Gift of Loyalty

Lots of quotes pop up when you search “loyalty” on Pinterest. So do many, many pictures of dogs. Of course, dogs are extremely loyal to us humans, whether we deserve their loyalty or not, so the fact dogs can be synonymous with loyalty is no surprise. What did surprise me was the vast range of quotes on the topic of loyalty. They got me thinking. Loyalty can be a wonderful, rare gift to give or to receive. Loyalty can also be a trap if you aren’t careful.

Don’t misunderstand me. I’m a huge advocate for loyalty and honesty. I’ve been married to the same man for twenty-eight years and worked for the same company for almost as long. Loyalty is the glue that holds families together. Lose the loyalty and you lose the ties that bind you to those you love.

Where loyalty can be unhealthy is when you hold tight to someone or something that no longer serves you. We all change and evolve. Sometimes we outgrow the company where we used to think we’d work until we retired. Staying somewhere out of a sense of loyalty can lessen your ability to contribute your full value to this amazing world.

Maybe there’s a relationship that no longer warrants your loyalty. If someone doesn’t reciprocate your loyalty, or worse, is dishonest or repeatedly unkind to you, you need to remind yourself it’s alright to walk away. I’m not talking about walking away when someone has a bad day or a tough week. All relationships go through rough patches. Do be cautious around those you’re not sure you can trust when your back is turned. Trust and honesty should be an integral component of where you place your loyalty. If that is lost, it’s very difficult to earn back.

A loyal friend is a priceless gift. No amount of money can buy you one. Guard those rare, deserving relationships with more care than you would the money in your bank account. Those people are critical to the quality of your life. They will be there for you in the dark days. They’ll share in your successes and wipe your tears when you trip and fall.

I’m not sure who first penned the words below, but try to remember them when you feel like you are lacking in some aspect of your life:

                             If you have a family that loves you, a few good friends,
                                    food on your table and a roof over your head,
                                                  you are richer than you think.
 
Be careful where you chose to place your loyalty, reassess on occasion to be sure you’re still on the right path, and stay true. Earn the loyalty of others and your life will be full beyond measure.   

Oh, and please be nice to the dog.

​Everything is a choice, make good ones and your life will be richer for it.   Kim