It’s one of those hard truths that is easy to dismiss because, in our minds, there’s always an external force to blame—a toxic relationship, a difficult boss, societal pressures. Yet, this truth is painfully accurate.

“There must be some misunderstanding, there must be some kind of mistake… “ It's natural for us to create stories in our minds to make sense of what others say or how they behave. Unfortunately…

Are we willing to have the courage to shift our commitments to a greater outcome or cause when we recognize how imperative it would be to change course? Are we accountable enough to communicate to the people that are impacted by our change in plans?

When we don’t keep promises, it opens up all kinds of portals for mischief.

Inevitably, things pile up, and I end up not keeping a commitment. When this happens, I notice a loss of personal power and a reduction in my happiness and self-expression.  Basically, I feel bad for not keeping my word.  The biggest trap here is that all the attention is on myself.  I can hear my inner critic judging and evaluating myself for not being good enough.

That word, “commitment” rang loudly and sounded a bit like my new nemesis, but ultimately it was not. As noisily as it rang the unwelcome bell of, “It’s time to grow up and be accountable for your own life”, I understood the honor he was placing on his word.