…..”This above all else–to thine own self be true: and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.” -William Shakespeare in his timeless classic Hamlet.
As we move through life, we likely have daily reasons to be reminded of the advice “To thine own self be true.” And you’re just as likely to have daily opportunities to answer the critical question, Will I be true to character?
When the waters are calm, it’s easier to respond, I will. But what about those times when things heat up and you’re under blistering stress? Those moments put your character to the test.
How will you respond when you are mistreated, accused, bad mouthed, hurt, or misunderstood?
How will you respond when there is the opportunity to take advantage of another, especially if no one would ever know?
How will you respond if you have the chance to take something that isn’t yours and you’ll likely never be caught?
How will your respond in situations when you have power or position over others? Will you maintain your character, or will you violate integrity and honest, abandon respect for others, and fail to align with correct principles?
Some of the best tests of character come in the midst of fierce competition–a situation in which it can be difficult to practice respect and civility. It may be difficult, but it’s absolutely possible to be a ferocious competitor and still be civil. You can be strong on the issues while being strong in character; the evidence is kindness and sincere respect for others.
Be true to yourself.
Have a great weekend,
sysr
Outstanding!
Uplifting advice that I will implement in my life starting TODAY!
A wonderful read, and I agree completely. Respect is a misused word anymore, and must be performed while in the midst of our peers and rivals, but more importantly when we are away from them. To receive such a deserved action one must sincerely give it first. What a great Monday kick start!
I appreciate the statement that “You can be strong on the issues while being strong in character; the evidence is kindness and sincere respect for others.” I think sometimes we confuse kindness and treating others with respect, with being too soft, or too caught up in how others “feel”. The reality is that kindness and respect create the foundation for successful relationships, both personally and professionally. There are many times when being kind and respectful takes more focus, strength and self control than reacting unkind, but that’s when your true character is on display….
I think there is a lot of peace that comes from being who you are in all situations, not just when it is convenient or fits our best interest in the current situation.
A good rule of thumb: “Would I be comfortable taking this action if my kids (or spouse) were watching?”
hola soy daniela y estoy muy preocupada quisiera saber si alguien puede ayudarme un poquito aclarandome una duda horrible que tengo, perdi un embarazo en marzo no paso de las 14 semanas y gracias a dios logrè quedar esperando un bebe nuevamente en junio, pero me quedo ese miedo y no quise ver mèdicos ni nada para no pasar denuevo por las explicaciones a todo el mundo y vivir mi dolor una y otra vez asi que no me hice ningùn control y ahora tengo casi 22 semanas y recièn en unas semanas màs tengo que ir al doctor por primera vez, solo me realice una eco vaginal para ver si estaba embarazada a la semana n 8, y bueno mi preocupaciòn y mi duda es que quizàs sea un poco tarde siesque se presentarà algùn problema e tenido un embarazo muy bueno y siento que todo esta bien pero que tan malo puede ser no controlarce con el doctor o la matrona? porque en el campo o los tiempos antiguos no existen los controles tan rigurosos? habrè perdido tiempo muy valioso? serà demasiado tarde el controlarme recièn a las 25 semanas? les agradesco la tribuna.