The Payoff for Loyalty

In my line of work, I promote Loyalty-to self and family.  I see too little of it in society, so I am always striving to encourage and instill it whenever possible.

Loyalty to Self has many components.  Let's break it down a little-

• Loyalty to self also means loyal to your morals and life creed.  We all have them whether it is intentional or not.  We have all decided in our minds what is right and what is wrong, what we will do and what we will not do.  Some people were not taught to have a creed or a set of morals as children, or they have decided to ignore what they were taught. and this is where the problems begin.  If you were not taught in your home as a child, I would dare guess that as a human being, you have strong feelings about what is right and wrong.  And now that you are an adult, you get to decide what your morals and life creeds are.  Maybe you don't agree with what you were taught as a child but you feel stuck in your family traditions.  Find what feels right in your heart and deep in your soul.  We have so many resources out there-religions, self help conferences and books, mentors and guides.  If the creed and morals are a little hard to live by and have some restrictions, you're probably on the right track.  Morals and creeds, by definition, are not a free-for-all.  Morals and creeds=discipline.

• Because we are connected to our Higher Power or our God, loyalty to self also means loyalty to Him.  When things are right between you and your Higher Power, it lays the groundwork for all areas of your life to settle into place.  There is a peace that comes into your heart when you feel that strong connection and know that He can count on you, and you can count on Him.

• And finally, loyalty to self also means that you are respectful of yourself in every way, and you expect the same of others.  You surround yourself with loving, positive people.  You take care of yourself, body and soul. 

 Loyalty to Family falls into place when you are loyal to yourself.  You understand that loyalty to spouse  means that your spouse can count on you and can trust that you are who you say you are, and will do what you say you will do.  Your children and your extended family can count on the same.  The worth of these kinds of relationships cannot be measured.  They bring so much joy and fulfillment to your life.

Now-what if your spouse does not live by the same creed?  What if you cannot trust your spouse?

Well, my dear friend, only you can decide if that is a situation you want to stay in, but I will say this:  You be the example and leader.  You be loyal to yourself and your spouse and family even if they are not giving you the same, simply because that is who you are and what you feel is right.  You are a faithful, loyal spouse.  This is too important an issue to play 'an eye for an eye'. Rise above and be the kind of person you want to be and you know you can be.  Loyal and respectful to yourself and others.   Then if you feel you need to create a different life for yourself, you can do so with a clear conscience and your self worth intact.

My best to you, my friend-
Michelle