The Need for Authenticity
By Dr. Synesio Lyra, Jr.
Persons who relate well to others, and are appreciated and loved by family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and acquaintances, should attempt their utmost to retain that status by all legitimate means.
Remember that things which may make you attractive to some pfeople, do not necessarily make you credible to them. Your sense of security in solid relationships should never give you the right to deviate from the path which elicited that appreciation and affection previously lavished on you!
Unfortunately, some people take undue advantage of the confidence and respect placed on them, by acting differently, and even changing certain behaviors altogether. Being well-established once, in the estimation of other people, requires continued authentication of one’s actions to everyone in the circle of relationships.
A person’s word must be, and always remain, one’s badge of honor; it should be taken seriously at all times; it is something that needs to be kept at all costs.
It is tragic when any man or woman loses trustworthiness, since that is not so easy to recover. And such loss occurs, most often, not through major scandals but, rather, by small tasks left undone, promises not honored, and on account of disregard for any commitment left unfinished, whether major or minor, significant or insignificant, by the one who is being derelict in duty.
It is by acting faithfully in small matters that one is advanced to greater tasks and responsibilities, not to mention a position. That is how work promotions occur; that is also how politicians enjoy re-election to office, anywhere in the world.
Take all commitments seriously, whether any may appear to you of insignificance. Other people are adversely affected by your neglect, or lack of responsibility. The way you are thus viewed by others may change, and the trust you once enjoyed from several people will vanish away!
Honor your agreements; act responsibly in all situations. When duties are fulfilled and commitments are observed, good things inevitably result, for the good not only of one, but of many!
When your reputation is lost in the desert, the knowledge of that loss always follows you into the city! Strive to avoid that from ever occurring in your experience by periodical, personal re-evaluation and by rethinking your sense of priorities.
Make yours the words of an old song, which addresses this paramount issue: “I would be true, for there are those who trust me; I would be pure, for there are those who care.” And be consistently who you are, while always improving your attitude and persona.
