Through the years, I've figured out that integrity is a highly personal thing. For me, it means that I keep my word, I honor my debts, I do what I promised to do (or what I'm being paid to do), I honor my relationships, I tell the truth (even when it's hard to do), I pay my taxes, I try to make informed decisions about whom I vote for, and I do my best to honor everyone's journey.  Basically, if it doesn’t feel right - I don't want to do it.

I'm not saying that I have never been "out of integrity". I'm human. I have, many times, done things that didn't feel right - but I thought I could justify my actions. Yet, whenever I am outside of my integrity, I don't like the way that I feel and I don't seem to be very successful at whatever I'm attempting. I've learned that it is best if I follow my integrity rules; even though I can see that not everyone agrees with me.

You see, I've noticed that some people don't adhere to my rules.  But if you asked them, they would say that they operate with a high degree of integrity. And in fact, they do, according to their own set of moral values.

Depending upon where you were born or who you grew up with, you tend to have slightly different (sometimes vastly different) moral values. This is neither right or wrong, just something to be aware of. Not everyone shares your values; therefore not everyone will behave in the way that you expect them to behave.

I've learned to become aware of another person's value system, especially if I intend to do business with them or in some other way plan to rely on them. If I am aware that someone's idea of integrity is different than mine, or that someone regularly operates outside of their (and my) version of integrity, I can take that into account - without creating resentment or judging them as being "bad".

Only you know what integrity means to you. Perhaps you cannot clearly define it in words, but you know how you feel when you step outside of your integrity. If you're doing something that just doesn't feel right to you, then take a look at it.  You have a choice. You can change what you are doing so that you fall into line with your own moral code, or you can deal with your feelings.

There is no need to judge people because their ideals are different than yours. It is enough to be observant and aware. You may know people who are awesome as acquaintances and lots of fun to be around. However, you may be choosier when selecting close friends or business partners.

The choosiness is not a reflection of who is worthy or not worthy, the choosiness is simply a reflection of who is most complimentary to you and how you like to live, work, and play.

Namaste!

Susan M Wright

Remember - You have a Choice

Remember that life is full of choices, small and large.  Over the years I have known people who live a regimented life, neatly organized and predictable.  Their choice works for them.  They follow their inner desire for stability and predictability.  Life is good.

That lifestyle is harder to maintain these days.  We are offered an endless stream of choices and life is changing continuously all around us.  The more open we keep our mind; the easier we keep up with life.  Change is here to stay. 

By embracing change and being curious about what life may present for us next; life becomes an ongoing adventure.  With a never-ending stream of choices, we can experience life from mild to wild.  And, no matter what our life looks like today, the next opportunity is coming for us to choose where we want our life to go from here. 

So many choices!  Let the adventure continue.  The less I believe that I have it all figured out; the more opportunities present for me.  Funny, how that works.

Lots of love,
Wolfgang