Interpreting Intention

Why do I care about what others think of me, if they judge me, agree with me, criticize me? As long as I live with integrity and let values guide my decisions, as long as I can justify my thoughts and my actions and they are not contrived by malevolence... does that not exhibit integrity and should I not be proud to live by those standards?

It is easy to say to someone "So What, I know my intentions, so it doesn't matter what you think". But not so easy to flip the coin, to put myself in someone else's shoes, and to ask myself - what are the intentions guiding the actions. It is not so easy to judge others by their intentions and not their actions or opinions. If someone is making a decision with meaning behind it - not contrived by malevolence (that's a line drawn in the sand and not to be crossed) - then should I not respect their integrity as well?

But then, how do we interpret passion? Passionate remarks made in the heat of the moment - backed by intentions as pure as gold, but said with a fierceness of a tiger. Said by hearts that are breaking with a ferocious love and drive to want to be best or do what they see is best in that situation. To stand up for what is right. It is easy to be mezmerized by the snarling words and not see the huge heart with honest intention buried deep inside that is acting out in hurt and frustration.

Dreams Awake

Our Truest life is when we are in dreams awake. - Henry David Thoreau
...and in our dreams awake, we step, prance, sashay with grace, ease, and certainty. We do not fight our inhibitions, fears, or practice self restraint. WE ARE ALIVE.
To truly live in your dreams awake is moving effortlessly through the day engulfed in the sensations of honesty, integrity, confidence, and certainty in the truth of the knowledge possessed.