Carolyn Rasmus

To live with integrity means we feel and live with wholeness. When we - whether consciously or unconsciously - depart from who we are and from our knowledge of right and wrong, we not only complicate our lives but feel increased stress and often guilt.

A simple exercise can help us check our personal integrity. Divide a piece of paper into halves. On one half the paper write the word actions; on the other half, the word beliefs.

On the action side list the things you have done this past week. On the beliefs side of the paper, list the things you believe in, the things you value and desire to do in your life.

How do these two lists compare? Do your actions match your beliefs? If they do, you probably already have the confidence that a life of integrity brings - you feel whole, complete, and at peace.

If there is a discrepancy between your actions and beliefs, you might feel disquieted, agitated, or depressed. Here, then, is your opportunity to make some changes, to look at ways in which you can make time to care for your soul.