How To Be Loyal To Yourself 100% Of The Time (Perspectives)
Our Dog Jeep, an Example of Loyalty
I was eight years old living in " The all-American City" of Lynwood, California when my family found a ragged, half-starved little dog with big brown eyes. We named him 'Jeep' though I'm not sure why. He soon became the center of the family. Jeep went everywhere we would go.
One beautiful, warm summer day Mama announced that we were going to "Holy Jim Canyon." This was a beautiful mountain area we loved to visit. Daddy drove the old car with mama sitting next to him and us three kids were piled in the back seat with Jeep.
Somehow, during our trail hiking, Jeep disappeared and was nowhere to be found. My little brother, sister and I cried all the way home and so did our parents.
We prayed for our little friend at every meal, bedtime and countless other times. We asked God to keep him safe and thanked Him for watching over Jeep.
Weeks went by, followed by months and we continued to pray for our little dog. One day, late in the afternoon, I heard the voice of my little brother shouting at the top of his lungs, " Jeep! Jeep! Hey everybody Jeep has come home!"
We all hovered around our little dog taking turns sharing kisses from him. He had returned and it was indeed a miracle.
This story is an example of "Loyalty." I will never know or even begin to comprehend what it took for this sweet and determined animal to find his way home.
Do you know how to find your way home even when insurmountable obstacles are before you?
What is the driving force behind living a loyal life and do you consider yourself to be a loyal person? Is it possible to be loyal without first being loyal to ourselves?
Distance Between Lynwood, CA and Holy Jim Canyon, CA
Holy Jim Canyon - 
Lynwood, CA - Loyalty and Lacking Initiative
When we think about loyalty, we mostly think about how we can be loyal to others. But first, we must be loyal to ourselves. Like the Greek philosopher, Socrates said, "To move the world we must first move ourselves." And to do that we must have initiative.
Reasons we lack initiative:
- We are in denial about the consequences of not taking initiative and responsibility for ourselves.
- We wait until others motivate us instead of motivating ourselves.
- We are waiting for everything to be perfect before we act.
- We fantasize about tomorrow instead of focusing on today.
- There may be other issues that prevent us from taking action.
- The biggest reason we fail to initiate is excuses.
To Be Loyal To Yourself Stop Being With Critical People
How We Sabotage Our Own Loyalty
We live from day to day sabotaging our thoughts and actions in such a way that it is impossible to be loyal to ourselves. We spend time with people who pull us in the wrong direction. If the people close to you are dragging you down, then it may be time to make some changes.
If your friends are critical and negative, go out and find new friends. Choose your friends wisely because that is the direction you are heading.
Another way we sabotage our own loyalty is with guilt We begin to feel guilty when we want to say no. We leave our door open ready to give up our time until we are burnt out. We are dog tired and no good to anyone including ourselves. Still, we feel guilty.
Being True to Yourself, the Cornerstone of Your Character
William Shakespeare gave us this great message in his play Hamlet. " This above all: to thine own self-be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man."
How powerful this message is. You might even say it's the cornerstone of our character. When we fail to be true to ourselves, it always catches up with us. So often we ignore the "voice within." which is accompanied by our 'gut feeling." We usually end up saying "oh, I wish I had listened to my gut feeling."
The path to living in peace and harmony is to give yourself permission to be yourself.
" To thine own self-be true" is to have the courage to be who you truly are. In order to do this, we must know ourselves.
Anger and Lack of Self Control
Check List of 20 Character Flaws
Your character can protect you as long as you keep it strong. This is a must for being loyal to yourself. Take a look at the following list of flaws and make a note of the ones you need to work on. Remember that by discovering areas in your character that have " holes " you can patch them up and be who you truly are. A magnificent diamond!
This may hurt a little and we all have different degrees of weaknesses but 'pull yourself up by your bootstraps' and see how you rate.
Identifying Weak/Failing Character Flaws:
- The Green Eyed Monster - jealousy
- Stealing
- Lying
- Blaming Others
- Criticism
- Harshness
- Selfishness
- Arrogance
- Lack of Self-Discipline
- Gossip
- Negativity
- Lack of self-control
- Impatience
- Belittle others
- Provoke Others
- Anger
- Entitlement
- Unable to forgive or hold a grudge
- Demanding
- Irresponsible
Please feel free to add additional character flaws in the comment section at the end of this hub.
Which of the following is your best character trait?
Are You Worthy of Self Loyalty?
To be 100% worthy, you must believe and know you are worth it. You are living in such a way that you believe in you. How much is your self- worth to you? I hope your answer is "everything."
Marianne Williamson wrote a wonderful poem, (used in Nelson Mandela's inaugural speech), that begins:
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Very few of us fulfill our true potential in all areas of our life. One reason we don't is that we lack loyalty to ourselves.
Which Character Trait Needs Improving The Most?
The Size of Your Character
From John C. Maxwell's book, " Talent Is Never Enough," I quote the following:
"Character is the pedestal that determines how much weight a person can sustain. If your character is the size of a toothpick, you can only sustain a postage stamp. If your character is as thick as a column, you can sustain a roof."
Think about this. Meditate and pray about this. Then begin living in such a way that you too can "sustain a roof" because of your character and values.
Loyalty - The Best That is In You
Don't you just love this phrase, " The best that is in you"? What thoughts come up for you when you hear words like this? Perhaps you "paid it forward" recently or made a decision to be more positive about a tough time you're going through. Maybe you are practicing meditation for the first time or keeping a gratitude journal.
The best that is in you stems from your core values. These are principles that you live by every day. They define what we believe and how we live. These values should be a clear beacon we use each day to guide us. Being loyal to ourselves builds a shelter against a rainy day.
It takes courage to stand for what you believe in. It takes integrity to be trustworthy. It takes character to weather life's storms. At the same time, adversity develops character.
Every time you face adversity and come through it with your core values affirmed and your integrity intact, your character becomes stronger.
Recognize the best that is in you then be that way. Step out of your shadow and begin to shine.
Be The Best That You Can Be
Summing it Up
Learning how to be loyal to yourself 100% of the time is a magnificent journey. Is it an easy one?
Absolutely not. Can it be achieved? Well, I think it can if we make it a priority and are willing to work hard. And even if we don't reach the 100% mark - even if we only improve by 10% - what an achievement it will be.
We've talked about the lack of initiative and how the lack of it affects loyalty. We sabotage ourselves from our own loyalty by choosing friends who pull us down. We say 'yes' when we want to say 'no.'
Begin now to live by Shakespeare's words "To thine own self-be true." Your life will change for the better. This is the way to be loyal to yourself.
Know that you are worthy of your own loyalty. Work on your weaknesses and glorify your strengths.
"Sustain a roof" with the size of your character and be the best that is in you.
And for the record, I will have to work harder on all of this than any of you. I was not with my son when he died. Is this my fault? I wonder. I should have been with him. I struggle, even now, with a voice within me, repeating the words, "It's not your fault."
Resources and Helpful Links
Talent Is Never Enough - John C. Maxwell p.196
A Return to Love - Marianne Williamson
Thank You For Your Time
I hope you've enjoyed this article and have found it to be informative. Please leave your comments below and if you like this I'd really appreciate your sharing this with your friends.
Visit again soon as you will find plenty of informative articles here on Hubpages.
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vocalcoach
© 2013 Audrey Hunt
Comments
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Bongzwane
Good for you! You will be successful and happy. Thanks for being here.
Thanks, I will always be true to myself.
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Shyron E Shenko
Oh, how similar our dogs names are - Jip and Jeep! I couldn't live without my canine friends. I think you feel the same way. Thank you for the blessings and hugs and I'm sending these to you too.
Audrey
This is really beautiful, when we lived in Whittier, we had a black Cocker spaniel and his name was Jip. How neat that you pup was named Jeep, seems so similar.
Nothing is more loyal than our canine friends.
Blessings and hugs to you
Shyron
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PurvisBobbi44
Hello my beautiful friend. Hearing about your Rusty touched me so. How do these fur angels know the way home? They must be guided by their own guardian angels.
Bobbi, you are surrounded by love all the time. Tenderness is a feeling that comes straight from the heart. Many people have a difficult time expressing their feelings especially when it comes to love.
You and I are bound by tenderness. To be able to express sweet feelings is a gift. And speaking of gifts, you are a treasure to me.
Stay as sweet as you are and don't let a thing ever change you. (Line from an old song.)
Love and hugs,
Audrey
Au fait
Thank you so very much for your lovely comments. Well said. Take care my friend. Audrey
A wonderful article to help people realize we can be, and should strive to be, more than we ever thought we could be.
Hi Audrey,
What a wonderful story about Jeep. I tear up when I read about animals being lost---if I don't just cry. My Rusty was lost from our farm when I was three and one day he came home.
My Grandmother Knight said an Angel brought him back to us. That is when I started loving Angels.
I think sometimes my tender heart belongs in another time, but then I read all the sweet feelings of others and then I know I am not alone in this world.
Have a great weekend.
Bobbi Purvis
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brakel2
As women, we are taught to take care of the kids, the house, cooking and on and on. Is it any wonder we rarely think about our own needs, let alone make them a priority. I do hope you will think about new paths for yourself. And you have made my day too, Audrey, for being here and for being you. Best of everything to you - Audrey
Hi Audrey - Loyalty to self is a statement I never thought about. Wow. This hub has such an impact and gives new meaning to taking care of self. Your ideas of loyalty and all the implications mean so much in our lives. Jeep's story of finding you so many miles from the vacation spot point out that we must never give up. You delve into so many areas of our lives that we would never write about, as it would not cross out minds. You are such a thinker. I will try to follow or think of new paths of my own. Sharing hub. You make my day. Blessings, Audrey
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My apologies to the following for the long wait for my response. Go ahead - just slap me. Your comments are so appreciated and mean so much to me:
@drbj
@Dim Flaxenwick
@OMGirdle
@carolina muscle
@pstraubie48
@SamboRambo
@Thelma Alberts
@American _Choices
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Levertis Steele - You've no idea how much reading your comments means to me. You have shown a strong degree of loyalty to yourself. This isn't always easy. In fact it can be a tough challenge. Your strength of character is admirable my friend! ~ Audrey
Mhatter 99 - Are you pleased with your decision to become a Freemason at this level? That's what really matters. ~ Audrey
Dear Eiddwen - We both have much to contribute and I'm so happy we are connected through hubpages! My very best to you dear one. ~ Audrey
FlourishAnyway - A marvelous question to ponder. Loyalty to ourselves brings respect from others. Great thought. Thank you ~ Audrey
Bravewarrior - Thank you for being here. Oh, and I will record a CD of the music I composed for your poetry. I'm presently hobbling around in a knee brace with a torn miniscus. As soon as I'm off the pain medicine and can think clearly, I will send you a copy. ~ Audrey
Truly beautiful! Voted up and pinned under peace. WE all could use more kindness. Great poll too! Thank you!
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Faith Reaper - It's because of people like you that I try to do my best as I write. You have always inspired me, either through reading your hubs or comments. I'm thankful for the opportunity to write an article for perspectives. I apologize for the delay in commenting. ~ Hugs, Audrey
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fpherj48 ~ It's amazing how the past creeps up as we write. I had almost forgotten about "Jeep" being lost and then finding his way home. For me, this story says so much about being loyal. Thank you for appreciating this.
Speaking of loyalty, you, Paula have been an example to me of a supportive and loyal person.
And as far as I'm concerned this is the ultimate compliment. There are so few of us left :)
Fabulous reading. You are an excellent choice as guest writer with the "Perspectives Gang." I love this hub, Audrey. Your wisdom rocks...and the story about Jeep....well that actually brought tears to my eyes.
I responded to your polls and that was interesting to me......I had to really stop and THINK. Hmmmm, which one is the raw truth, Miss Paula?!
Thank you. I am always grateful to learn better and more intense ways to look at myself and my life......UP+++
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mckbirdbks - Your words always mean so very much to me. You are, without a doubt, one of my favorite friends here in hubland. Sending you a basket full of wishes for your heart, Mike.
Awesome! What a wonderful story about your dog. I enjoyed reading it. I think I am always loyal to myself as to my friends and relatives. Thanks for sharing this insightful hub. Have a lovely weekend!
P.S: I'm also going to tutor her using some of your other articles. They look very full of wisdom and good ideas.
Excellent! I'm going to read (or summarize, or both) this to my 16-year-old granddaughter. Her mother is switching schools for her, because she is too overwhelmed by constant teasing from her peers, and a lack of attention from the boys. She really is attractive (I used her as the model for Mary in my hub "God's Wonders: How Was Jesus Conceived?"
Also, I tried to teach her how to handle teasing, in a way demonstrated in "Become Quick-witted overnight..." She doesn't seem to be able to remember those tricks, and dreads going to school.
Maybe I'll put up a question here on HubPages over that problem. I'm searching for anything that might help her.
I'm also giving her piano lessons, which she seems to be good at. Maybe at least her progress in this area will help to raise her self-esteem. Next Sunday, she will be joining me in the Church Choir.
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Dear marcoujor,
I am indeed honored to be asked to write on this topic and join the ranks of Hubpages finest for the month. I attribute my small spurts of growth to writers like you and the cast of 'Perspectives.'
Your positive feedback is important to me and I thank you so much for what you have said.
Covey had been in my library for many years. He will be missed terribly, but lives on with Heavenly Wisdom through his writings.
Thank you, beautiful truth that you are. So much love and kindness lives within your tender heart. You are 'the glue' that holds us all together.
Much love and light to you always ~ Audrey
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Athlyn Green - Absolutely! We've carried around enough guilt to last a lifetime. Let's dump it:)
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denise.w.anderson - There really is a lot of 'meat' in this statement. I see the "I'm not good enough" routine as the biggest threat to women. It simply isn't true and we must work our way out of this way of thinking. We must love our way out. It's way past time to put ourselves first for a change. ~ Hugs Audrey
Well said. Taking time to reflect on these things is important. Holding ourselves accountable and taking a look at ourselves can only lead to a better US. And as you said, even if it is not 100% each tiny step forward is a good thing.
Thanks for sharing this....tucking away to use and reflect upon...
Angels are on the way...have a lovely day ps
Well said. Taking time to reflect on these things is important. Holding ourselves accountable and taking a look at ourselves can only lead to a better US. And as you said, even if it is not 100% each tiny step forward is a good thing.
Thanks for sharing this....tucking away to use and reflect upon...
Angels are on the way...have a lovely day ps
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rose-the-planner ~ Thank you for finding my hub inspiring. I'm glad you like the story of 'Jeep,' as it is very dear to me. Such a long time ago but seems like yesterday. ~ Audrey
Dear Martie ~ Great minds :) We may be clear across the world from each other but we sure think alike. And I read your hub twice on loyalty. I just love it! And love you too!! ~ Hugs Audrey
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tillsontitan - Thanks so much my dear friend for all your kind words. Our canine friends are a prime example of loyalty.
And speaking of loyalty, you come to my mind. Your constant support of my hubs is something I never take for granted. You have been here for me from day one ( a long time .)
Hugs to you and beautiful thoughts ~ Audrey
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Lord - Gee, thanks so very much. Love your kind comments and appreciate you're support.!
Wow! Truly inspiring and uplifting! Loyalty to our own selves. Great hub for everyone!
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always exploring - Thank you my dear friend for your loyalty to me through these past 3 years. It is friends like you who teach me to be loyal to myself and to work constantly to be better.
Glad that you liked the story of 'Jeep' my little dog. Hope you enjoy your week.~Hugs, Audrey~
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Peggy - As you have said, we work on being the best that we can up to the time we take our last breath...which is why I hope to live another 100 years. :)
I'm glad you liked the story of 'Jeep' and thank you for the generous votes. Hugs ~ Audrey ~
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Mekenzie - I have read your most beautiful comments three times now. You manage to write exactly what I need to hear most. I am now safely and gratefully back in my home and all is well.
This has been one more opportunity for more growth on my part. For this, I'm thankful.It's not the experience that matters as much as how we handle and learn from experiences. So much is determined by attitude - right?
You've added such a meaningful message to this hub with these words:
"Discouragement, guilt and tunnel vision disrupt loyalty to the God given gifts and abilities He has instilled within each one of us."
How powerful this is and I thank you dear friend. I always find inspiration in your beautiful comments.
Thank you for bringing so much light...you are a treasure! ~ Love ~ Audrey
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rajan rolly - Thank you for finding my hub valuable and helpful. Loving ourselves must come first as it releases the best within us. It takes one who lives this principle to recognize how true this is. You, my friend are one who lives this powerful and inspiring message. Through reading your hubs on nutrition and good health. we all are learning to love ourselves by taking care of our bodies. Thank you my friend. Blessings and love to you ~ Audrey
This is a lovely and inspirational post. My biggest flaw is impatience... I'd start chewing coffee grinds if my coffee maker took any longer to brew ! :) Cheers and have a great weekend. ~Chris.
I am sending this hub to my daughter. In a busy world where we are trying to be the best we can be, we forget to be the best we can be to ourselves before being the best we can be to our environment. Your hub rings true to how we need to view ourself. Very inspirational. Thank you, I needed that :). Voted up and pinned!
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Jackie - Our precious animals risk their very own lives to find their way home to us. They are the prime example of unconditional love and supreme loyalty. Thank you Jackie for sharing your beautiful cat story.
Happyboomernurse - Hello my friend. How good it is to see you. I love the message you have added here about never being to old to work on perfecting our own character. With the huge Idyllwild fire and evacuation ( it's been a week now) this experience of leaving one's home and earthly possessions has given us an opportunity to face new obstacles and build our character even more. What a blessing!
We will be returning to our beautiful mountain sometime this week with grateful hearts that our home is still standing.
I welcome any and all opportunity to work on my own character especially at my age. I want more than anything to be worthy of joining my precious son when I, too am called home to Our Father In Heaven.
You, Gail, are a woman of strong loyalty and a beautiful example of goodness and amazing empathy and love for others.
You make me want to be a better woman.
Thank you and sending you warm hugs and beautiful blessings. ~ Audrey
Bless you, Audrey. Thank you.
Totally wonderful Audrey; loved this gem and here's to so many more for us both to share on here.
Voted up and shared. Lots of love from Wales.
Eddy.
Audrey, first of all I pray you find peace in the midst of the 'fire.' To thine own self be true is firmly instilled in you and you will come out of this with a deeper message.
I am so deeply moved by your writing. The clarity and passion with which you write is nothing short of a gift and talent which you have faithfully developed and were true to thine ownself in doing so. :)
I personally needed to see this today. Discouragement, guilt and tunnel vision disrupt loyalty to the God given gifts and abilities He has instilled within each one of us.
You dearone are a shining example of one who invests in loyalty to self in order to enrich the lives of many. Bless you and thank you! Voted Up, Shared and featured on FB page Mekenzie's World +++
Mekenzie
A very valuable and immensely helpful hub. Loving oneself is of paramount importance to be loyal to oneself and then others. I like the list of character shortcomings that we need to eliminate to be able to love ourselves and others in turn.
Fantastic hub, Audrey!
Voted up, useful and awesome. Shared it ahead!
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Bill - I doubt that you had much stretching to do - you, of course, are my hero!
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ChitrangadaSharan - Thank you for reading my hub and writing such inspirational comments. It means so much! Have a beautiful day and will see you soon. - Audrey
manatita44 - Thanks so much. Appreciate your comments. Peace to you!
Ebonny - What a great point you've made. Thanks for reminding us of this very good example. Take care.
dahoglund - Your older brother contributed so much by helping so many others. Even though he became bitter later in life, he was a good man for having the desire to put others first. Thank you for sharing this. - Audrey
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My dear sweet Shauna, my heart is so full after reading your sweet and heartfelt apology. We all go through many challenges in our life and once in a while we can take it out on the one's we care about the most. Please know that you personify your name "Bravewarrior" to the fullest with the upmost integrity and love. I am safe and hopefully will be returning soon to my home, and please know that in no way have you discouraged me from writing for Perspectives in the future. Sending hugs and love your way and we shall move on with a continuing friendship that I cherish. XOXOX Audrey
Audrey, I need to beg your forgiveness. I've just re-read my initial comment and I am ashamed of myself. It was cold and uncaring and for that I apologize. I'm afraid I'm guilty of the very thing I detest in others and that is jumping to conclusions without bothering to gather the facts.
The fact that you even posted with all you have going on says volumes about your character. I hope I haven't frightened you away and you will consider a Perspectives guest post in the future.
I pray you are safe and well. Please accept my heartfelt apology.
Amazing hub. I think many people could be helped by reading this. (including me.)
Thank you for great work here.
Audrey, I'm so sorry to hear of your evacuation. You must be beside yourself! Is all OK?
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Hello my friends -
Due to the Idyll wild California Forest fire, I have been evacuated from my home On short notice. It has been 4 days now and the fire is still raging out of control. I have little use of a computer. Please forgive me for not replying.
Bravewarrier... I will follow your instructions ASAP . Just give me alittlemore time. Thank you.
Hi, Audrey - your sweet story about your loyal doggie, Jeep, was the perfect way to lead us, your readers, into the subject of loyalty and the importance of being loyal, or true, to oneself.
What an amazing little dog. What an amazing story-teller you are. Thank you for sharing both the story and your thoughts. Voted up, of course.
I love Jeep's happy ending and hope he lived a long and happy life. He knew where love was. If you cannot be loyal to oneself, how can we ever expect others to treat us well? Good setiments.
Another great gem by you Audrey. As always voted up and shared. Here's to so many more for us both to share on here.
Eddy.
Thank you for this. Surprisingly becoming a big-shot Freemason called for many compromises.
To thine own self be true." Yes!
Vocalcoach,
I am learning not to be too helpful to people who ask often but are slow to do anything to help themselves. I sympathize quickly, spend my money, and once was quick to loan money that was mostly repaid late or not at all.
I agreed to let a friend experiencing difficulty stay with me for a few weeks that turned into months. Sometimes there is a thin line between being helpful and being a fool. I have taken the first step toward waking up. I have already given an eviction notice so that my life can find normalcy and more privacy. I do love, but I am tired. I feel better that I have made this step, but I get a tinge of guilt sometimes. Nevertheless, I am sticking with my decision.
Thanks for the reassurance I found in this hub! It seemed like a message just for me, and you really landed some prominent weak character traits.
Audrey,
This is such a beautiful and insightful piece here. Yes, we must be loyal and true to ourselves first and foremost no doubt! Really loved your dog story!
You contributed much to this subject of Loyalty this month as a guest writer on The Perspectives Team!
It is evident you have done much work here in this hub and it provides much to help all who read it.
Voted up ++++ and sharing
Hugs and blessings, Faith Reaper
Hello Audrey it is so apparent that you have given this subject a lot of thought. Your hub is full of valuable insights. I don't know this Will Shakespeare fellow and his, "To thine own self be true." I heard similar advice from a Lifer Marine. "Go shine my shoes." I heard it all the time. Groan.
Dear Audrey,
It is amazing to read our different views on the subject, yet in the end, all have the core of loyalty to self being key.
You have done a great job of making the topic a means of self awareness and insight, with your well formulated polls.
Covey is an awesome writer, and I will look forward to returning and listening to the YouTube.
You are a teacher all the way with helpful strategies as well. Great job and glad you were able to join us this month, despite computer issues.
Yes, we must give ourselves permission and let go of the old programming that would have us feeling guilty or lazy for taking care of ourselves.
I love that phrase, "you are worthy of your own loyalty." It speaks volumes! So often, I get stuck in the "I'm not good enough" routine, when something doesn't go right and I get down on myself. I have to tell myself to "put away the sword" and let myself get over it. Adopting this statement would be helpful to me.
Audrey, I am speechless. You and I was on the same brain wave - Loyalty begins at Self - and we are living thousands of miles from each other and did not even discuss this topic via email. Of course, I agree all the way with you :)
Voted up and very well stressed :)
A very wonderful and inspirational hub. I really thought the story about Jeep was certainly amazing. Thank you for sharing. (Voted Up) -Rose
Being loyal to oneself is where it all begins. Your recounting about Jeep just shows how loving and loyal a dog can be, of course with no questions asked. We would do well to follow the Dog's example!
Loyalty to oneself and trusting our instincts goes a long way toward loyalty to others. You have stated it well Audrey.
P.S. Love your pictures.
Voted up, useful, awesome, and interesting.
Hello Audrey. I loved the story about Jeep and the fact that your parents were so wonderful. This hub is very inspiritional, teaching us to be all we can be and most importantly to love ourselves. Thank you for sharing. I will share also. Hugs...
This is a wonderful post starting out with that touching story about your dog Jeep. These are great tips of how to lead our lives successfully. They are always a work in progress until we take our last breath. Up votes and will definitely share this.
Hi Audrey,
As soon as I saw the title of this hub I knew I had to read it because I know how entertaining, inspirational and wise your philosophical articles are.
You instantly grabbed my attention with the tale about your beloved dog, Jeep, and kept it throughout the rest of the hub.
I agree with all you've said here, and would add that no matter what age we are it's never too late to work on perfecting our own character by recognizing and trying to improve on our character flaws or weaknesses.
Thanks for sharing this article.
Am voting it up across the board except for funny and sharing it with followers.
Sending you Hub Hugs,
Gail
BTW: I love the last photo of the light shining on your happy face!
I loved this and agree, we do have to be loyal to ourselves or how can we be to anyone else, which includes truth. Loved your dog story, I had a mama cat I gave to woman who lived about 30 miles away and although I cared for her I had gotten her as an adult cat which I think makes this story odder. Crossing many busy highways that cat got home within 24 hours.
A very interesting and true hub. The polls were hard to take and required a bit of honesty. Hard to reflect that hard at seven a.m. LOL
Very enjoyable read, Audrey. Thanks for making me stretch this morning.
love,
bill
I agree with most of what you have to say here. we have always been taught to help others and sometime it is considered bad to be concerned about yourself. My oldest brother (who died many years ago) was very talented, an engineer, artist and musician. He donated a lot of time and energy to the parish by making posters and such, he gave much time to the University band by not only playing in it but designing band formations and such for the football games. He also did art work for the Newman center. The more stuff he did, the more he was asked to do. Organizations even sent him projects to do after he moved to another state. Later in life he became bitter. I think it is because he was overwhelmed with doing for others but did not look out for his own needs.
This is a great reminder that we start with ourselves - it brings to mind the advice to mothers on earoplanes about putting on their own oxygen mask first before helping the children.
Voted up.
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Rusticliving - Hahahaha! I love it. The 'artificial light' had to go to ignite the light inside. Love you the same and thanks for the generous ratings and sharing.
Extremely well written but more importantly meaningful and applicable in today's modern age. May we all learn from this.
The dog story is a beautiful one and it is my favourite pet for loyalty and devotion.
Wonderful hub, very inspirational!
I loved your story as well. You have made some very important points, which will definitely inspire and motivate people to rework to refine themselves.
Thanks for sharing!
Voted up!
WOW! What a wonderful hub. It really pays to "Turn off the light", doesn't it? *L* You hit it right on the head. Love you with all my heart! ♥
UP+I/B/A/U and shared!
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