Integrity

This is one of my favorite words and an important core value in my life. The act of being openly honest, accountable and transparent in your character. Choosing to be honest, even (especially) when no one is looking, unwavering sincerity. Those who respect integrity are the authentic souls, you get what you get with them. No backhanded comments or side mouth slanders — raw perspective. It may not always be what you want to hear and you’ll know it’s their truth.

As I’ve discussed before, knowledge is vast and truth or falsehood gets blurred by opinions. When you live with integrity your focus is centered on understanding what is and is not honest. Seeking and sharing the truth are core components in your being. Becoming detective, judge and juror to the integrity of situations. Even though some take preference in being deceitful for personal gain, you remain honest.

Social stigmas and imposed standards can make a soul believe they need to “fake it to make it.” And many in our society not only engage in the deceit, they’re rewarded with promotions and elevated status — for being fake. And why would anyone change a behavior that seems so beneficial? It’s just a lie.

The more lies we believe or perpetuate the further we are from being authentic. A lot of internal work amounts to being a detective and getting down to the source of things. The more we practice this, like anything, the better we get. And the more we search for the truth the more attune we are to it’s presence (or absence). Do you want to be lied to? Probably not. Consider what the consequences actually are to your actions with raw integrity.

All my life, I get heart racing anxious if I am either telling a lie or hearing a known lie, my body rejects it physically. I’m not claiming anything by it, I’m sharing because that’s my biggest motivator to be honest. It makes me physically uncomfortable when I’m deceitful or when someone is deceiving me, trying to manipulate me or even debating me. I will likely shake with anxiety.

I do not like confrontation and I have learned to confront my concerns to lessen my stress because avoidance helps nothing. I’m capable of degrees of composure like anyone else, even if my heart feels like it’s pounding out my chest. In conflict, you’ll always see the truth of people. Do they support you, aim to understand you and discuss or make you the bad guy for being in conflict with them? If the latter, probably best to let them go.

Be well, sweet souls. 💛

If you identify with the neurodivergent community, would appreciate an adult space with a focus on support and betterment, I’d like to invite you to check out my discord server! Where shame, blame and devaluation are discouraged while compassion and personal growth are encouraged. The server is designated mature (18+) and minors are promptly removed. Multiple categories allow Members to decide what sort of content they’d like to see from the server using selections in the #about-you channel after joining. You’re invited!