Every day seems to bring another shocker, actions that defy anything that I have certainly witnessed in my almost 70 years. It is the amusement ride from hell, as one is pushed and pulled and pummeled in every imaginable way and a few unimaginable ways as well.
I am most thankful for living in a remote enough area where the current evils have not taken hold. As a child I was taught a moral code. Sometimes through discipline I must say but most often through example. I am not sure where a moral code became WOKE. To me, WOKE means you are paying attention to the plight of life surrounding you and you care enough to try to make things better for others. It is something to strive for not to belittle.
The wild lands that comprise much of southwestern New Mexico live by a natural moral code. There is balance and respect. Yes, nature can seem cruel at times, but the one thing it is not, is evil. That is a human trait.
I find that almost daily, I need to escape out into nature and allow myself to breathe deep, to clear my mind of social garbage and to recenter myself as a person I trust, I believe in, am truthful with and one I am proud of. I strive to intentionally live by a moral code. I can only answer for myself. I am not better than others. I am not less than others.
As I quietly sit in the shade of a gnarly juniper and look out over the miles of natural wonders before me, I mull over how to be a better person. What I personally see as a better person. We are a communal animal, and community means cooperation, care and respect for all, not domination. The morals I look for within myself and within the people I care most for are these:
Honesty: Telling the truth in personal or professional situations.
Respect: Treating others with dignity.
Compassion: Showing kindness, particularly to those in need.
Fairness: Sharing resources or treating people equitably.
An individual who behaves in accordance with these standards is considered moral, while those who act against them may be considered immoral.
For today, let us start with the first moral listed, Honesty. I asked my phone, “What does honesty mean?” This is what it said:
“Honesty means acting and speaking with truthfulness, integrity, and sincerity, free from deceit, theft, or lying. It involves aligning words with intentions, keeping promises, and maintaining moral soundness in both personal actions and public conduct. It is a foundational value that builds trust in relationships.
Key aspects of honesty include:
- Truthful Communication: Being honest in speech and avoiding lies or deception.
- Integrity in Actions: Operating with fairness and avoiding cheating or stealing.
- Self-Awareness: Being honest with oneself, which includes acknowledging mistakes and understanding one’s own motivations.
- Consistency: Ensuring that actions match words, which fosters trust and reliability.
Essentially, honesty is a core principle for a balanced life, requiring the courage to be transparent even when it is difficult.”
We are being subjected to the dictations of a small group of people who think morals are a type of mushroom, if they even know of that delicacy. I know it is difficult to navigate life these days but start with being honest. There are a lot of untruths being sold as truths, but you are smarter than they think you are. Question what is being said. Untruths being repeated, over and over, do not magically change them into truths. There are no alternate facts. Stories may change as we learn more about something, but facts are based on reality, not fantasy or wishful thinking.
Stand strong with your hand held firmly before you and say NO! There is no honesty in wearing a mask and ignoring our country’s laws by playing the thug. We greatly outnumber them. Hold strong to your moral convictions. Reach out to your community members and listen, honestly and respond honestly.
If this article bothers you, perhaps you should read it a few times through and ask yourself, WHY DOES IT?