Creating Integrity Within

Is integrity near the top of your list of values? It is so important for creating a world that truly works for each person in it. Integrity means "the quality or state of being complete or undivided" and indicates firm adherence to our values. Our values are the things we hold dear, the things that are most important to us as we shape our lives. Living from them is integrity.

When you do something that is in alignment with what you believe--what you say is important to you--there is an internal sense of peace and well-being...even if doing it is difficult! It just "feels" so right. When your behavior clashes with your values, the opposite is true. You all know what happens when you try to squeeze past your values by doing or saying something that is a little off. You wriggle. You cannot maintain eye
contact. You know, deep in your hearts, that it does not feel right, don't you?

Integrity is like pregnancy. You cannot be a little bit pregnant. You are or you are not. You are living in integrity or you are not. You will always know if you tune in to what your body tells you...it is a good barometer.

For today, just before you do or say anything, take a breath and ask yourself if what you are about to do is in alignment with what is important, significant and valuable to you. Is it in line with the things you stand for in life! If it is, proceed in peace. If it is not, ask yourself why you are doing it, how you will feel when it is done, and whether it is worth it. This may be a reputation-saving breath!