Road Markers

From the Cosmic Tarot, the Two of Swords; from the L'Oeil de Lotus, 'Betrayal:'

To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity. ~Douglas Adams

          When intellect and emotions become so intertwined that finding the truth is like being in a marsh at midnight, it's time to call a truce on decision-making. The Betrayal card is a warning that emotional beliefs can easily bend the truth until I'm convinced I'm speaking honestly and acting with integrity. Yet there are a few road markers to help me know if I'm traveling a path of integrity.

• I keep my word and commitments.
• I admit when I've made mistakes but don't enable unacceptable behavior in others.
• I keep my focus and notice when I intentionally create distractions.
• I don't pronounce something as true unless there is evidence of it.
• I am sincere and respectful without people-pleasing; I act responsibly without getting caught in the 'shoulds.'

From an objective self-perspective, I take exit ramps from this road a lot without even thinking. So perhaps taking some time like this woman is doing to be aware of what's rattling around in my heart and mind is the best preventative.