Having a code to live by is really important; however, keeping morals in our world today has become difficult for many people, but then it’s what defines us as humans and makes us different from others.
Personally, there is something that keeps me in check whenever I want to do anything wrong, and that's my conscience. In most cases, it always stands against me until I do the right thing. This is why I always succumb to my conscience; otherwise, I will never have peace of mind doing otherwise. I also believe that for many of us, there are some things that we wouldn't do simply because our conscience wouldn’t allow them, just that it differs for each individual.
The code I live by is centered on how I was raised up. My parents didn't have much, but they taught us contentment and hard work. This is to say that whatever I desire, I should work hard in getting them and not resort to theft or any sort of negative lifestyle to fulfill my desire. We live in a world where there's unhealthy competition here and there, even among our mates. You see people compromising just to live a luxury life and have one achievement or the other by any means. The life pressure is real and capable of making one derail. However, if you have a code you live by, it could help you stand your ground that no matter what happens, you can't just do this.
I have found myself in many situations where I could compromise and make it in life at once, but I have been overcoming due to this code I live by. Contentment birthed hard work for me; as much as I am content with what I have, I will keep working hard to achieve more and not limiting myself, and of course not engaging in coded theft or living a negative lifestyle for quick financial freedom.
I did a business two months ago with one man working in an oil company here in Lagos State, Nigeria. After the whole deal, somehow I realize that I was supposed to balance the man almost a hundred dollars. This man didn't even realize that at all, but after I discovered that, I said to myself, No, I can't silently eat this money, even though the man is a billionaire; it won't shake him, but then I have integrity to uphold. I have my code to live by. I have to remain content with the profit I made with him and the wife while working hard for more and enjoying my peace of mind. I had to put a call across to the man and explain to him about the balance of almost a hundred dollars I should pay to him. He was very grateful for such actions from me, and on my end, I felt fulfilled and happy. Life goes on, and we keep moving on.
Things may go bad at a point in my life, but it shouldn't make me deviate from this code. I will rather prioritize contentment and hard work than resort to theft or living a negative lifestyle in order to achieve success. Its importance to always stay true to ourselves; life makes more sense this way.
This post is in response to the #hivelearners community contest on the topic titled, A Code I Live By
Note: Images were created using meta Ai