INTEGRITY and SELF RESPECT - Self Reflection of my journey

How would you explain integrity and self respect to anyone? These are principles that need to underpin pretty much every other decision that you make. It’s the ability to do the right thing or choosing to do the right thing when you could get away with doing the wrong ones. I opine no one is born with integrity and self respect - or likewise, without them. These are behaviour-based virtues that will be developed over time. As the saying goes, develop our character so that we are people more of the good virtues - doing the right thing, especially knowing that nobody's going to know whether you did it or not. 

I know and understand that we have our own stories to tell and journeys to take. Everyone makes mistakes at some point in time albeit a person with integrity and self respect owns up to them. This is to hopefully to bring out our moral compass, our True North that doesn't waver, with an inspirational, powerful and wise story for all.... do like or share if you want to...;- 

*JEWELS UNDER THE SADDLE*

Once upon a time, what happened did happen.....or you wouldn't be hearing this story!! A merchant on a casual jaunt through a market, came across a fine specimen of a camel for sale. The merchant and the camel seller, both skilled negotiators, struck a hard bargain. The camel seller finally pleased with his skill of worming out what he felt was a very good price, parted with his camel and the merchant chuffed that he had struck a fantastic bargain, proudly walked home with the latest addition to his large livestock.

On arriving home, the merchant called out to his servant to come and help him take out the camel's saddle. The unwieldy heavily padded saddle being too difficult for the servant to manage on his own. Hidden under the saddle, the servant found a small velvet pouch which on opening he discovered to be filled with precious jewels!!

The servant was over-excited!!! "Master you bought a camel.....but see what came FREE along with it!!!" The merchant was astonished as he looked at the jewels in his servants' palm. They were of extraordinary quality sparkling and twinkling in the sunlight.

"I bought the camel" he said, "not the jewels. I must return them to the camel seller immediately." The servant was aghast.....his master was really foolish. "Master.....no one will know." But the merchant headed right back to the market and handed over the velvet pouch back to the camel seller. The camel seller was very happy, " I had forgotten that I hid these jewels in the saddle for safe keeping."

"Here, choose one of the jewels for yourself, as a reward."

The merchant said "I paid a fair price for the camel and the camel only, so NO thank you, I do not need any reward." But as much as the merchant refused, the camel seller insisted. Finally the merchant said, sheepishly smiling, "Actually when I decided to bring the pouch back to you, I already took two of the most precious jewels and kept them for myself." At this confession the camel seller was a bit flabbergasted and quickly emptied the pouch to count the jewels. However, he was very confused. "All my jewels are here. What jewels did you keep?"

"The two most precious" said the merchant. 'My INTEGRITY and SELF RESPECT!'. The greatness of a man is often not in how much wealth and fames he acquires, but in his integrity, self respect and his ability to affect those around him positively. Have a great weekend folks. 

(Disclaimer : I offer articles of differing perspectives that have some raw truths that I identify with, albeit in no way am I saying that this is right or correct as we all have our own heart to follow. I'm open to many perspectives and thoughts and it's my way of sharing my ever evolving thoughts and understanding, of my own realizations, self love and journeys, which comes from time spent in solitude and self reflection. These are mirrors to help us, to help me understand ourselves / me better.

All rights and acknowledgement goes to the author of these stories, not just me.)