Rediscovering my core values, and how a cosy book club evening helped me reconnect with mine.

Do you know what your core values are?

Values. They come up a lot in coaching.

In my experience, people don’t often talk about values in discovery calls, but they almost always surface in coaching conversations, because they underpin so much of who we are. Our attitudes, beliefs, and default behaviour patterns are shaped by them, often without us even realising.

Right now, I’m currently supporting a client through my coaching practice, Laura Hunter Coaching, to explore what their values are, including their core values, and how a misalignment of these might be contributing to a sense of inner conflict and turmoil.

I’ve been revisiting my own values too - checking in with what’s feeling a little off, and where things might need realignment.

I’ve shared recently that this summer has been a tricky one for me, both personally and professionally. A lot of big, unexpected changes have come my way, and I’ve found it tough. I’m still finding it tough. But coaching (self-coaching and working with my own coach) has been one of my allies throughout this period, and continues to be. It has provided me with a space that supports me to navigate the more challenging moments - and there have been plenty. It also provides me with the tools to map out how I can take small steps forward.

Our Values as Our Compass

I often share this visual with my clients (along with exercises to support identifying values) as a reminder that our personal values are our internal compass. They guide how we make decisions, how we interact with the world, and drive what truly motivates us.

When our values are being met, life feels lighter and more aligned. We feel fulfilled, calmer, and more joyful, because we are living in a way that fits with who we truly are. When our values are not being met, things can feel off-kilter or heavy, and we might not immediately understand why.

That’s why I find returning to my values so useful, and grounding - it’s a way of finding my bearings again or anchoring myself.

A Small Joy That Spoke Volumes

Earlier this week, I went to a new book club and, on the drive home, I noticed how happy I felt. That warm, fuzzy, quietly content kind of happy.

When I thought about it some more, I realised how many of my core values had been met in that one short evening.

The book club was held in a cosy little cabin - actually called 'The Lovely Cow Shed' (the description 'shed' doesn’t do it justice at all). We arrived to a roaring log burner and the most gorgeous scent of eucalyptus and lavender. The room was decorated with flowers, antique crockery, and mismatched chairs, around a beautifully laid vintage farmhouse table. Candles flickered everywhere, the lighting was soft, the colours calming and warm, the walls covered in an eclectic range of artwork and wallpaper.

We sat around the table and chatted about The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (which I adored and gave a 5 out of 5!). Not everyone loved it, and that was okay - everyone felt comfortable sharing their honest opinions. The conversation flowed easily, full of warmth and laughter, and afterwards we tucked into a hearty hotpot supper with crusty bread, pickled cabbage and beetroot, followed by a generous slice of cake.

It was simple, joyful, and so me!

Values in Action

When I reflect on why that evening filled my cup, it comes down to the values it touched:

• Authentic, down-to-earth conversation - honest connection with good people.

• Atmosphere and environment - beauty, warmth, and a sense of home.

• Comfort food - real, hearty, lovingly prepared.

• Connection - with others, with my mum (who came along too), with a shared experience.

• Future planning and anticipation - having something to look forward to (next month’s book, and a Christmas murder mystery night!).

  
  

The challenges over the last few months have taught me, more than ever, that I get my energy from people - from meaningful, honest connection, and the book club was full of it. Add in a beautiful setting, a great meal, and the feeling of being part of something and it’s no wonder I drove home smiling.

Often it’s not the big things that bring us back to ourselves, but the small ones - the small joys - that quietly remind us who we are, what's important to us, what we need, and what we truly value.

A Gentle Invitation

If you’ve been feeling a little out of sync lately, maybe it’s time to check in with your own values. What moments make you feel most like you? What feels missing right now?

And if you’d like support exploring your own values, coaching can be a wonderful space to develop clarity and reconnect with what truly matters to you. If you don't know where to start, that's OK - I'd love to help - no pressure, just down-to-earth conversation.

Book a discovery call via my page on the Life Coach Directory:

Laura Hunter - Preston - Life Coach Directory

As always, I'd love to hear from you - about your core values, and how you align your activities with these.

Laura x