On Integrity
By: Leah Cone
Tags: Morality, Ethics, Integrity, Narcissism, Values

I had a heated debate today about integrity. The person I was speaking with couldn’t comprehend what I was saying about something so simple, so fundamental and so formative that I am actually concerned and bewildered enough to address it here. I think it’s incredibly telling that there are so many people out there that don’t live by a code of honor, nor do they understand what it means or why it’s so important. Just look around. This is precisely why our planet and society are in a world of shit right now — because of people choosing to be self-serving over doing what’s right.

From a very young age, I made an oath to myself to always live a life of honor and integrity. And while it has not been the easiest path — I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt the lack of guilt and the assurance that I have made choices in right action for the highest good has made the difficulties worth it in spades. I look back with a clear conscience and those times when I was in the wrong, I take responsibility for my part and try to learn as much as I can from those experiences. That’s just who I am. I am always striving to be a better person and I honestly wish more people were like that. It sure as hell would make communicating and relating to others much less frustrating!

When you have done as much self-work and spiritual development as I have, karma is very real, so anytime I step off or deviate, I get a swift kick in the ass. It’s just not worth it and I would rather suffer some relatively minor discomfort or inconvenience now than to knowingly hurt or take advantage of others, which ripples out with incalculable collateral damage. No one knows how much one slight of word, one egregious act, one lie, and the hurt caused can directly influence situations and outcomes. One bad action not only harms all of the people immediately involved, but it could set off a tsunami of negativity. That said, this power can also — and SHOULD — be used for good. Hence the need for integrity and honor. It’s so, so simple and it makes you and others feel good and cared for. Why is this so hard for some to understand!? We are all truly connected and in the wake of Covid, we should know that now more than ever.

Aries have a saying that they believe in karma because we ARE the karma — and this is very true. We are the warriors of the Zodiac who fight for the underdog, noble causes, and those who are taken advantage of — so integrity is a huge part of our modus operendi. Integrity certainly is a prerequisite to be in my life because I will not participate in dishonorable behavior directed at me or others. Anyone who knows me knows I am sweet as pie and I do prefer to be chill and pick my battles, but once pushed too far, that is the last thing you will be thinking — so just do the right thing and there won’t be an issue. It’s really not too much ask. Mess with the bull (or ram) and you will get the horns. Comprende?

So overall — since there seems to be some confusion about what integrity means and how to instill it in your life — here is an article explaining. We should all be working together towards solutions, so if you have a less-than-stellar track record of standing by your word, then know that you are part of the problem and this is for you. This is bedrock foundational common sense stuff, so I hope this helps you understand why honor and integrity are absolutely everything. Please teach your kids, nieces, nephews, grand and godchildren. If they have these traits, they will be set up for building good character and being a productive, contributing member of society and not a narcissistic parasite that just takes advantage without concern or remorse.

Bottom line — time’s up on the BS. People need to stop hurting others for their own selfish, fear-based aims. They don’t realize they are also hurting themselves and keeping us all stuck in this whirlpool of crap. I’m so over all of it. For the love of God and all things reasonable and sane, it’s time to step it up!