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Bruised and Bleeding

4 Mar

We interact with all kinds of people every day and there might be someone who doesn’t agree with us, doesn’t like us, or in some way finds it difficult to deal with us. We’re all different and personality conflicts can happen. If we get entangled with someone who truly dislikes us or wants something from us we can’t give, there may be trouble ahead. Most of us want to get along and try to be flexible when there’s disagreement, but some people hold a hard line on their expectations, and if we don’t meet them, we may pay a high price. They may malign us to our associates, or say we’re liars and manipulators simply because we don’t agree with them. They may even try to turn our family members against us. We can’t control what anyone else does and if they are determined to hurt us and leave us bruised and bleeding, there isn’t much we can to do stop them. Lies may tarnish us for a time, but truth always rises and will show itself. In the end, the only person lies hurt is the one telling them. Dishonesty may bring temporary satisfaction as the intended victim is hurt, but the cost to our integrity will be high. We will lose the trust of those around us and it will be impossible to build strong relationships. We might achieve the damage we desired, but we will be alone in the victory. Nobody wants to associate with someone who is vindictive and mean. They may be our friend today but eventually we may become their target. We can honor those around us, even if they’re completely different. There’s always a compromise possible and with respect and honesty, we can find the best way through.

It’s very painful when someone is persecuting and maligning us to our friends and family, and we will suffer. We can try to defend ourselves and correct the information and that might work, but people are complex and their opinions may be influenced by what they hear. If someone is determined to make us suffer, the damage may be intense. We may lose friends, associates, and even family members. Despite the disappointment and pain, we can stand firm. We know who we are and in time, the truth will show itself. By keeping our standards strong and honestly holding onto what is right, we will prevail.

It’s very difficult to fight a lie. If someone isn’t constrained by truth they may say and do anything to make a point. If there is evidence of the lie, we may offer it, but often lies are merely one person’s word against another. We need not get tangled up in fabrication and deceit. We can go forward and continue making excellent choices and choosing the right. Our honesty will shine through and in time, every lie will be exposed for what it is, and we will succeed.

Today, if someone is saying terrible things about you and you’re being hurt, remember who you are. You are valiant and wise, and nothing can keep you from success. Hold fast to the truth and be honest in all your dealings. Your virtue will shine through and truth will rise. Be confident and step forward. Nothing can hold you down and you will prevail.

Carrying It

25 Feb

Every decision we make has a consequence and expresses who we are. Most of us try to make the best choices every time, but people are complicated, and sometimes because of fear or other influence, we may falter. If we make a bad choice, we carry the impact of it forward with us. If it’s an insignificant situation with people we don’t know, we might be able to ignore it and just move on. However, if it involves those who depend on our integrity and we’ve been dishonest, it will be harder to let it go. We always know what we’ve done and even if we’re able to hide, the burden of carrying something negative forward will become heavy and may hurt us in the long run. Nobody’s perfect and everyone makes mistakes from time to time. If we’ve done something that’s outside the person we want to be, it will never feel right. Carrying guilt forward will become heavy and may prevent us from achieving the goals we most desire. Thankfully, nothing is permanent and we can correct the situation by telling the complete truth, clearing the air and starting again. Owning up to our mistakes and errors in judgement does not diminish us in any way. Course corrections will help us live the lives we want the most. We have the potential to become anything we desire and go anywhere we choose. By living openly and honestly, and owning every decision, the road ahead will always be there and we can make our dreams come true.

Our ethical standards define who we are. We never need to succumb to situational ethics or change our values when our position becomes difficult. Situations never define our choices – we do. Every day will bring us the opportunity to choose and what we do tells the world who we are. We are strong enough to always choose in ways that honor our values. We have everything we need to succeed. By being honest in all our dealings we will achieve our goals and bless everyone around us.

For some, there’s a sliding scale when it comes to ethics and honesty. If they want something badly, they will do whatever it takes to gain it. They justify their behavior through their desires, and don’t care who gets hurt. They take what they want regardless of who is in the way or any consequences that may arise. They may get the prize but the cost will be high. They will lose the trust of those around them and it will be impossible to build strong relationships. We can choose the best road at every turn. Our lives are ours to design and with clarity and honesty, we will find satisfaction and happiness in choosing well.

Today if you’re in a situation that’s pushing you to make a choice you don’t feel good about, hold fast to your standards. You know how to make excellent decisions and need not bend your ethics to get through. Keep your eyes focused on the life you want the most. Show us who you are and set the bar high. You are a blessing to the world and we need your influence. Choose wisely, be confident, and show us the way.

Leading On

29 Jan

There are many kinds of leaders in the world. There are kings and magistrates, presidents and ambassadors, and different influential and powerful individuals. The world is filled with billions of people and when there are righteous, honest, valiant leaders to help them, much good can be accomplished. In our personal lives there are people around us who can teach us things and show us the way when we’re confused or lost. They may not be formal leaders but they are available when we need help finding the way forward. While we depend on them at one time or another, we are all leaders in our own way. We all have gifts to share but we can only lead as far as we’ve gone. We can’t share what we don’t possess, and there is no way to teach someone something we don’t know. Before we can have influence and share our knowledge, we have to gain it. Everything we do teaches us something and if we expand our reach and step beyond where we are, we learn more and gain greater skills and insight. Knowledge brings confidence and helps us move ahead with clarity and power. When we share that knowledge with others and push forward toward a goal, there is nothing that can keep us from success. We may not think of ourselves as leaders, but everything we do changes the world in some way. By sharing what we know we can expand our influence and reach every goal we set.

If we want to lead those around us, we must be willing to step forward into the unknown and forge the way ahead. What we know is comfortable and predictable but can never afford great change or growth to enter our lives. If we stay within our comfort zones, we may have an easier time but we won’t experience the thrill of knowing what we can accomplish. We are capable of amazing experiences if we allow ourselves to step beyond where we are. A new road will take us to new destinations that will enrich us and broaden our understanding of life. Once we embrace the road ahead, we can show others the way forward and reach any destination we desire.

Everything we do is visible and open to those around us. We are setting an example with each choice we make. If we live true to the standards we’ve set for ourselves, our integrity and honesty will impact those around us and may affect the decisions they make. They will learn to trust us and rely on our judgement and wisdom. We can change the world by choosing to be valiant and true in every decision. There is greatness inside us and we can make good, strong choices that guide our lives and lead others toward excellence.

Today if you want more experiences in your life, step away from what you know and try something new. Choose a new path that will take you somewhere different. Make the unfamiliar yours and then share it with those around you. Take control and show others the way. Life is filled with experiences that will enhance and delight you. Do everything you dream and be the person you most want to be. The whole world is there waiting and everything is possible.

Looking In

18 Jan

“You can fool all the people some of the time and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.” Abraham Lincoln

As we go through our lives, every decision we make takes us somewhere and tells the world and those around us who we really are. We can say anything to anyone to convince them we are one way or another, but what we do tells the real story. Our actions will always shine the truth on every situation. If we’re good at pretending and hold fast to what we’re trying to portray, we may even convince ourselves we are different than we really are. But nothing can hold the truth back forever. It will always rise and show itself openly and clearly to us and those around us. We can do anything we like with our lives and gain any attributes we value, but it takes determination and focus to do our best and be honest and authentic in every decision. The world is filled with all kinds of temptations and possibilities. Sometimes it may be easier to get what we want by deception and trickery instead of working toward the goal with integrity and diligence. If we are desperate to win the prize, we may choose a path of deception that takes us far from the person we most want to be. We might fool those around us but when we look in the mirror, the person staring back will always know the truth. There is never a need to compromise our personal values or integrity. There isn’t anything we can’t do honestly and valiantly. It may take longer than cheating the system, but choosing well enhances our self-esteem and builds our confidence. We deserve the best lives possible, and choosing to be honest in all our dealings will help us achieve every goal.

There are all kinds of ideas in the world and a constant tug of war between what is right and wrong. The values of one group may contradict the values of another, and there will always differences of opinion. Despite differences in interpretation, we can choose the best road forward that reflects our personal honesty and ethical standards. There will always be the opportunity to make excellent decisions and choices that are above reproach and enhance us going forward.

Nobody is perfect and imperfections are a natural part of life. We all have things about ourselves we’d like to change and when we’re ready can do what is needed to alter them to better reflect who we are. Despite any perceived shortcomings, there is never a need to hide are true selves. We are valuable as we are and have much to offer. There is nobody else in the world who can give the gifts we have to share. We can be sure of our abilities and go forward with clarity and confidence.

Today, if the goal you’re trying to reach has been difficult and you’re considering cheating to get there, remember your choices tell everyone who you really are. Choose the path that will reflect your personal honesty and integrity. You are a great blessing and your influence can lift us all. Make the best decisions possible and set the example for good. Step forward with confidence, and you will find great success.

Reflection

10 Jan

Each day we make many decisions, and every decision we make takes us somewhere and tells the world who we are. We can say anything we like and act out in different ways, but our lives are the true reflection of the decisions we make. We can choose anything we like at every opportunity. If we’re rushed or desperate, we might make a bad choice simply to get out of a difficult situation. Bad decisions may bring immediate gratification and quick relief but they cannot provide lasting happiness. If we choose badly, chances are we’ll pay a big price for it. Sometimes, we may go the wrong way because we only consider ourselves and our own personal interests, and may not think of the impact the decision may create on those around us or what will happen next. We are responsible for the lives we have. If we find we’re continually tangled up in complications and distrust, odds are the decisions we’re making are putting us there. We are capable of living strong, noble, happy lives but we must create them. Nobody gets a paved road with all the answers provided in advance. We must weigh each situation carefully, look at all the options before us, consider where our choices will take us, and then decide. Our best decisions won’t always be the easiest to make but we are capable of choosing wisely and doing what is needed to live happily and peacefully. By making good, sound decisions that take us where we most want to go, we can have the lives we desire.

People lie for all kinds of reasons. Sometimes it’s because the truth is hard to face, or because the lie will get them something they desire. Lies can camouflage facts for a time and may make the road ahead a little easier – at first anyway. The first time we tell a lie we may feel great remorse and disappointment but if we lie again, it’s easier to look the other way. Repetition relieves guilt and if we make lying a pattern, eventually we may do it without even thinking. But truth is powerful and no matter how we bend it or manipulate it, will always rise and become obvious. There is nothing worth sacrificing our integrity. There is no goal worth selling our honesty to achieve. If we are truthful in all things, we’ll have the lives we want the most and the trust and respect of those around us.

There is an old saying that “the ends justify the means.” If what we’re seeking is very important to us, we may be tempted to do anything or make any decision, even a bad one, to get it. The “ends” may seem critical but nothing is worth giving up our personal integrity to get it. We can achieve anything we desire by making excellent choices. Each decision we make defines who we are, and with patience and wisdom we can become the people we most want to be.

Today if you’re considering a bad decision to get out of a difficult situation, think carefully before you act. Every decision you make reflects on who you are. Make choices that show the world your personal integrity and honest principles. Embellish and augment every situation by choosing wisely. You are a blessing to us all. Share your best with us, move forward with confidence, and every success will follow.