Co-creating a Flourishing Relationship: Core Values

What’s the #1 tool needed for a flourishing relationship?

Each person examines their core values rooted in their Authentic Self, and they share those with each other. Couples support each other to live into their full potential based on their core values. They select goals spawned from their values and they take consistent action on those day after day. They give attention to those people, activities and media formats that are consistent with their values. They develop a life filled with what is truly meaningful to them fueled by the passion of their core values. Without that, their relationship will fall flat.

Note: If you are single, the same process applies to your ability to attract a mate who truly resonates with you. Get really good at knowing your Authentic Self and take action in the direction of your core values. Do not compromise. The more narrow your focus, the more you will weed out those who do not mesh with you, and attract those who do.

Here’s my example: For years I wanted to live in the mountains overlooking a lake, but I was scared to make the move away from the city, my known source of income. I attempted to create a relationship with a man who would want to move to the mountains with me. But that didn’t work, so eventually I got up enough courage to take action to build my own home, and now I live in one of the most beautiful places in the whole world. Every day I get to look at ripples of mountains overlooking a serene lake. My top core value is the appreciation of natural beauty and the love of excellence. So for me to flourish, I needed to put myself in this environment. From this place, I attract resonant people who share similar values.

How do you and/or your partner create a flourishing life based in your core values? Write a comment below. I’d love to hear from you.

For training on these skills, attend the "Flourishing Relationships" Retreat June 25-27, 2010. Click here.

For Relationship Coaching before the retreat, email me at Benita@EspositoInstitute.com.

Feel free to reprint and share this article. Please include my contact information. 

Benita A. Esposito, MA. The Esposito Institute, Inc.

Email: info@EspositoInstitute.com   www.EspositoInstitute.com   Phone: 770.998.6642

To help you identify your core values, take this free self-test: Then return here to post your blog comment.

Select Option 2. The VIA Brief Strengths is a 24-question survey of character strengths for adults. You will receive an immediate, free ranking of character strengths in top-down order with brief strengths descriptions.