Our Relationships of Integrity

Our Relationships of Integrity

by | Oct 23, 2012 | Cultural Creativity

Exchange
They are our relationships built on mutual trust and respect.

They are our relationships in which worries subside over being taken advantage of, or of needing to control.

They are our relationships where both parties act with confidence and ease.

They are our relationships in which games are not played, and expectations and needs are communicated clearly.

These are our relationships of integrity. They are our connections where we express and share without reservation.

We have examples of this kind of relationship everywhere we go. You participate in them at the restaurant you love to eat at, or the public transportation you trust to get you from A to B.

Our economy would not function without these relationships. There would be no buying or selling without them. If we look hard enough we can see that our relationships of integrity are the base of our modern economy.

There are so many people all around the world doing the right thing day after day so everyone can benefit. They are you, and they are me. We are the invisible glue that holds our economy, and our world, together.

photo credit: Brandon Doran

Because My Gut Says So

Because My Gut Says So

by | Jul 18, 2012 | Cultural Creativity

Gut Feeling

I can find it pretty easy to question my feelings, especially when they’re contrary to the people around me.

I might decide I’m being illogical, or overly emotional, or perhaps unreasonable. Whatever I choose, I’ll determine the uncomfortable feeling is something I can and should disregard.

I do this despite knowing that I have, like you, sharply honed instincts – deeply imbedded likes, dislikes, talents, and struggles – that are as much a part of me as my limbs. They make me the unique being I am. My instincts reflect the essential me – my values, my feelings, my fears, my experiences, my goals – and they’re the product of everything that goes into making me.

When I’m ignoring them, and going in the direction of an outside authority, it’s like I’m choosing to not trust my own eyes.

I’ll be remembering this analogy next time I feel scared acting towards my instincts. It’ll help me stay honest about how completely critical my feelings are in shaping this Brand of Me. My happiness shows my gut is my best adviser.