Integrity

The dictionary defines integrity as “the quality or state of being complete or undivided.” Simply put, when you have integrity, your words and your deeds match up.

John C. Maxwell says, “Integrity is not what we do so as much as who we are. And who we are, in turn, determines what we do.” Even Socrates reminds us, “The first key to greatness is to be in reality what we appear to be.”

Below is the poem “Myself” by Edgar Guest. Take a look and keep it handy!

Myself

I have to live with myself and so

I want to be fit for myself to know.

I want to be able as days go by,

always to look myself straight in the eye;

I don't want to stand with the setting sun

and hate myself for the things I have done.

I don't want to keep on a closet shelf

a lot of secrets about myself

and fool myself as I come and go

into thinking no one else will ever know

the kind of person I really am,

I don't want to dress up myself in sham.

I want to go out with my head erect

I want to deserve all men's respect;

but here in the struggle for fame and wealth

I want to be able to like myself.

I don't want to look at myself and know that

I am bluster and bluff and empty show.

I never can hide myself from me;

I see what others may never see;

I know what others may never know,

I never can fool myself and so,

whatever happens I want to be

self respecting and conscience free.

- Edgar Guest

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