Integrity

 

Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching  C.S. Lewis

                                   

 

The older I get the more in tune I am to my actions matching my being.  

There are a certain number of social niceties that are required to get along in society.  Do I always feel like being friendly to the store clerk, maybe not but we do it to make that person's day a bit more pleasant.  Even though that nicety may not match my mood of the moment it is the grease that keeps our society running and is not a rub against my integrity.  In fact, I will go as far as saying it is a function of my values to be kind and therefore that makes it authentic even though it probably isn't in the clear definition of the word.  I believe what makes the difference is intention.  My intention is kindness therefor that makes the action authentic and keeps me living in integrity.

True integrity is matching your actions with your values.  It is often intention that hints as to your action being authentic or not. Doing the right thing-not at the expense of yourself but with the intention of expressing authentic kindness or connection.

• Intention is determining the rational behind your action
• Authenticity is assuring your intention is within your values
• Integrity is taking authentic action with intention