Exploring your core values is like following the flight of a raven—an adventure that invites you to soar through the skies of your past, reflect on your present, and uncover the truths that guide you. These values are your compass, helping you navigate life’s challenges and opportunities with clarity and purpose.
If you’re ready to follow the raven’s call and discover what lies within, here are the first 10 steps to take:
Step 1: Unearth What Core Values Are
Core values are the foundation of your identity, those deep-rooted beliefs that shape your choices and priorities. Think of them as the seeds within, waiting to be uncovered, nurtured, and brought to life.
Step 2: Look for Feathers in Your Past
Reflect on moments when you felt fully alive, proud, or at peace. What values were present during those peak experiences? A promotion might reveal a commitment to growth, while a heartfelt conversation could highlight the importance of connection.
Step 3: Notice the Shadows
Just as ravens are drawn to shiny objects, you can learn from what irritates or frustrates you. Often, these moments reveal values that are being ignored or challenged. If dishonesty feels unbearable, integrity might be a value to honor.
Step 4: Scatter Seeds Without Judgment
Grab a journal and free-write a list of values that resonate with you. Don’t censor yourself, this is a time to explore, not to edit. Words like freedom, loyalty, courage, or creativity are all welcome to take flight here.
Step 5: Seek Guidance from the Flock
A list of common core values can help if you’re unsure where to start. Highlight any words that spark something within you. This process is like gathering twigs to build a nest—each one should serve a purpose.
Step 6: Pare Down the Nest
Too many values can feel overwhelming, so aim for 5-10 that feel essential to your identity. Ask yourself, Which ones make me feel most like myself? Which would I fiercely protect?
Step 7: Reflect on How They Show Up in Your Life
Ravens don’t just sit in one spot—they explore, adapt, and thrive. Similarly, think about how your values show up in your daily life. Are you nurturing them, or are they gathering dust in a forgotten corner?
Step 8: Prioritize the Shiniest Treasures
Rank your values in order of importance. When two values conflict, which one will guide you? If adventure and security both matter, which would you follow when standing at a crossroads?
Step 9: Test Your Wings
Align your actions with your values and notice how it feels. When you honor your core values, life feels lighter, more authentic, and purposeful. This is the true flight of transformation.
Step 10: Revisit the Journey
Ravens are known for their intelligence and adaptability, and you should follow their lead. As your life evolves, so too may your values. Make time to revisit and refine them, ensuring they still resonate with who you are becoming.
Why Follow the Raven to Your Core Values?
When you unearth your core values, life gains a new sense of clarity and intention. You’ll find it easier to make decisions, set boundaries, and move forward with confidence. Following the raven’s flight isn’t about rushing to the destination, it’s about reflecting, connecting, and transforming along the way.
So, spread your wings, listen to the raven’s call, and uncover the treasures hidden within your soul. What are your core values? Share your top three below—I’d love to know what guides your flight!
Your story matters,
Deb, Founder of High Desert Raven Writing
“What the raven sees, the writer remembers – observe, reflect, create.”
