The Act of Integrity

I am passionate about integrity.

I don't think that it's something we possess rather, it's something that we quietly and consistently earn over time.  It's found in our actions.  Not in our words.

It's the things we do when no one's looking and the things we don't.  It's the choices we make when we could go a different direction and the ones we won't engage in because there's nothing good that could come of it.

I'm also a firm believer in the fact that building integrity in our relationships is a journey.  It's something that we must practice and nurture.  We can't expect to arrive.  And, we shouldn't ask for accolades.  It should simply be the way that we live.

My last boss in the corporate world before I left to stay home with my children was one of the most integrity-filled individuals that I have had the pleasure of knowing.  He showed up early, stayed late, quietly mentored, treated others often better than they deserved and made things happen.  He was kind and fiercely loyal.  And when it came time to give my resignation he said, "I'm proud of you.  It's the most important job you'll ever have."  His is an example that I can only hope to emulate.