Robert Morse is quoted as saying:
“One never knows how loyalty is born.”
For me, loyalty has always been present. Possibly its origins started in my DNA through my heritage on both sides of my parents.
What I do know is I have always been loyal to my family, to my friends, to my employers, to my faith and to my country.
“Loyalty is my constant companion.”
If one believes in astronomy, one of the first traits for a woman born under the sign of Taurus, the Bull, is being loyal. And those who know me will agree along with the other traits including being quite stubborn or "bull headed." 😉
Loyalty captures so much of whom we are as human beings. For me, loyalty also encompasses being caring, consistent, dependable, direct, faithful, reliable, straight forward trustworthy, trusting, truthful and defending others along with what I believe to be true. Often my straightforward manner is viewed as to blunt, to very direct, to a matter-of-fact and sometimes even uncaring.
I remember when I was in corporate sales. Way back then, I was continually asked by the various competitors to leave my employer and work for them. For me, this was not about money, but was about loyalty and balancing how my current employer treated me. Given my employer provided me the opportunity to be the first inside saleswoman in a particular industry and did adequately compensate me, I could not see any reason to leave.
Even now in the real estate industry, I have been approached directly and indirectly about leaving DIRT ROAD REAL ESTATE. My response has been consistent:
“When I leave real estate, I leave DIRT ROAD.”
Today my sense is loyalty is no longer a common trait within our culture, but rather uncommon much like common sense. For some have shared with me loyalty is “old school.” These often are individuals who are after the money and change real estate brokerages along with firms in other industries much like some change their undergarments.
There have been many words of wisdom given by others regarding loyalty. For me, I believe this one by John Boyle O’Reilly captures the essence of what loyalty means for me.
“Loyalty is the greatest quality of the human heart.”
This is my fourth and final entry into the March 2025 challenge sponsored by Patricia Feager and Lew Corcoran for hosting this month’s Active Rain Challenge. Both have demonstrated an amazing effort in responding to all entries. Thank you
Leanne M Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent Who Goes the Extra Mile Because Life Begins Where the Pavement Ends.
Feature Photo Courtesy of Leanne M Smith. This is Otto the Terrible Who Is My Loyal and Constant Companion.
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