For the most part of my career, I have searched out the characteristics of integrity. What is integrity? Here is Webster’s definition:
INTEGRITY:
1
: firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : incorruptibility
2
: an unimpaired condition : soundness
3
: the quality or state of being complete or undivided : completeness
Is it impossible to be a person of integrity? The definition is clear that “integrity” is a condition of mankind that would require a great deal of self-discipline and the courage to not only give voice to integrity, but also to stand up for and LIVE the definition – regardless of what others will say or how they may judge.
In our society today, integrity is not valued as it was when our country was founded. (Let’s only go back that far for now). Morals and ethics have deteriorated to the point that our young people will be growing up in a society that accepts immorality and “getting ahead” in life, regardless of how one has to do it.. regardless of who gets hurt in this self-centered quest. Our children will lack the courage to stand up for their beliefs – indeed – if they are even able to identify their beliefs.
In my work, I ask persons to identify (actually write down) their beliefs… their morals and ethics… and the boundaries they have in their lives. At first it was surprising when I witnessed the puzzled pause as people have had to stop and think about this… I have found few persons who can readily state their beliefs, morals, ethics – the strong established foundations of the mind and soul – those things that build the boundaries of our lives… those things that keep us on a path that we have chosen with deliberation.
SIDE-NOTE: When a person begins to actually identify these foundations of their lives, it should be noted and accepted that all of us have some belief, morals and ethics that will not be acceptable by “normal” standards and yet we (unconsciously) live our lives by these standards. Therefore, one vital reason to identify your foundational standards will be to find those areas that you want to change in order to improve your life.
I have found that:
Most people ad-lib their lives.
This is a sad and unhealthy commentary on the condition of our mindsets. These are lives that echo with emptiness and lack purpose and direction. These are the confused (though basically functional) people we see walking on the sidewalks, going from day to day without purposeful thought for tomorrow or a defined plan for their future. They see only what is in front of them and their tunnel vision only reveals a paycheck to paycheck mentality.. some only a meal to meal mentality. I am not speaking of those who are truly poor and without the basic means to live and take care of their families. That is a different “story” to discuss – for a later time.
Today I salute those who are in process of knowing their beliefs; their morals and ethics; those who understand and value the boundaries in their lives. Knowing these foundations is a journey that continues for a lifetime if one is healthy; because, a healthy mind will have the quality of flexibility and this flexibility will allow for new information to be introduced and assimilated as we consider it’s worth of lack of worth. New and worthy information will allow our foundations to grow and mature and this process will increase our overall integrity.
In addition I acknowledge and congratulate those who have the courage to not only identify their foundational mindset; but, then live the life that is outlined by this knowledge. These persons inspire me.
May God give us the desire to know ourselves and the courage to live to the rhythm of our beliefs,
Macky
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