Integrity is a backbone

As of late, I’ve been reflecting on integrity. When everything else falls away - the accolades, the titles, the offers, the resume builders, the money - what does it mean to hold onto your integrity? Can truth fill the void in your heart or your belly? Does an allegiance to your core values keep you warm at night and sleeping soundly? Can it keep you afloat when self-doubt creeps in and threatens your very sanity?

In my rumination, I am coming to terms with integrity as a backbone. Structurally, it is paramount, but alone, it is limited. It won’t power you in times of struggle or sedentary self-reflection. It cannot propel you forward when you have come to rest, but it can hold you up when few other systems are functioning the way they should. Integrity is a backbone.

The truth is, my own integrity has done little for my sleep hygiene. It has not pulled me from my self-flagellation about not having a straightforward career and thrust me into the kitchen to make a sandwich. It doesn’t even keep me sane most of the time. However, when I do finally make it to those quiet moments before floating off into dreams, integrity reminds me who I am. It holds space for my deepest desires and hopes for myself, my family and the world. It keeps me centered, grounded, accepting of my choices - like a backbone.

Remember your own backbone in these times of turmoil. It is not everything, but it is core.