This might be a little long winded and I apologize, however I am pretty passionate about this subject and of course my kids.
As I've pondered my entry for the challenge on 'Honesty and What it Means to You?' For well over a week now, two questions kept coming to mind over and over again. How has honesty and integrity played a part in my world and have I been able to convey the importance of these two words to my children over the years?
I am a blessed Mother of three children, I started my family at a very young age and have learned much about integrity and honesty over my lifetime. I have two grown sons, Cory & Kip and a teenage daughter, Karly (our 'pink' bonus after nine years of no babies). Today (September 20th) we celebrated my youngest sons 25th birthday. Like so many other significant dates on the calendar I often find myself reflecting back over the years and ponder my role as a Mother. Asking myself, have I set a good example, did I show enough love, have I given too much advice, did I express my opinion too strongly? But mostly, I wonder if I have taught my children about being honest with their fellow man, themselves and in all their business dealings and relationships in life? Have I express the importance of ones character and explain how far integrity will take them? I hope so...but at times I can't help but wonder if they will take my mistakes in my life time as their sole example. Oh yes, I have made my mistakes and have learned from some of life's hard knocks and that integrity and character are much more valuable than popular choices are any day!
I feel that I strive to instill honesty and integrity in my daily life and hope that my family, friends and business clients see that in my reflection and behavior. I abide by all the laws of the land and would not condone illegal actions of any kind. I live a very modest lifestyle and find that if you live your life with integrity it seems to make life a lot less cumbersome.
I have been subject to some individuals in my lifetime that have lacked integrity and have been dishonest in many ways including business dealings. They have displayed some not so appealing behaviors with their interaction with others. My theory is that it's best to gravitate towards people that share similar values and morals as your own so that you aren't tempted to compromise your own convictions and values.
Teaching our children to be honest, to be true to their principles and standards should be an easy task right? Sure, there may be times in our life when it will not be popular to be honest, times when you may be shunned for being true to your standards. Everyone needs to be accepted and loved. However, a person does not gain lasting respect by giving in to social pressure and violating their personal standards. You may gain temporary popularity, but never lasting respect.
So it can be asked, "how can we show tolerance for other people’s opinions and lifestyles without jeopardizing our integrity?" Simple, if you choose to live a life of truth. Be honest with yourself and others. Do not rationalize that dishonesty is right. Choose friends who share your same standards. Treat everyone with kindness and respect. Prepare to be an influence for good in the world are just a few things we can do as an example for our children, to our fellow co-workers, friends, clients and even our neighbors.
Retain integrity and striving to think and act for oneself will cause others to respect you. Having integrity is by far more valuable than social acceptance. Your life will prosper and others will gravitate toward you, your clients will respect you for your convictions, trust you and want to do business with you.
Integrity is a quality of being complete, it is courage, it is forthrightness, goodness! Take these away and there is nothing left but an empty shell. Being honest and with integrity brings inner peace, purpose of life and security in all you do. Lack of integrity brings the opposite, discord, competition, hardship, fear and confusion.
Honesty and integrity with yourself and as a licensed REALTOR® or professional holds a higher standard of ethics and we should not be asking, “What will others think of me, and my practices?” but, “What do I think of myself if I do this or fail to do that?” Is it proper? Is it right?
As a mother I hope that my children deal honestly with their co-workers, employers, friends and family relationships and themselves. I pray they choose the right and set the example in their daily lives, that they seek those that deal honestly. They stand strong for their beliefs and they respect those that are different. That they don't fear being different because of the unpopular choice of todays society!
I have a favorite plaque on display that I keep near my entry way as others come into my home. This plaque displays a message that is a pretty simple guide of 'life skills' and a way of life that I hope my children heed. Across from the plaque I have my children's 8x10 photos of their headshots on the wall which reflect in the mirror hanging above the buffet that displays my plaque. From several angles you can see the plaque and the reflection of my children's faces in the mirror. No one probably makes the connection of the reflection in mirror but this Mother. However, I often wonder if my children feel they can look themselves in the mirror each day and be proud of their dealings, their choices and relationships. Do they reflect the image of honesty? Do they reflect the image of good character? Do they reflect the image of integrity in their lives? Are they leading a life of example, will they know when to make the right unpopular choice? I hope so, I pray so. Does your reflection please you? I hope that we remember daily that we owe our children, friends, clients, spouses, partners, employers, employees and especially ourselves nothing less than to be true to ourselves. To lead by example, to learn by our mistakes and to strive to be honest, to seek out those that will not want us to compromise our values. Be respectful to those that have different opinions and those that choose differently.
In parting, I share with you my most treasured plaque below and may we let it serve as guide in our own lives in our daily interactions and remember that respect is earned, integrity is a virtue and your word and character is all you really have. As we wear the badge as REALTORS® and professionals that we remember to act with integrity, make it a part of our daily routine, practice ethically, respect those that are different. Be an example to others. May you be blessed with success and happiness in all you do. Thank you for reading my long winded thoughts! "Thank you Jo for inspiring me to reflect with your challenge."
Candace Robinson, Arizona REALTOR HomeSmart Real Estate, www.ArizonaHomeCentral.com, (480) 202-3558, Serving the East Valley- Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Mesa, Ocotillo, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Queen Creek, Casa Grande, Maricopa, Ahwatukee Arizona.
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