Whether You’re in Transition, Semi‑Retired, or Retired — If Life Feels “Off,” Let’s Talk About Value Alignment.

Are You Living According to Your Values?

I woke recently and realized I needed to take an honest look at my life. Was I truly living according to my values, or was I easing into semi‑retirement while still filling my time to the brim out of habit? I had to ask myself whether my daily actions actually reflected the intentions I had for this next season—or if I was simply staying busy because it felt familiar. That moment of reflection became a turning point, inviting me to realign my choices with what matters most.

So here I sit in 2026 with the recognition of all the above. I had signs along the way in 2025 that caused me to pause and wonder, “How do I know when I am not living in alignment with my values?” and more importantly, “How do I know when I am living in alignment with my values?” While the signs were there, I have to admit I set them aside, let them take a back seat, and marched forward in the familiar rhythm of busyness—the very busyness I was trying so hard to escape and change.

Now that I’m on the other side of 2025, I made a decision this morning to begin facing what I’ve been ignoring. While drinking a few cups of my favorite coffee, eating a good breakfast, praying, and reading my daily readers, an awareness came to mind: today is the day I face the feelings and start taking action.

I journaled the below:

Out of alignment, I often feel:

• Guilty

• Fearful

• Tired

• Resentful

• Isolated

• Unsatisfied

• Anxious

• Powerless

• Restless

• Like an imposter — am I practicing what I preach?

  
  

In alignment, I often feel:

• Grateful

• Joyful

• Peaceful

• Content

• Energized

• Positive

• Satisfied

• Hopeful

• Rested

• Accepting

  
  

Well, there it is—the process has started. I know I cannot always live in perfect alignment, but loving how I feel when I am mostly in alignment gives me great incentive to awaken each day with the question: What is one thing I can do today to live in alignment with my values?

It comes down to daily habits and rewiring my brain to focus on what is good for me instead of my desire to remain in what is familiar. Change and transitions are hard, but if I learn from this past year and start implementing small daily habits, I know I will move toward living in alignment and feeling much better about life in general—which allows me to be a better wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and co‑worker to all those I hold dear.

Do you resonate with any of this? Are you in this same season of life, about to enter it, or maybe you’re a veteran who still faces familiar struggles? I’d love the opportunity to support you—yes, me, the one who is still figuring it out, but who has loads of life experience, great tools, a positive mindset, powerful questions, listening ears and a willingness to serve with grace.

If you'd like to book a complimentary session, hit me up at cindy@graceu-lifecoaching.com and we can get something on the books to help you explore how coaching can be of value to you. I recently saw a meme that said, “All things are figureoutable.” I’d love to help you discover your own solutions and take the next step toward living in alignment with your values.

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What is one thing you can do today to live in alignment with your values? For me, it’s making a nice, hot meal for my husband — a simple act that feels grounding and true to who I want to be in this season.

With grace and gratitude,

Cindy

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