Integrity

Integrity is defined as: adherence to moral and ethical principles;
soundness of character; undiminished; honesty.

There is very little in this world as important as one's word ~
or one's integrity.
It is what is done when there is nothing to gain;
nothing to prove;
nothing to achieve.
It is, quite simply, the core of one's self.

If one maintains honesty ~ there's no reason to remember stories.
If one maintains principles ~ there's no reason for false facades.
If one maintains character ~ there's no reason for altered behavior.

Consistency is key.
Kindness is integral.
Honesty is vital.

Take the integrity pledge:
I am me.
I am happy with me.
I will follow my path ~ no matter how unpopular
I will do the right thing ~ undeterred.
I will always be me ~ and that is fantastic!

Now, go be amazing!

Your Job

I was raised to respect the janitor as much as the company president.
Neither man is more important than the other;
and both must function to their fullest
in order for the other to be successful.

If you are a ditch digger,
dig the best, most beautiful ditches there ever was.
If you are a waitress,
tend to those guests as though they were family.
If you are a receptionist,
greet those folks with the warmth of pure sunshine.
If you are a cashier,
smile and take care of every customer as though
they were the ONLY customer.
If you are a president,
work with your people, lead by example,
set guidelines, applaud exceptional service,
be the reason your employees want to advance.

We can't just do the part of the job we like.
You have to do your whole job.
For if you only do a portion, you are burdening others
with the work you've left undone.

If we all work together,
in compliment,
oh . . . what a wonderful world it would be.

The 3 B's

We know the 3 R's.
I've written about the 3 P's.
Today, I implore you to exercise your 3 B's.

Be Giving.
Be Kind.
Be Loving.

There are about a million other things we should be,
but those probably top the list. And then, perhaps . . .

Be Well.
Be Happy.
Be Wonderful.

I'm pretty sure though, that if you own the first three,
the second set comes naturally!

Enjoy your day.

Li'l Sweet

No, silly person, I'm not talking about the diet Dr. Pepper mascot.
I'm talking about those tiny things that people do
that truly touch your heart.
Doesn't need to be a bucket o' money,
or a new car,
or fancy jewelry.

Sometimes, to round a corner and hear someone talking nicely about you,
without provocation, want of reciprocation, or reward
just makes your heart sing.
Sometimes to get a text that says
"All will work out because you're good people."
makes the whole day better.
Sometimes just a wee phone call faux yelling at you because you're moving
just wraps you up in warmth and love.

Today, go out there and do a Li'l Sweet.
Don't complain.
Don't gossip.
Don't condemn.
Do a Li'l Sweet and see what comes back at you!

Helping

Listened to a dear friend tell me a story about her son.
He felt like he should do more to help other people.
So, one day he did.
And when he got to his job that he was about to lose,
he was offered another position within the company.

Coincidence?
Believe what you want.

I choose to believe that the best way in which to help yourself
is to help other people.
When I get so knotted up in my own nonsense,
I take a deep breath, look around, and listen.
I find someone in need, someone hurting, someone down.
I do whatever I am able to assist, to soothe, to lift them up.
And, by the time I'm done exhausting myself for them,
my issues seem to have untangled themselves.

To put another soul before your own
is a blessing for that soul,
and a beautiful gift to yourself!

Don't get any on ya!

There comes a time
when the smartest, healthiest, wisest, safest
thing that you can do is
NOT to respond;
NOT to react;
NOT to plot;
NOT to argue;
NOT to fight;
NOT to scream;
NOT to participate.

The best thing to do is
to simply smile, nod, and walk away.

To leave a hot mess
with integrity, dignity, and morals
is a beautiful thing.

Don't get any on ya!

Simple Things

Do not get all tangled up
in the tendrils of societal nonsense.
Instead,
breathe . . .
enjoy and embrace the simple things . . .

mists over meadows,
sunbeams through the clouds,
moonlight on water,
happy chirping birds,
lazy, lapping waves,
winding wooded pathways,

and knowing you are loved!