The Paradox Of Life

It is not an impossibility to live a way of life free of paradox where you can have what you want without subjecting yourself to deviating from your own personal ethics. Nor it is totally contradictory to also treat other people with respect without losing your own respect for it is with your respect in tack for your own being that it can be extended outward.

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, That ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:34-35

Love For Others
The love you show for others is also the love that you show to yourself and it is with this love that all those around you feel the true meaning of love for one another.

We can also neglect to show how much we care but it is this lack of caring that hurts the inner strength for it is with this strength that you commit to help and to assist when you are yourself feeling less than loved by others. But, it is not always needed to have love extended to you for it is within you from past experiences that you keep moving forward to give first to others who need you.

There Are Times
There will be times when you feel that what you give is unappreciated or even that those you have helped may turn on you to criticize or ridicule you. This ridicule is a sure test of your fortitude to maintain a steadiness that does not in any way detract from your willingness to continue giving.

Not everyone, unfortunately, sees and accepts helping in the gracious way it was given for they may still be unable to respect themselves and therefore lack the strength to be grateful. This is not your failing but it belongs exclusively to them and it is not a failing that you need or should take as a demonstration to quit being who you are.

There are times when it seems your heart is open to hurt but remember that every heart that is real also has the ability to recover and be stronger than before.

There Is A Risk
There is always an aspect of risk to maintain your own ethics and outlook on life. The risk is that by showing that you care about something or someone can also mean that what you do or say may not be accepted at the time, or be seen as an intrusion in his or her life. This is the risk you take every time you behave consistent with who you are.

For example, if you are an honest person who does not hold back from saying it like it is, you will certainly find that there are occasions that people, like your colleagues at work, or your boss, or even your spouse may find offensive. This ability to be open and honest in all occasions does not mean, though, that you cannot soften your opinion by respecting where the other person is in their ability to accept criticism. Almost everyone can accept the truth if it is not relayed as a personal attack but relayed more as a issue that does not question their personal self-respect.

Be True
The personal cost of keeping your own ethics sound and true may seem a bit of a burden at times but that is a minimal price to pay to be true to yourself. There is absolutely no advantage to changing or altering a set of ethics that portray a person of value and integrity.

There may be times that keeping your ethics strong hurts you, but you must be able to answer to your own piper daily. Being yourself and loving others will bring you a peace in your life.

Inspirational Quotes for Reflection:
“If we each did something nice for someone else everyday, world peace wouldn’t be such a lofty dream, would it?” Nicole L Rivera

“Your only obligation in any lifetime is to be true to yourself. Being true to anyone else or anything else is not only impossible, but the mark of a false messiah.” Richard Bach

“Love is felt when we help others, when we support and encourage.” Catherine Pulsifer

Read More Inspirational Messages . . .