A while back, I posed a question to the participants of our monthly gathering about a topic they’d like to explore. One answer was the state of inner peace—what it means and how to achieve this common yet seemingly elusive goal.

The quest for inner peace is arguably a universal desire. Bronnie Ware, an Australian nurse with extensive experience in palliative care, delves into this in her book, “The Top Five Regrets of the Dying.” She found that the foremost regret among the dying was wishing they had the courage to live a life true to themselves rather than conforming to the expectations of others. In essence, they regretted not living according to their true values.

I firmly believe that living consistently with your values is essential to achieving true inner peace.

Understanding Your Values

The first step towards living your values is clearly identifying them. Values can range from honesty and loyalty to creativity and independence. They are unique to each individual and are shaped by personal experiences, culture, and upbringing.

Reflecting on moments when you felt happiest or most proud can help reveal your true values. Similarly, considering what makes you deeply uncomfortable or upset can also indicate values that are important to you.

Living in alignment with our values enhances life satisfaction, as it brings a sense of authenticity,  harmony, and the coveted “peace of mind.”

At our gathering this Wednesday, I’d love to delve into a discussion about your personal values and explore the impact, challenges, and benefits that come from living in alignment with those values. I’m also eager to hear your thoughts—and if you believe—that adhering to one’s values can contribute to inner peace.