Today I did something that I’ve wanted to do since I was a teenager. I got braces. Well, not braces. Aligners.

I have a terrific smile. I love to smile and laugh and have never felt like I wanted to hide my smile.

But every time I floss I struggle where my teeth are crowded. And over the last two years (because I’m in that season of life – this doesn’t happen to all women, but it is definitely not uncommon) the crowd has gotten crowdier.

I will likely be working on my teeth alignment for about a year. Each week, a new tray – a slight modification – will be introduced. And at the end of this year -straightened teeth, easier flossing, and a lifetime of a nighttime retainer.

You know I can’t leave this metaphor alone! Come on! It’s just too good.

As a coach, I think about and talk about alignment all the time! A key to a fulfilling, purposeful life is to be in alignment with your values and purpose and goals. When you know what lights you up and you live like that, that is living in alignment.

And here is the beautiful learning that I am leaning into today. Alignment takes time. Alignment takes patience. Alignment may take many deliberate small steps. And alignment takes a lifetime of stewardship.

Have you ever felt that “for goodness sake, I’ve done the work”

• of identifying your values,
• of writing out goals
• of finding your mission,
• of setting a purpose,

only to find that it didn’t ‘end’ with overnight success or change?!

ME TOO!

It’s not enough to identify or name the things that make you you. Building in the habits of revisiting, re-evaluating, and prioritizing them in your work and life, is the key to living a life of true alignment.

So let’s get to it! And smile.