In my opinion, a person is nothing without character and personal integrity. Personal integrity is exactly what the quote above says – it is not just about being honest and straightforward with others but also have the courage to be true with self. For example – if someone asks you for help, you must help if you can. But if you truly cannot, then it is much better to speak the truth – the same truth to yourself and the person asking for help. It is very hard for any self-respecting person to ask another person for help. Personal integrity in this way leads to development of character and builds one’s emotional reserves.
As a person grows spiritually and emotionally, the person is able to deal with challenges and problems much better and more effectively. This in turn leads to lowered stress and fosters positive energy. Personal integrity is about releasing the negative and building on the positive and allows one to look at each person with a balanced view. In my experience, a person who has negative thoughts and is not open, this person will not be trustworthy and will also be low on personal integrity. Conversely, a person who lives a life of honesty and integrity is a person who will openly depict their true nature to others, will be genuine and will not shy away from asking for help or giving help whenever necessary. Personal integrity allows a person to be rid of any internal ‘darkness’ and the need to ‘hide’.
Personal integrity inspires trust – in those we come in contact with and also within ourselves. With trust and support, we are strengthened and this brings confidence and self-reliance. Life seems to be getting harder and these positive traits, even though might not keep difficulties and obstacles away, they sure help to deal with them and overcome them a lot more easily and effectively. It therefore means that our life’s goals would be much more attainable through personal integrity and the traits that we build through it.
Life is a circle – whatever we put into it, comes back to us in some way. If you are high on personal integrity, the people you attract would be of a similar nature. However, if you have been dishonest and untruthful with people, you would soon be surrounded by the same kind of people, making it very hard to live in peace or even survive. Just like yourself, others too are able to detect deceit and lies and these are as annoying to others as to you – so give what you expect to receive.
Personal integrity must be at the core of our existence – every relationship or interaction we have then, will be an open, honest and credible one. Without integrity, one cannot hope to have even a close personal relationship as there would be fear, lies and the absence of love. It may be highly tempting to do the ‘wrong’ thing, but sooner than later, you would lose respect for yourself and find it hard to build relationships. Being completely honest is hard and sometimes risky, but a person with integrity will find a balance. As you go through life, reflect on how much the people close to you know you and you will have your answer on whether you have personal integrity or not. What do you think?