When I look back over my life, what I took pride in is not my achievements or the accolades that stand out the most but the moments when made a conscious choice to stay true to myself that I will never bow than to pressure, even when it was uncomfortable, unpopular, or the path is uncertain. Those are the moments I’m proudest of, because those moments shaped me to be who I am and continue to guide me in a world that is constantly shifting.
[Pixabay(https://pixabay.com/illustrations/beyond-life-after-death-eternal-life-602060/)
One moment that I can never forget was when I walked away from a job that paid well but compromised my values. When you look at it from the surface, the job seemed like the right job because it is financially secure, socially respectable but deep down, it is what it is. I have to accept what I was always against and compromised on what is not acceptable. I sat down and keep asking myself the same question, “Is this who I want to become?” In the end, I chose to leave the job, despite having no clear backup plan. It was terrifying because I don't know what to do next, but at the same time, it is liberating.
Another moment I’m proud of happened in a much quieter, more personal way. That was when I was dating my ex. The relationship of four years and there is no marriage talk and anytime I brought it up, he will cover it with another topic and when it came to me that it seems like I was trying to force myself on him and he's not ready to say the word because he don't want to be blame, I decided to say the word and take the blame instead. I break up with him and never look back and the truth is it a really painful breakup but I never regret it because if I didn't take that step, I might not be able to move forward .
Staying true to ones beliefs, you don't need to always looked bold or dramatic. Sometimes it’s been as simple as speaking up in a place where it would’ve been easier to stay silent, or it might meant saying no to things that looked good but didn’t align with your purpose. Each time I take those steps, I learned that integrity is not a one time decision, it is a practice.
I’m not perfect, in fact I'm far from being perfect, but whenever I'm tested, I always make sure to chose honesty over convenience, I can never trade people over politics, and never bow to pressure and forget my purpose. I know my choices may not always lead to applause, but they bring peace to me, that is the truest measure of success.
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