How to Find Alignment in Life: A Guide to Identifying Misalignment and Reclaiming Balance
Have you ever been in that space—maybe you’re there now—where life seems to be going smoothly on the surface? You’ve got a solid job, work with people you like, have a nice home, good friends, a relationship, and maybe even the occasional vacation. By all accounts, things are going fine. But for some reason, you feel exhausted and discontent. You can't shake the feeling that something’s missing, even though everything seems to be in place.
Maybe you find yourself lying awake at night, wondering, Why don’t I feel happier?
Chances are, you’re out of alignment with some aspect of your life.
We often recognize misalignment in the more obvious moments—when we’re stuck in a toxic job, unhealthy relationship, or dealing with personal hardships. But sometimes, it’s during the good times that we feel the most confused about why we’re off. When everything is "supposed to be" fine, it can be bewildering to feel out of sync with your life.
The truth is, even when things appear to be going well, if there’s a disconnect between how you’re living and what truly matters to you—your beliefs, ethics, or how you want to feel—you’ll struggle to find peace and fulfillment.
If you feel like you should be happy but aren’t, take the time to examine your life more deeply. What’s out of alignment? Where do you need to make adjustments to bring that area of your life back into harmony?
Of course, life will still throw curveballs your way. Even when you’re aligned with your purpose, challenges, stressful situations, and even heartbreaking losses are part of the human experience. But being aligned with who you are will place you in a stronger, more resilient position to handle whatever comes your way.
Are You in Alignment With Who You Are, Your Purpose, and Your Beliefs?
Take some time to reflect on where you are in life. Grab a drink or a snack, get cozy with your journal, and dive into each aspect of your life. Be honest with yourself—this is your opportunity to explore what might be out of alignment and brainstorm ways to bring balance back into those areas. Below are some key areas to focus on as you start your journey.
Purpose:
Have you taken the time to think about your purpose? What do you believe you’re here to accomplish in this lifetime? Perhaps it’s to educate others, create meaningful content, or take care of your family. Maybe your purpose is to explore happiness or to travel the world simply for the joy it brings. There’s no right or wrong answer—what matters is that it feels true to you. Reflect on what lights you up and how you can align your daily life with that greater purpose.
Spirituality & Belief:
What do you believe in, and how important is it to your daily life? Are you nurturing your spirituality or beliefs regularly? Whether through prayer, meditation, or study, ask yourself if you’re giving this part of you the time and energy it deserves. Are you living in alignment with these beliefs in every area of your life, or are there inconsistencies that need attention?
Career & Jobs:
Do you genuinely enjoy your job? Does it align with your ethics and core beliefs? Beyond a paycheck, does your work feel meaningful and satisfying? Are your skills valued, and do you feel respected in your role? Examine whether your job supports your mental well-being, relationships, and overall life balance. If your job feels like a constant source of stress or misalignment, it might be time to reconsider your path or make changes where possible.
Health:
How are you taking care of your body? Are you getting enough sleep, nourishing your body with healthy food, and staying physically active? Are there any lingering health concerns you’ve been avoiding? Taking care of your physical well-being is foundational to everything else in your life. Small changes—whether it’s incorporating more nutritious food or simply drinking more water—can have a big impact on your overall energy and happiness.
Well-being:
What’s your relationship like with your own mind and emotions? Are your thoughts positive and supportive, or do you often find yourself stuck in negative loops? Consider whether unresolved emotional issues are weighing on you. Therapy or counseling might be beneficial if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Your mental well-being is just as important as your physical health, so make sure you’re nurturing a healthy mindset.
Relationships:
If you’re in a relationship, is it healthy and fulfilling? Do you feel loved, supported, and understood? Relationships can be a beautiful source of joy, but they can also be a source of stress if they aren’t in alignment with your needs. Take time to assess the quality of your relationship, and don’t be afraid to address areas that need attention. If you’re not in a relationship but want to be, explore what qualities you’re looking for and how you can attract that into your life.
Family:
Family dynamics can be complex, and they often require intentional effort to maintain. How are your relationships with your parents, siblings, children, or extended family? Are there any unresolved tensions or wounds that need healing? Family relationships can deeply impact our emotional well-being, so take the time to consider where you might need to set boundaries, offer forgiveness, or invest more quality time.
Friendships:
Do you feel energized after spending time with your friends, or do you feel drained? Pay attention to how you feel around your friends and consider whether those relationships are balanced and supportive. It’s okay to let go of friendships that no longer serve you, and it’s equally important to invest time in building new connections that align with who you are now.
Self-Care:
Are you prioritizing self-care? It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and forget to take time for yourself, but self-care is crucial to maintaining your energy and well-being. Whether it’s a relaxing morning routine, a hobby you love, or simply time spent alone to recharge, make sure you’re creating space in your life for activities that nourish you. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.
How to Begin the Journey Back to Alignment
These prompts are simply a starting point to help you explore each area of your life. Take your time journaling about what each category brings up for you. Be honest, be kind to yourself, and trust that whatever comes up is an opportunity for growth.
There’s a saying, "You can’t pour from an empty cup." If your life is out of alignment, your cup will always feel half-empty. But by taking the time to examine where you’re off balance and making small, intentional changes, you can start to fill your cup again. When you’re aligned with who you are and your purpose, you’ll find a deeper sense of peace and fulfillment, even when life throws its inevitable challenges your way.
Remember, the process of alignment is ongoing—it’s a journey, not a destination. Embrace it with curiosity and compassion for yourself, and trust that by doing this work, you’re setting yourself up for a life that truly reflects your values and desires.
With warmth,
Sarah Voiles
