Every day there are decisions made to adhere to the simple adage of doing what's right. Not doing what's practical or what's profitable or what is politically correct, but just doing the right thing.

We can take a deep breath when we witness these ethics in action. It feels good and lets us know we can do the right thing for no other reason than to do the right thing! I expect knowing what the right thing to do is can be easier than actually doing it. When we hesitate with uncertainty, perhaps it is to serve another master.

We have many ways
 of finding out who someone
is. We see signs such as true
manners, the ability to see one's own
failures, simple awareness. We trust people
who exhibit these qualities to do the right thing.
And part of becoming our highest selves is
avoiding, and hopefully forgiving, those
who aren't there yet.

Parents certainly know what they should do when fulfilling their most important role. It isn't always easy. If we keep the welfare of our children our first priority, we are not always popular. In many contexts, doing the right thing isn't always popular.

Business owners have an added responsibility, as their decisions affect a group of people - employees, customers, clients, vendors. Teachers and religious leaders not only affect a group but are expected to hold to the highest standards. Influencing a group adds weight to decisions, but does not exempt one from doing the right thing.

I think being, and certainly becoming, our highest selves involves getting out of our own way. We need to care about others as well as ourselves. Those who want to be fair, courteous, and respectful see beyond selfish considerations.

We have many ways of finding out who someone is. We see signs such as true manners, the ability to see one's own failures, simple awareness.

We trust people who exhibit these qualities to do the right thing. And part of becoming our highest selves is avoiding, and hopefully forgiving, those who aren't there yet.

Jean Loxley-Barnard has been a writer all her life and studied both sociology and psychology at George Washington University where she earned a B.A. Her company, The Shopper, Inc., encompasses all the Loxley-Barnard family publications - The Shopper Magazines and Doctor to Doctor Magazine. She has been in the advertising, consulting and publishing business for 39 years.