Tag: integrity

Living through Principle

On By Moments with MillieIn Essay4 Comments

The word “integrity” has been the theme for the last few weeks. Integrity is what makes you righteous, whole, and truthful. It’s an important word. How many of us say one thing and do the complete opposite? That’s an example of not living through integrity. 

I have been witnessing the need to clear things up through my truth and moral beliefs. I am purging, not just clutter in the home but past issues, old paradigms, and relationships that are not in alignment with my honor. At times, I am shocked that it’s still taking me so long to understand these life experiences and why I must continue to evolve and not stay stuff in the old patterns. We are growing and shifting and expanding at such a high rate of consciousness.

I am questioning more… other’s intentions around me. Whereas before, my airy fairy attitude allowed everything and anyone to just come into my vortex. I am not as trusting. And that is okay because I am accepting humanity on a higher level of energetic exchanges.

Do not tell me who you are. Show me through your actions. Do not promise me something that you know very well you won’t follow through with. Just be you. Be the WHOLENESS of your essence without pretending, compromising your word, or breaking your authentic nature. That’s all! 

I remember about six years ago witnessing my little girl. She was about 20 months then. One morning she showed me her wholeness and value. I heard her in her room so I opened the door catching her sitting on her bed. She extended an arm way out and said, “Nooooo. No, Mama….no!” I stepped back and realized she needed more time to herself. I walked out and closed the door. Ten to fifteen minutes later she called for me and we began our morning. She was in all her truth and knowing that I would understand. I completely honor this in its simplest form. She didn’t need me to get her up just because she was talking in there. She needed her time. She showed me that when she’s ready she will call me by name. Our perception and interpretations get in the way of how we value others and ourselves. She had not learned the distinction, therefore following her instincts and desires was all that was expected from her.   

No one is expecting perfection. No one wants what you cannot provide. Even a toddler will show you exactly who they are if you are willing to pay attention. Live within the means of what you believe and can accomplish. NO ONE or anything is worth the loss of your integrity. Sometimes it is like your virginity…once it’s gone there’s no getting it back. There is no trust or re-do button that can fix it. And, it starts from childhood. Standing your ground. Stand in your honor and worth.   

Live in the sweetest bubble of virtue. Navigate your life through the utmost level of principles. These are your beliefs. Let YOUR life be an example of who you are through love, laughter and actions! You know exactly what and who you are. If you don’t then you need to sit and contemplate for a while. If you don’t know how to find your wholeness, then how the heck can you expect another to do it for you? It’s time you recognize it in yourself. 

I love you,
Millie

Integrity for Purchase

On By Moments with MillieIn Essay9 Comments

A coworker was sharing a story about someone. Another coworker said that it was “integrity for purchase.” This meaning that the person had integrity only when it was monetarily convenient to her.

I had one of those Aha Moments. Integrity for purchase isn’t just based on monetary or materialistic issues. Some folks just acquire integrity based on their needs. But, at the end of the day they are still lacking character, authenticity, principle and honor. They lack value and falsify it by acquiring what they need from others in a sneaky way.

These are narcissists, ego maniacs and highly selfish people. They can manipulate others for their needs. And those folks who are kind can often times find themselves in a horrible web of hurt and despair because of their behaviors.

It’s sickening. It’s destructive. It’s inhumane.

Integrity is a huge one for me. I observe folks by their actions and not by what they say. They can write lovely things and behave egotistically. They can look at you straight in the eyes and believe their own lies.

As I continue walking into a deepened spiritual journey I am always questioning my own integrity. I question my own egotism. And I hope I continue to question it because it keeps me in check.

I also tend to beat myself up for wrong-doings…. For cheating on my soul because I wanted something so badly and I knew (instinctively) that it wasn’t for me. This also keeps me grounded in checking my integrity. I am imperfect and do fall for those who promise what they will never give. They are amazing salesmen.

Darlings, please recognize the toxic energy associated with these types of personas. They are sick individuals who thrive on the kindness and compassion of higher frequencies. They believe they can get a great deal for what you easily project. Remember that your integrity is not for sale!

Medal of Honor

On By Moments with MillieIn Essay10 Comments

I had Thanksgiving dinner with my sweet client at a skilled nursing facility. I was his dinner date. Traffic was horrific and I got there when everyone was being served. When he saw me across the room he smiled ear to ear.

“I’m so sorry I’m late,” I said while taking off my coat.

“I didn’t think you was coming!”

I sat with him and two other gentle ladies with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities. I introduced myself to them and one told me that my date had been talking about me all afternoon. I giggled like a school girl and they joined me.

We laughed. We talked. We shared. We told stories of past Thanksgivings. He told me his favorite desserts. And we spoke of families and such. We spoke about bingo and movies. I felt right at home.

As dinner was finishing he grabbed my hand and in his slurred speech he said, “Okay. I’m ready to tell you my story….”

I’ve asked two times in the past seven months of taking over his case and he wouldn’t share with me anything about his past. The details of his accident are not available in his chart because they happened many years ago. But, tonight holding my hand with hundreds of people talking around us, he handed his story as if giving me a Medal of Honor for sticking with him…for continuously showing up. He shared details of how he became paralyzed, of his stroke, of his brain injuries. He laid it out for me taking deep breaths squeezing my hand and heart in between his. In that corner table by the kitchen he showed me himself, exposed in full vulnerability, knowing I would not judge or interrupt. He returned to that day as I watched it all in my own movie reel with him as the hero.

He shared it all while staring into my soul acknowledging that I was listening…that I was fully present with him on this journey. He stopped several times and I allowed for the words to return without pressure each time coming closer to him so I could hear it completely while the noise in the room grew louder.

His eyes watered. Tears swelled in mine as I tried to compose myself. I patted his hand and thanked him. Silence engulfed us for a few minutes and he added, “You earned it. You earned my story!”

It’s a privilege to have soul to soul conversations with others. I kissed his cheek and told him that he was one of the bravest souls I’ve met in a long time. I reminded him of his life and how he has chosen to travel the path with humor and dignity. He grinned showing me his gums.

I rolled him on his wheelchair back to his room. Quietude of grace filled us both. “Thank you for sharing your story with me. I am honored that you entrusted me.”

“Millie, the honor is mine. I’ve been tough with you. I don’t trust many people. Thank you for your kindness. You are patient.”

As I was closing his room door I looked back and he had removed his shirt. I witnessed the many scars visible to the eye and all the deep ones hidden underneath. He is my hero.

Our lives can transform in a single moment. Things happen that change us, shake us, and we are never the same again. The life he once had will never be again. And he wants no pity. He wants to keep his dignity. I love that about him.

This is the virtue of giving thanks. It isn’t only in the holidays. But it is an opportunity to share and receive, give and exchange, from heart and soul.

His words echoed all the way home driving in the dark. I didn’t turn the radio on. I didn’t busy myself with phone calls. I was given a gift that I will never forget. He taught me the value of trust, timing, and acceptance. It’s important to know who and when you share with the essence of your truth and history. Those stories need to be earned so they truly penetrate their importance…

Because we all matter. We all have something to give and take. We all have a story that can change another.

The Mark

On By Moments with MillieIn Essay4 Comments


We spend our lives trying to fit with others. We give our worth away, handing it over carelessly to someone else to mark us…tarnishing our very soul. We will never make every single person happy. Somehow we get a letter embroidered or tattooed as a mark, a label of sorts, based on how we are seen. Mistakes from the past get magnified and we are forever marked as damaged goods. Whether it’s a B for bitch, a W for witch, an A for addict, L for liar, or the rest of the alphabet, we live with a scarlet letter because of others. And, in those moments of poor judgment we actually own up to the bullshit that is instilled upon us. Most of the time that letter gets placed on us because of misunderstandings, gossip, and false illusions. They get stitched on our chest while hurting and degrading us, separating us from our spiritual path. People love to believe the Jerry Springer version of everything. OMG…the truth is really a boring place for most. They make their own assumptions. 

Our world revolves around the perception of how others view us. I think it is well beyond the time in our lives that we yank that letter off from our spirits and live on our own principles. It is time to stop the insanity of how others categorize us. Make YOURSELF happy. Do NOT allow another individual to dictate your worth. Do not place a price tag on your humanity based on past experiences. Get that letter and shove it up someone else’s ass (if you must) but do NOT allow anyone to make you feel inferior. Do not consent to anything but your own greatness and laugh at it all. Raise your frequency by letting go and forgiving. You are magnificent. 

God don’t make no junk! Every mistake and challenge has brought you here to grow and polish you for something greater. People will always (ALWAYS) find a way to believe things that aren’t true. It’s not your business what anyone thinks of you as long as you stay true to yourself. Burn those letters and rise to the occasion. You are the best version of you. Copies unacceptable. I love you. 

Your Wholeness

On By Moments with MillieIn Essay8 Comments


integrity

Integrity. This has been the word for the week. It is what makes you righteous, whole, and truthful. It’s your word. How many of us say one thing and do the complete opposite? That’s an example of not living through integrity.

I have been witnessing the need to clear things up…through my truth and moral beliefs. I am purging, not just clutter in the home but past issues, old paradigms, and relationships that are not in alignment with my honor.

DO NOT tell me who you are. Show me through your actions. Do not promise me something that you know very well you won’t follow through. Just be you. BE the WHOLENESS of your essence without pretending, compromising your word, or breaking your authentic nature. That’s all.

Just this morning I witnessed a child of 20 months show me her wholeness and value. I heard her in her room so I opened the door catching her sitting on her bed. She extended an arm way out and said, “Nooooo. No, Mama….no!” I stepped back and realized she needed more time to herself. I walked out and closed the door. Ten to fifteen minutes later she called for me and we began our morning. She was in all her truth and knowing that I would understand. I completely honor this in its simplest form. She didn’t need me to get her up just because she was talking in there. She needed her time. She showed me that when she’s ready she will call me by name. Our perception and interpretations get in the way of how we value others and ourselves. She has not learned the distinction, therefore following her instincts and desires is all that is expected from her.

No one is expecting perfection. No one wants what you cannot provide. Even a toddler will show you exactly who they are if you are willing to pay attention. Live within the means of what you believe and can accomplish. NO ONE or anything is worth the loss of your integrity. Sometimes it is like your virginity…once it’s gone there’s no getting it back. There is no trust or re-do button that can fix it. And, it starts from childhood. Standing your ground. Stand in your honor and worth.


Live in the sweetest bubble of virtue. Let YOUR life be an example of who you are through love, laughter and actions….! You know exactly what and who you are. If you don’t then you need to sit and contemplate for a while. If you don’t know how to find your wholeness then how the hell can you expect another to do it for you?

Soul Searching Awareness

On By Moments with MillieIn Essay10 Comments

existential

Many years ago one of my closest friends, while going through a divorce, used to say that in order to deal with her soon-to-be ex husband she had to be wearing a Grace Kelly cape every time they had to connect to exchange their children. She would visualize herself in a diamond filled long cape that was extremely heavy and required poise and grace. It was in those moments that she kept her faith and truth in tact. Her entire world had been turned upside down as she learned of her husband’s infidelities. I have never met anyone endure so much and keep such a lady-like Jackie O attitude. When I would ask her how she was doing she would tell me, “I just put on my Grace Kelly cape and had to deal with him. The more irrational he gets the more diamonds I add to the cape. It takes all of me to keep my ego in line.” To this day, I remember her metaphor of wearing this glamorous cape that required presence and grace.

Truth is personal. It moves through soul searching. Its vehicle is grace. Everyone craves to find truth but I think it’s difficult for many to taste it, smell it, and truly listen to it. The more we search for our soul’s truth the faster Ego will provide chaos, insanity, and denial. I am often reminded that in those moments of soul searching I must put on my Grace Kelly cape loaded with giant stones dragging on the ground as I walk through the unknown with high heel shoes to keep myself poised, filled with integrity and balance.

Part of living the spiritual life is the awareness of deleting all expectations and disappointments. Often times I am faced with an existential crisis of truth. What do I do? How do I make it through this? What am I suppose be doing? But these days I am deeply aware that every crisis evolves into a lesson. It’s beautiful to step back and watch the soul searching for its authenticity. It’s in that truth that grace teaches us happiness, love, faith and the art of surrendering all. Speak to your soul, have your pep talks, and encourage it to tell you what (s)he needs. Awakening of the mind is waking to every feeling, acceptance and the love that the universe has for you. Love and light…sweet souls.