Veritas Et Aequitas..

[Lionblade]

Values.. Every man and woman of good character must have them. They are what defines us, guides our actions and reflects who we are. Let me share mine with you. First understand I am not glorifying myself. But merely explaining to you how I incorporate each into my life.

Friends and Family:
They are my everything. Every breath I take is only to ensure their happiness. To be there for them in times of trouble, and give them times of tranquility. To truly take care and love someone requires sacrifice. I would sacrifice everything for my friends and family.. and I do. Whether it be food, money, time, possessions... my future. These things are little in comparison to them. Every night I pray for "the strength to guide and protect them" and that "angels may watch over them when I can not."

One should spend their life protecting something. And for me, it is those I hold close.. my friends, my family, you all. I will do what I can to help you. You should focus on who brings you happiness and ensure that they in turn are happy. It is a rewarding way of life to see those you care for in good health and character. It requires sacrifice.. Sometimes you have to put their needs and wants before your own. But it is better to be a man or woman of sacrifice then to put yourself before others as they suffer.

Your Word is Your Bond:
It is for me. I do my best not to lie and beyond my best to keep my word. If I say I will do something, I'll do it. If I say I will support my family, I will. If someone asks me how I feel about something or someone, I will do my best to be direct and honest.

Let your word mean everything. When people think of you.. you want them to see you as someone they can trust, someone they know that will be honest, direct, and reliable. When your name is mentioned, you want people to know that you are someone to be trusted. This can be hard at times.. we are often tempted to be two-faced about people and speak ill behind their backs but wear a smile to their face. Or often say we will do something and later do not. Try your best to set forth this perception to people. You will go far if people know you are someone to trust and rely on.

Common Courtesy and Good Will:
How it is becoming scarce in the world. Sometimes it feels I am the only man left with a shred of “chivalry” left. People are actually starting to see me as weird that I open doors or go out of my way to help someone. It has come to the point that a single act of kindness can be seen as intent to charm. That if I open a lady’s door, I want to hit on her. This is not so.

Treat others as you would like to be treated. Be kind to strangers and help those in need. One act of kindness does not go unseen, and even if it does, you yourself know that you are a good person. Do not fail to help others in need if you can something to help them.

These are principles that every woman and man of any faith can embrace. It isn’t easy to incorporate these into your life if you have not.. but if you try, you will succeed.

Take care..