The character value of integrity is most often associated with “doing the right thing” – especially when nobody is witnessing it.
But what is “right”?
Is “right” something we each define for ourselves (subjective), or is it a universally agreed upon truth (objective)? Without opening an unnecessarily large can of worms – it’s important for us to understand and practice some common definitions in order for the right-doing of integrity to carry any social meaning.
There are certainly some “right” things that most of us humans universally agree upon, like not hurting children, for example. But there are also some more subjective, such as stealing. The classic example is: how morally wrong is it for a poor parent to steal a loaf of bread to feed their family?
When it comes to living with integrity and doing the “right” thing, instead of getting into the weeds of pandering philosophy debates, it is more beneficial for us to simply consider how our actions may or may not cause harm to those around us. This perspective leaves room for some reasonable subjectivity, but still captures the absolute essence of what “right” is and is not.
A person with integrity thinks before they speak about whether or not their words uttered in anger may harm their partner or kids’ mental health.
A person with integrity pauses to consider whether or not having one more drink before driving home may put their fellow travelers in harm’s way.
A person with integrity listens to their friends when recommended to reach out for additional support during seasons of difficulty.
We are each travelling through life at difference paces, with different spaces, and different faces all around us. The good and bad times come and go. The resources we have at our disposal wax and wane. But the one thing we all have in common is how we choose to act every single day.
Choosing to do right, whatever “right” may mean for you in this moment, is the key to living with integrity. If you or someone you know is struggling with making the choice of what to do next, please know The Willow Center is here for you.
-Written by Chase Cotten, Community Director
