The world is going through a collective humpty dumpty moment! So being truly connected to the source of our own inner "truth" allows a reference point from which to be "honest" about everything that is going on in our life. This integrity assists us in living truthfully or living a life in alignment with one's own golden rule.

When something is done that is in harmony with what is believed there is an internal sense of equanimity. In other words, it just "feels" right. The truth is not only, in and of itself complete; it also gives a sense of well-being or wholeness.

Through such protocols as standards, compliance functions, policies, rules, and audits our society has established "mechanisms" that guard against gross and clearly illegal violations of integrity. However these do not deal with the integrity choices that we face every day. These choices require personal discernment.

While we all have criteria we believe are important in our life, outside pressures and circumstances may lead us to stray from these values because of our own self-interest.

It has been shown that many individuals have an innate human ability to rationalize behavior.For example, if you ask, most people will say that cheating is wrong. Yet some will justify a choice appearing to be just that as "not really cheating," "no big deal," or something that "everyone else does." In other words, they rationalize their situational behavior, and this way they can still consider themselves to be honest.

The reality is that all of us face integrity-based choices on a regular basis. By our behavior do we tell our children "Do as I say, not as I do"? Do we reveal everything to a prospective buyer during due diligence? Do we go along with the crowd so we don't appear to be different when we want to fit in and gain acceptance from our peers? Is it acceptable to hide certain aspects of our background in a résumé? What's considered a warranted expense on a business trip? How much billable time is really devoted to a client? What are we( legitimately) taking into account when preparing our taxes? Are those small, white lies told to others really so bad? And the beat goes on. None of these situations have clear answers. As a result, no matter what choice we make, we can actually convince ourselves that it was made with integrity. And, like a little bit of rust on our car, if what we chose is not truly connected to the source of our own inner "truth", transgressions spread and gradually erode our spirit.

Integrity is something one learns and strengthens over time.  It is a conscious choice one creates and has total control over.  No one can make us have or not have integrity.

With the words we speak and the actions we take, we are constantly influencing those around us. Day to day life involves our participation in a variety of social settings that can include  partnerships, parenting, work, recreation, etc. Word to the wise- if integrity comes into play, someone is always watching.

When a person lives with integrity they are open and honest. Life is uncomplicated and less stressful. They succeed. As, living in integrity is "clean and simple" as well as fool proof and fail safe!