Do The Right Thing, Even When It's Hard

Sometimes, there is a law or a rule that serves as a guide to let us know what we should or should not do and when.

But sometimes, there's not anything in place other than our own moral code. And when it comes to doing what is right, each individual has their own idea of right and wrong.

So what exactly is a "moral code"? According to some definitions, "a moral code is a set of guiding principles defining right and wrong, influencing behavior within a culture, religion, or personal belief system, and often emphasizing values like honesty, fairness, and respect to foster social harmony."

Each individual's "moral code" is something deep within themselves. And breaking that code can sometimes result in a punishment that can be felt for a very long time.

But there are also those things that should be a given - something everyone agrees is the "right or wrong thing" to be doing or saying. It should be more "black and white" and have obvious answers as to what a response should be.

Doing what is right or wrong isn't always easy. In fact, doing what is right can at times feel more difficult than taking the wrong fork in that proverbial road.

For instance, when someone sees a crime being committed. Not everyone immediately steps up and does the "right thing"  or even when needed, stands as a witness. After all, in this world are those who would attempt to intimidate or force someone to go along with their way of thinking - their "moral code" is not the same. In fact, they may appear to not have any morals at all.

So why is it sometimes so difficult to just do the right thing? Too many times people say they "don't want to get involved" or "it isn't their business" - they reach for whatever they can to distance themselves from what should be done.

Why is doing the right thing important?

When you do the right thing, it can build trust within relationships such as friends, family and co-workers. When you do the right thing it can build character helping the individual develop strength, provide them with a clear conscience and give them a sense of pride. When you do the right thing - it can help to build a better, more compassionate community in which you live.

When you do the right thing it means even when it may hurt. Going against a friend or family member who is not doing the right thing is not easy - and it shouldn't be. You care about them. And even when it hurts - it is the right thing to do. I know that is most likely not the first thing they think of - but how would they feel if someone else you care about did the wrong thing against them and you chose to not report it because you care about them.

In all things - we should do the right thing. Most likely we will all have our slip ups from time to time. But we should at least attempt to do the right thing. The Bible says it, but even if you don't believe in the Bible - it should be everyone's guide: "do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Even if you don't have a "horse in the race" - if you don't have a relationship one way or the other.... It's true that we should all "put ourselves in their shoes". What if this had happened to someone we care about? Would we close our eyes and walk away? Would we choose to act or pretend we didn't see or hear?

I would hope we would all do the right thing. I would hope the only sweeping would be out the door, not under the rug.

Standing up for what is right is better than sitting down in the murk and mire of wrong. And remember, whatever you choose to do or not do - you will have to live with. It really won't just go away. It will be right there in the recesses of your mind and memory - knowing you could have made a difference if you had just chosen differently.

No, not everyone will like what choice you make - but the ones who support and still care about you are the only ones that matter.

It's true, as the song says, "you have to stand for something or you'll stand for anything." So if you see something, say something. If you hear something, say something. No matter what - do something. Don't just walk away. Do the right thing!

And, in the words of Norman Schwarzkopf, "the truth of the matter is that (we all) always know the right thing to do. The hard part is doing it."