[Classic post from 12-31-11]

A philosophy such as in this Lau Tzu quote escaped my understanding until recently. I was taught, or learned rather, to respond in kind. And even though I then lose my place and position, it was the fair thing to do–an eye for an eye and all that sort of thing.

Now I realize that in so doing, I’ve given up the thing that I thought I valued, such as the goodness, or the honesty to fight the evil-doers and liars, only to become as they and ultimately show how little I valued the previously held ideals.

It makes perfect sense to me now that treating all with goodness maintains the value of goodness. It also means that I make the choice by choosing goodness.

How does this apply in real life? I’ve worked a few jobs where things my boss told me to say or do were against my values, yet because they were my employer, my source of income, my livelihood, I folded and did as was requested or instructed feeling crappy about it, yet doing it nonetheless. I could see how the client was looking at me and thinking about me, but I felt that I had no choice. I mean, it wasn’t exactly like breaking the law or anything, it was just not right in my mind–more like a difference of opinion or outlook. Yet, no matter how I tried to justify it or whitewash it, it was still distasteful to me.

Today, I would respond differently and take the risk. This is probably one of the big reasons that I am in business for myself because I can make the decisions and feel good about them and do what I think is right. Now if something doesn’t feel right to me, I am in total control of changing it until it does. Thus rightness or integrity is obtained.

“If You Don’t Change Direction, You May End Up Where You Are Heading.” — Lao Tzu

Spread Some Joy Today–Love yourself first and foremost.