life that feels authentic and even more meaningful. If living with integrity brings you peace, then it is a value worth prioritising.

Remember that values are never set in stone. As you grow and evolve, your values can shift. What was important to you in one phase of life may change as you enter another. Embrace this evolution as a sign of your personal growth and allow your values to evolve with you. This flexibility ensures that your values remain relevant and supportive of your current life path.

As you uncover and choose the values that resonate with you the most, you will begin to notice a shift in how you navigate the world and how you show up in the world. Living in alignment with your true values brings a sense of clarity, purpose, and empowerment. You will find that your decisions flow with more grace and ease, your boundaries are clearer and your relationships more authentic. This is the power of living your values—of honouring all that truly matters to you and letting it guide you in all aspects of your life.

When you live by your values, you are living a life of love, creativity, integrity, authenticity, wisdom, and intuition—values that not only define who you are but also how you interact with the world. This alignment brings a deeper sense of peace, knowing that you are living in harmony with your true self.

Remember, your values are yours to define, evolve and live by. They are the compass that guides you through the journey of life, supporting you to stay true to who you are and how you want to show up in the world. Embrace the process of uncovering your true values, and let them be the foundation upon which you build a life of authenticity, joy, and fulfillment.

As you continue on this journey, know that your values are your sacred truths, always there to support and guide you.