The Value of Accountability

Sometimes accountability can be a challenging thing to face. When we are young, we may recall ourselves being focused on doing whatever we want, challenging our parents, and exploring our rebellion. Nothing was ever our fault; people are always doing things to us, and we just happen to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. If something goes wrong, it’s not your fault.

When I was younger, I would find myself hanging out with people who made me laugh. It didn’t matter that these people were distracting me from figure skating practice, school work, or getting me into life-threatening situations. I recall a time in my life when I valued my friendships so much that I went against my better judgment to maintain them. This led to me being in unsafe situations, which, if my mother actually knew the truth, she would have a heart attack.

Somehow, I always managed to get out of dangerous situations in the nick of time. My intuition and discernment have always been strong, but I would ignore them. Being around the wrong people and losing your focus can ruin your life. Today, I have come to realize that to truly prosper and succeed in life, I must hold myself accountable for my past transgressions.

Not in a way where I become majorly depressed or closed off to the world, but in a way where I can make an active change in my life. I see my peers getting married, having children, and purchasing homes, and often, we can feel like we're falling behind in life. I am exploring the space in between where I am now, where I want to be, and what has held me back in the past.

I hold myself accountable for not taking my life seriously enough. For staying around people who constantly mocked, degraded me, or took advantage of me for far too long. This meeting of grace and accountability should result in vast success.

I honor the fact that I am living my life on my own timeline, but I would be remiss if I didn’t share my truth.

What are some ways you can hold yourself accountable for not being where you desire to be? How will you make amends with yourself and move forward?

Lauren J. Williams