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How do you sustain your sense of self and your own identity?

After I did a significant recalibration of my values in 2017, I made an annual review using the exercises I'm sharing in these articles. Journalling is essential. Researching and reading keep me curious about concepts and other people's experiences. This is how I find the words and thoughts that resonate.

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Great topic and extremely well written. Thank you for that. I, too, have been examining values as I continue the move from full time employee to full time seeker of worthwhile endeavors. lol. (Also known as semi retired but still busy.)

Clarifying my values offers focus to my activities and calms my mind.

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Thanks Curt - check Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis Squiggly Career - a good book and they have 2 others.

Here's the full Mentoring Table of Contents in Carer Mentor: https://www.carermentor.com/p/mentoring-table-of-contents-and-suggested

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I'm glad to see this topic floating around recently because I'm a big believer in taking the time, like you, to discover and define your core values. Mine are: freedom, independence, beauty, self-development, creativity, and safety. xo

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Thanks for sharing, Lani! YES! This is one of the main exercises I do with mentoring clients. There are always powerful insights and learnings.

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Hi Victoria! I loved this article. Defining our values provides a moral compass for which we can make the tough decisions in life. I too - quit my job. In my situation, I stopped practicing medicine and focused exclusively on research, which allowed me to be more flexible. At this point, it is crystal clear to me that I value family -- above everything else.

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So much here that is powerful and impactful, Victoria!

The social vs. caring for a parent. The choices in both. Last night I went to a play with my girlfriends. One found out she was exposed to COVID over the weekend. I still wanted us to go to the play. it was outside so I asked her to wear a mask in the car. Protecting my mom is always in the back of my mind. (Not that I want to get COVID but I know the devastating effects it would have on her.)

I've read and absorbed Brené Brown's Braving the Wilderness during COVID. So much to unpack about belonging, especially aligned with your values.

I'm teaching a 6-part program right now and values was the first part of it. I plan to share your article with them as it will be support their journey!

Appreciate you!

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Aw Janine, thanks for this fabulous feedback! I'm so glad it resonates this deeply with you.

I'm right there with you. When I was wearing a mask in the 'hoards' of people, I got so many looks. A couple of people asked me if I was ill.

I'm glad my article can be of service to your teaching - the more we share these insights the more people can feel better equipped for life's challenges with caregiving or any other issue they face.

Keep doing your great work! I appreciate you too!!

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Hopefully, the world's experience with COVID can teach us to be more forgiving and accepting. We never know what someone else is going through!

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So true! Although that's not the 'vibe' I was getting. I appreciated the staff who made me feel welcome and away from big groups.

I'm happy to say that I still had a lovely time and had some very long catch-ups with a few close friends. Quality time is so precious. xo

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Being true to you and your values!

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Exactly! Walking my talk matters to me.

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This article is powerful. Well articulated, so practical and useful…@Victoria created something so compelling and inspiring here. Whether you are in a care-giving role or simply a human navigating life and examining your core values and identity, listen to this!! So valuable! @Victoria, thank you. So excellent.

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