Reputation

From the dictionary.reference.com : the estimation in which a person or thing is held, especially by the community or the public generally…a favorable and publicly recognized name or standing for merit, achievement, reliability, etc..

It is all we each have. Our reputation. Our name. Our brand.

Me, age 2

It is the one aspect of ourselves that can be destroyed by a mere word from someone who disagrees with us. From anyone who has a moment of anger…a moment of ego. A misplaced word on an open forum.

It is the aspect of ourselves which is built upon each moment of our dedication to doing what is honourable and forthright.

I started in our industry as a yahoogroups follower, columnist, reviewer, copy editor, editor, published author, to now Editor and Executive Admin with MuseItUp Publishing. These are my credentials.

My reputation has opened the doors for each of these. A reputation built on self-behaviour of my self-presentation to you, those who only know me via my words on a screen.

This trust you have treasured me with is extremely precious. It is the bond between us.

My trust which I have gifted to others is not something I ever do lightly. I am a private, even closed person. I do not trust easily.

I’m a watcher, have always been someone who sits quietly and takes in the actions around me. Do I judge?

Yes…we all do.

I judge on a person’s words. My dad would always remind me there are three sides to any truth or view: My side…the other side…and the mix in the middle where the full balance is found.

I have spent the last twenty years searching deep inside and examining each personal flaw. Each personal fear. But, more importantly and something which has been the most difficult journey for me…each personal gem, each personal strength and brilliance.

Perfection?

Hardly.

Balanced?  I try.

What does this have to do with the start…reputation?

Our reputations are not built on perfection.

Reputations are built on our continued behaviour and actions in times of great success and great pain. It is enhanced by those we keep within our circles, those beyond our circles, and even those who have turned away from us.

Or as I’ve been reminded by the children around me…what you say bounces off me and sticks like glue to you.

To paraphrase…our word is our bond.

At the end of any day, any moment, allow my words, actions, behaviour strengthen or weaken my reputation and not anyone else’s.

To you…Thank You.