on integrity...

The art of living whole, and in entirety; the art of living with integrity is not often an easy thing to do. While our intentions are typically good, the devil on our shoulder can get in the way of our wholeness, from time to time. Things like stress, overwhelm, irritability can all get in the way of us doing our personal best all of the time. While coming short of living in wholeness is often frowned upon, we must keep in mind that we are all human, and we all make mistakes. We are never perfect, all of the time, if ever at all. The important thing is that when we fall short of living in wholeness, we must acknowledge our frustration, and get back up on the integrity wagon, and move on. We must try not to hold grudges or let outside circumstances and events get in the way of us living, doing, and acting to our fullest potential. I know for me this is not always easy. For example, in my work environment, living in wholeness is not always easy. I work in a very fast paced environment, with the public, and in a job where I constantly have to be “on”; happy and present minded. Every now and then a coworker or a customer is bound to upset me. While I try to not take the situation personally, it is often easier said than done. The worst thing I can do in situation like this is spout off my mouth, and say something I might regret at a later time. I may be so angry or hurt in the moment, but I really have to bite my tongue. Why you might ask?....because as soon as I shout off my mouth, or show any signs of frustration, someone is sure to see me, and there goes my integrity right down the drain! I strive to be upbeat, and create a positive environment in each and every situation in my life. I know it is completely unrealistic to be happy and positive 100% of the time, but I really try. I try to only do my personal best, and let all other negativity, and energy draining people or circumstances fall to the wayside. I think so much can be said for professionalism and personal integrity…kind of like a little sprinkle of “class” in the sundae of life!

Today’s activity: integrity

By definition: adherence to moral or ethical principles; the state of being whole

Today I encourage you to live in wholeness; to live through the eyes of integrity. Try to remain aware of the situations that you encounter throughout this day, and how you might react to the situations. Rather than getting lost in anger with the clerk at the market, or the person who cuts you off at the intersection, acknowledge your frustration in that moment, and get back on the integrity wagon. It is not worth holding a grudge or living through the eyes of frustration, because ultimately you are only sacrificing your personal happiness. Personally I want to be known as, and remembered as, a person of wholeness, rather than a hot head who shot off her mouth, or lost her temper at any given time. The choice is yours….wholeness or half-wholeness!