Today’s article is about integrity, as it’s a trait that’s near and dear to my heart. As per the definition in Wikipedia, Integrity is consistency between one’s actions, values, methods, measures and principles. Integrity is all about walking-the-talk and doing what you say you are going to do. I think we all know someone who says they are going to do something, but we don’t believe it until we actually see it! They are the type who agrees to do something up front and then later bails out. We in turn no longer trust them. Are you one of these people? A sure way to find out is to ask your friends & family!
Another way to check is by asking yourself if your conversations differ depending on whom you are talking to? Do you play it safe when you’re around people you don’t know very well or who you are intimidated by? For example, it has been a dream of mine and my husband’s to live in a warmer climate and somewhere near the ocean. We have recently put our home up for sale to show the universe we are ready to go and for the opportunity to present itself. We initially only told this to people we felt safe with. To everyone else, we said we would like to be near the water and are keeping our eyes open for houses for sale. Most people took this to mean the lake that is 30 mins from where we are now, which is really what we intended them to think. We were scared of what they were going to say! Really, what I was doing was lying! Since realizing I was not acting with integrity, I have been telling everyone our real plan. This feels so liberating! The best part is that I’m also showing others it’s okay to follow their dreams.
While I’m all for staying away from people who are negative and going to be dream squashers, this is a little different. If you are wanting to make a change, you really need to make sure your thoughts & actions are in-line with what you really believe. You want to show the universe you are serious about making this change happen and that you are ready. You never know who Debby Downer is going to know anyways! She could be the person that connects you to someone who is going to help you realize your dream!
Action Challenge
Where do you hold back? Who aren’t you telling the truth too? Over the next week, pick up the phone or pay that person a visit, and have that honest conversation. You can still be compassionate to their needs while being honest. Pay attention to how you feel afterwards. In the end, does it really matter if they react negatively? You are being true to yourself and that’s all that counts.