A Personal Statement of Ethics

I was born to a tribe of women.  I was a child that never should have been born and as a result, I have been cherished more and more with every day that I live.  I have been told for the entirety of my life that I would be something great – but that I would have to work for it.  I was given faith from the religion that my mother insisted that I participate.  I was given strength from the stories of the women who raised me and the struggles that they faced before I was born. I was shown the importance of giving through random acts of kindness benefitting those most in need.   I was taught the importance of truth when I saw the pain that dishonesty can cause in a family.  I was taught love by my grandmother who dedicated 29 years of her life to me, even when I was of an age not to appreciate it.  I learned about marriage, babies, business, healing, longing, education, hurt and sadness from this tribe of women who saw me as their miracle. 

I have always been a planner.  For as long as I can remember, I have taken the time to plan out as many aspects of my life as possible.  I know this to be a way to combat stress, anxiety and your run of the mill procrastination.  In developing these skills, I have become known to those around me as a rational and sometimes overly logical person.  People turn to me for advice on how to handle personal and professional “mountains” because they know that I can help them turn the issues back into the “mole hills” that they really are.  I am a quiet leader.   

I do not think that I was born this type of quiet leader.  I think that the theological and philosophical backgrounds that were woven into my upbringing played a great part in creating the leader that stands before you today.  Once I was able to be identified (and identify myself) as a leader many opportunities opened up for me.  I was fortunate to be included in a youth leadership conference that taught me how to nurture and mature my leadership skills by moving with urgency, getting out of my comfort zone and to truly be the gift that I am.  This experience lead to employment with the same company – so I was able to use the gifts that I had cultivated to encourage other young people to do the same. 

As an adult, I had been given the best mission possible – to save lives.  Through my employment I wake up every day and know that whatever task I may take on, no matter how tedious I may think it is, will directly impact someone’s life and perhaps ultimately save their life.  I have been given a wealth of knowledge about health in regards to education, research and advocacy efforts of my company.  I take this knowledge with me everywhere I go and I educate those that I meet about the importance of health. 

I mentioned previously that I am a planner.  I think that it is important to take time from one’s daily life to reflect on the things you find most important.  It is a necessary tool in life to be aware of who you are, what you stand for, and what values or ethics you hold most dear.  When you are comfortable with your values, you need not be afraid to stand by them once you are out in the world. In times of great stress, I find that I set more time aside to reflect on my values – sometimes I have to remind myself to be more fluid and adjust my standards as I age, grow and change.  I apply these values or ethics to the way that I act and to the people that I surround myself with. 

My personal ethics consist of qualities that help me be the best possible version of myself

Strength
I strive to never give up.  I try my best to be strong in mind and in body.  I take care of my physical form through diet and exercise.  I take care of my mind through meditation and learning.  I stand up for the things that I believe in and make sure that my voice is heard when it needs to be.  Sometimes, I have to be the strength in others when they cannot be the strength for themselves.  I work to find solutions to issues instead of letting problems take over my spirit. 
 

Kindness
An unknown author said, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.”  I believe that it is important to be kind to those I meet.  In kindness, I find that I am able to be fair, honest and caring in the way that I communicate with them.  I enjoy giving back to my community and using the talents that I have been given to help others.  Every day I remind myself how fortunate I am to have the people and things in my life that I do.  I take time to say “thank you” and show appreciation for those around me.  

Honesty
I am truthful with my words.  Even if those words are something that I would rather not say.  I am truthful in my actions and hold myself to a higher standard than most.  I question situations when necessary to ensure that I am always seeking the most honest outcome.  I surround myself with people who are honest in their actions.

Inspire
I know that I will never be perfect, but I strive to be an example in another’s eyes.  I work hard and with integrity.  I strive to be transparent in all of my dealings to help others learn how to live a simple and uncomplicated life.  I treat others as I would want to be treated.  I am an advocate and encourage others to advocate for the causes they are passionate about.  I hope to inspire others to reflect on their own lives and make changes necessary to live a happy life.

Be extraordinary
There is only one “Me” in this world.  While my actions may never land me a page in the history books – who I am will land me a place in the hearts and minds of those that I love.  I will find reasons to laugh when all I want to do is cry.  I will find sunshine on rainy days.  I will think critically and imaginatively.  I will speak my mind and I will be extraordinary.