INTEGRITY MONTH: DAY 2: “True integrity holds its ground even when such a stance means that you have let go of everything else that’s sitting on that ground.”― Craig D. Lounsbrough
It is simple to be integral with our words and actions when there is little or nothing at stake. When we believe that our lives are on the line, it can shift how we respond to spiritual challenges.
Ego will tell us to “fudge” or live with “little white lies” as if there is anything that can be washed over that is untrue.
Many addicts believe it is perfectly fine to be dishonest when it comes to money. And will cheat or lie on their taxes, with their employer or when transacting a financial deal in any way. That is not the case.
One of my favorite movie lines was from a 1980s movie called “Flatliners.” I saw how each of the members of the movie were involved in situations that were direct outcomes of their own actions in the short lives they had lived. At one point one of the members reported that; “Everything you do matters.” I believe this is true across the board, no exceptions.
We are given this amazing opportunity to learn how to behave with honor and integrity. Many of us did not live that way prior to recovery. The purpose of learning how to do this is because we are not going to use and drink when we have the kind of self-esteem and self-respect that only comes when we are living in alignment with our personal truth. That is what integrity means.
I am about living what I believe. Period. There are no loopholes or exceptions to the truth. I cannot believe in something and then do it differently “just this once.” I don’t know about you, but I have tried it and paid the price for doing what I know is wrong. Perhaps it is karma, or perhaps it is just the way the universe is designed. As Chuck C. used to say, “You cannot throw garbage into life and expect to receive anything else back.” Life will only give us what we put into it. Truth and honor, or lies and deceit.
We have all known that feeling of being less than honest when confronted with a situation where it is easier not to be. No matter, it is a challenge to show others who we truly are, no matter how uncomfortable it is. And we must take the risk that the situation may not come out the way we would like it to. Too bad, there is NOTHING to be gained by placating our sense of ease and comfort (Ego) with less than the most truthful responses to life we can come to. Nothing.
Dolphin Hug 