A longtime friend spent the weekend with us recently while visiting the U.S. It had been more than 4 years since we last saw each other.

She proposed a “catch up” game which entailed going through our camera rolls and choosing a photo from every month since we had last seen one another. A “show and tell” of what we had missed in each other’s lives over the years.

I highly recommend it.

The “game” took place over the course of the weekend.

As we were combing through our phones and sharing, there was a moment where I wondered if my life had gotten boring.

If I even had enough photos to participate—I tend to get caught up in the moment and forget to take photos half the time.

How I could ever compete with her fascinating international lifestyle.

And then I quickly realized that I had actually spent the past few years living my core values—family, freedom and fun—more than ever before.

Every photo I chose was in some way, tied to one of those values.

I remember years ago wishing that I had more time to spend with the people I love. But I was working in a career where long days in the office and regular travel were the norm.

I remember the years I’d spent daydreaming about what I would do if I had complete control over my schedule. No one telling me how to spend my time. The flexibility to do work that I loved anytime of day, anywhere I wanted to be.

The capacity to be a present mom and partner.

For years I was disconnected from what I valued most in life, and it led to more workaholism, anxiety, exhaustion and burnout.

Now, everything I do in life and business is so I can do more of those 3 things: family, freedom, and fun.

Every “Yes.” And every “No.”

Putting my intention in those areas has led to more income and impact than I ever could have imagined.

Because contrary to what we’re taught, when you build your life around your values, you’ll increase your value.

On yourself, your family, your community, and the world.

Unbeknownst to be, my photo library is proof of that. And, after years in progress, it feels amazing to see.

Curious…

If you were to scan your photo library from the past 12 months…what story would it tell you? What values would you see?

How can you spend the next 90 days doing more of the things you value most—if even just 1% more each day?