What do people think of you…and who are you?

“Regard your good name as the richest jewel you can possibly be possessed of – for credit is like fire; when once you have kindled it you may easily preserve it, but if you once extinguish it, you will find it an arduous task to rekindle it again. The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear.” ~Socrates

I’m always sad to say that I heard and internalize this quote AFTER my reputation and name were ruined at my own hands.  I have done quite a few things that I am not proud of but the gifts of opportunity and time allows me to correct those wrongs that I have done.  But it’s a constant process that also takes character.

Through my rekindling of a positive reputation I realized the importance of “character”.  There is a big difference between reputation and character.  Your reputation is what others think of you; your character is what you really are.  I found that I didn’t like who I was and I also didn’t like what others thought of me.  The way I dealt with that is to ask the question “Who am I?”  Everyday during my mediation, while I am working throughout the day, and in each moment I try to I ask that question.  This constantly allows me to re-evaluate what I do which is a reflection of who I am.

It’s a tough, tedious process but in the end I pray that I can be better than my best reputation.  Be blessed, #BeDynamic