You are what is within you, not what is without.
Self preservation means putting your own survival before anything else. The meaning of survival has undoubtably shifted throughout human evolution from physical survival to mental. We don’t have to preserve our existence from the threat of lions and tigers, but rather preserve our Self in a more spiritual sense: preserving our peace.
Self preservation means having Boundaries.
We all want to be kind, and we all want to be liked; however, when practicing self preservation, these desires are not priorities. Those who practice self preservation understand that the disturbance and discomfort from letting others tread over our Boundaries is far worse than being disliked or hurting feelings.
While self preservation is important, it doesn’t mean that every person who practices it is a Good Person.
Integrity is the fuel that adds the element of Good to a self preserved person.
Integrity ensures that your Boundaries rest on high morals.
I’ve seen Integrity explained as “doing Good while no one’s watching.” This is absolutely true. Having Integrity means that the circumstances you end up in have no effect on how you respond to them.
Integrity is doing good from within.
If you found a wallet on the ground with a ton of cash in it, what would you do? Would you turn it in without touching the cash? Would you turn it in, but give yourself a small payment? Would you take all the cash before turning it in? Or would you just take the entire wallet?
What would you do if you knew no one would find out?
Integrity means you would turn it in fully. Not because you’re “supposed to,” or it’s “the right thing to do,” but because YOU Don’t Steal.
Integrity is a Personal Choice. Integrity is not influenced by any external factors.
Practicing Integrity and Self Preservation is a Super Power. These two qualities together give you an aura of protection and peace that no one can impede on.
Be aware: this will be threatening to others, especially those who do not practice these qualities. Insecurities will lead them to try to tear you down and disturb your peace, but maintaining these virtues will leave you invincible.
Have a blessed day.
