When I ask others about integrity, they are quick to provide examples in which integrity was lacking. For instance, a massage therapist did not get paid when his client received the insurance check and kept the cash (legally, this is fraud); the seller of a car, when asked if it had problems, did not disclose the transmission needed service; a woman took time out of her busy day to meet a friend, and was stood up. 
             But I don't hear many examples of people who do have integrity. What is integrity, really? And, why have it? The dictionary says that integrity is the possession of firm principles: the quality of possessing and steadfastly adhering to high moral principles and professional standards. When your thoughts, words, and actions stem from your core values, you have integrity. You keep your promises, actually doing what you say you are going to do, whether or not it is convenient for you. The result? People trust you. They feel comfortable with you because they know where they stand. You feel good about yourself, because your words and actions align with your values. 
            The phrase many Native Americans use for integrity is, "Walk your Talk." Thought gives rise to word, which gives rise to behavior; all aspects of increasing manifestation. If a word or action goes against the original thought, the line of manifestation is broken. I picture it as a crooked line, and recall my Mother's description of a dishonest person as 'crooked'.
            In The Four Agreements, Toltec Don Miguel Ruiz advises, "Be Impeccable with your Word." Impeccable means, 'without sin', or taking responsibility for your actions. Ruiz says, "A sin is anything you do which goes against yourself." Being impeccable is not going against yourself. You can measure the impeccability of your word by your level of self-love. How much you love yourself and how you feel about yourself are directly proportionate to the quality and integrity of your word. When you are impeccable with your word, you feel good; you feel happy and at peace.
            Create more freedom, self-love, and happier relationships by speaking and acting on your truth!