Choosing to live with integrity can be a challenge. Sometimes people can make you feel guilty for trying to do the right thing instead of taking the easy way out. When that someone is a person close to you, someone you admire, it hurts even more. And yet, we all have to be able to live with our own conscience. Maybe it's a benefit of getting older, maybe we grow a bit more confident, or maybe we just become less willing to compromise our beliefs out the fear of being rejected. Whatever the reason, we no longer allow others to bully us into decisions we're not comfortable with.
I'm currently involved in a situation that is causing some turbulence in my life. It would be easy to agree to go along with the other person's suggestion. No one would get hurt, no one else would even know we lied. But, does that make it okay? Not long ago, I would've agreed to do it just to keep peace. But I've come to realize that dishonesty never brings peace. By choosing integrity, I'm making things harder on someone I love, and I'm very sad about that. It will cause us more work, more money, more risk. Still, in the end, I truly belief we'll both look back and be glad we did the right thing. At least, I hope so.
I think you are so right. It is easy for most people to take the easy way and never look back, but that guilty feeling sits with you for a long time. No matter the situation you are in, I believe you are making the right decision. Best of luck as you move forward and I hope the other person can also find peace.
ReplyDeleteEven when it's not popular, having integrity is one of the bravest, best things you can have. Don't let anyone take that from you. I think you are doing the right thing, even if it doesn't feel like it at the time. Good for you!!!
ReplyDeleteWhen you stick to your integrity, you always know, deep down, that you have done the right thing. At the end of the day, you are the one that has to go to bed with your own mind, and when your self-talk gets to say, "Job well done, even if it hurts" it is worth it. The pain will fade, and out of it, there will blossom new strengths, and you will be able to look back and see the strengths, as well as feel the pride that comes with making the integrity-filled decision. Thoughts with you as you maneuver through this challenge! Thanks for sharing such a personal post. It had to feel good to release it.
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