With honour being defined as;
1. high respect; great esteem
2. adherence to what is right or to a conventional standard of conduct
I am indebted to many people who have really influenced my life for the better. From every small interaction, to those who I work with and see everyday. My life is richer simply because I am surrounded by others. I feel an immense sense of gratitude, but also responsibility to all of these people.
I've been thinking about the moments where I feel most proud of those I love. And it's usually when I see them learning. Progressing to the next state. Holding themselves accountable, trying hard to be a different, better, version of themselves. Trying.
And I thought, if I really care for these people, I ought to do the same for them.
I've come to learn that one of the greatest gifts you can offer to those who care about you is to flourish yourself.
Who am I to disrespect their efforts, after all they have done for me? Who am I to skip out on discipline and discomfort, when they are embracing it head on, right in front of me?
Do not live for fame, ego, wealth, gluttony, sex – do not even live for love or meaning.
None of these are destinations. And even if they were, they'd be better if the journey wasn't just about getting there.
Meaning seems to be a lagging indicator of what you choose to do with your finite time here.
Hold yourself with high respect, great esteem. Adhere to what you believe is right, to the standards that you set for yourself and the world.
The greatest gift we can give to the world is to simply hold ourselves to a higher standard.