Self-actualization
Self-actualization--a concept Maslow attributed to Kurt Goldstein, a mentor to Maslow--is the instinctual need of humans to make the most of their abilities and to strive to be the best they can.

Maslow writes the following of self-actualizing people:

They embrace the facts and realities of the world (including themselves) rather than denying or avoiding them.
They are spontaneous in their ideas and actions.
They are creative.
They are interested in solving problems; this often includes the problems of others. Solving these problems is often a key focus in their lives.
They feel a closeness to other people, and generally appreciate life.
They have a system of morality that is fully internalized and independent of external authority.
They have discernment and are able to view all things in an objective manner.
In short, self-actualization is reaching one's fullest potential.

According to Maslow, the tendencies of self-actualizing people are as follows:

1. Awareness

efficient perception of reality
freshness of appreciation
peak experiences
ethical awareness
2. Honesty

philosophical sense of humour
social interest
deep interpersonal relationships
democratic character structure
3. Freedom

need for solitude
autonomous, independent
creativity, originality
spontaneous
4. Trust

problem centered
acceptance of self, others, nature
resistance to enculturation - identity with humanity

Integrity is a characteristic that belongs to people who are self-actualized. It is the quality or condition of being whole, complete, unbroken, and undivided. Knowing oneself heightens a person's integrity. According to Abraham Maslow, having integrity can take a very long time to reach and is very hard to obtain. It's at the top of Maslow's pyramid. Before reaching self-actualization and having integrity, you have to first have needs like food and water, love and care from friends and family, and especially self-confidence. It's the basing of one's actions on an internally consistent framework of principles. Depth of principles and adherence of each level to the next are key determining factors. One is said to have integrity to the extent that everything they do and believe is based on the same core set of values. While those values may change, it is their consistency with each other and with the person's actions that determine their integrity. The concept of integrity is directly linked to responsibility in that implementation spawning from principles is designed with a specific outcome in mind. When the action fails to achieve the desired effect, a change of principles is indicated. Accountability is achieved when a faulty principle is identified and changed to produce a more useful action.

as he sat on my lap tonight listenin' to Johnny Cash and pattin' his little hands I thought...this is one of the MANY reasons I have to be thankful...hope everyones day was a good one...love ya

Cracker