INTEGRITY | Part IX ~ The Core Value Series

This post has taken me a long time to gather the courage to write because the topic of integrity is so thought provoking! It’s about striking a balance between who you are behind closed doors and what you show of yourself to the real world…

 

Exploring integrity has caused me to really dig deep, and think about how I/we show up.

 

Is what you put out there on a day-to-day basis the real you?

 

Am you living and speaking your truth?

 

I asked myself these questions and I can comfortably say that after much soul searching this month the answer is yes – actually for the first time in my life I feel like I’m showing up as my whole self in an integrated way and God it feels good!

I have clear boundaries.

I feel strong in my convictions and beliefs.

I don’t sit on the fence anymore.

I’m not afraid to stand in my power.

I feel the reason for these changes is that in the last 12 months I have been blessed to have been in a place in my life where I have been able to integrate a lot of the lessons I have learned over my lifetime.

Becoming a mother is a big part of this – it’s been an incredibly powerful turning point in my life and it has caused me to step up and embrace all parts of myself.

It’s also taught me a lot about nurturing a little person, about the importance of love and family, about self-care and how essential it really is, and also most recently about how valuable and precious my time is and the beauty that can be found in the small moments.

 

During my journey into integrity I discovered that it’s something at the core of me that I value deeply.

 

So just what is integrity?

 

Integrity (noun) is defined as:

1. the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.
2. the state of being whole and undivided.

I love both of these definitions as they show us that integrity means being moral and ethical (and that means even when no one is watching.) Living with integrity allows us to preserve valuable energy too because we aren’t trying to be something different in each environment or interaction. We feel a sense of congruency and the result of that is greater ease and flow.

 

I asked the gorgeous Kelly Watson – passionate marketing professional from Thread Marketing what she thought about Integrity and she offered these beautiful insights…

 

“I truly believe integrity is about doing what you say you are going to do. Whether that be in your professional world, personal life or to yourself. Each time you don’t follow through it chips away at your self belief.” – Kelly Watson

It also highlights the danger we face when we aren’t true to ourselves – over time this can cause us to doubt our beliefs and abilities and it feels yucky.

So, how can you incorporate more integrity into your life?

 

Strategies for developing integrity:

• Tell the truth, your truth. Don’t be afraid to be open and honest with people when it is safe to share your opinions and feelings, and also sometimes when it isn’t safe but it’s your truth and you need to say it anyway. Be your real self and experience how good it feels to speak up.

 

• When you say you will do something – do it. Of course there are exceptions to this, in the case of illness etc. and we need to be a little bit flexible in life but generally if you make plans or commitments, follow them through to the best of your ability.

 

• Be honest with others, particularly if something doesn’t feel true or right to you – say so rather than just ‘going with the flow’. There is a saying I love more than ever now, ‘if you don’t stand for anything you’ll fall for everything’. Wise words!

 

• Keep focused on your goals and check in regularly to be sure that the direction you are heading is where you actually want to be heading.

 

• Surround yourself with people that have great goals and big dreams. Spend time with people that lift you higher, that bring out the best in you, that make you shine. It’s okay to understand that we all experience lows but do be mindful of the company you keep and check whether it is chronically low. Seek mentors or coaches to help lift you even higher and keep pushing you to get where you want to go (and sometimes that can mean a little tough love too!) This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to abandon old relationships in your life (although it might) but more often than not you might need to shift focus and start having courageous conversations, or be conscious while you interact with everyone one your path to ensure that you are giving and receiving in each relationship from an aligned place.

 

Be yourself in all your glory.

Speak your truth.

Stand up for what you believe in.

Own your stuff.

Hone your vision.

Create your story.

Live your life in a way that feels good and true to you.

Be respectful of your own values, wishes, and needs.

And above all, do the right thing.

 

Much love,

 

 

 

 

 

 

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