|
Accountability The Compassionate Choice
-
Chelle Thompson
In a world that is shifting, everything around us is being redefined. Through the challenges in my life, I've learned that maintaining a loving arena of Accountability creates a cornerstone for change. It's also the gift that keeps on giving — for, when individuals actually rise to the occasion and accept responsibility for their actions, they then reflect a high level of consciousness that is a beautiful gift in return.
Truth ... spoken with clarity (not harsh, demeaning words or ego) is a gift we give to ourselves as well. It frees the repressed emotional energy that is generated when we sell ourselves out by remaining silent. I see this approach as an expanded version of my favorite Dale Carnegie human relations principle — "Giving someone a fine example to live up to."
I recall one of the first times I was brave enough to NOT EDIT my words, rather than "make nice" and not rock the boat. Soon I learned that not editing was the only way to be, and that by "speaking from the heart" I could create a loving atmosphere of opportunity.
Several years ago, while director of Lightship of Santa Fe, a personal growth center, I encountered four simultaneous situations for me to practice this philosophy. In three of the cases, the people involved readily altered their perspective, because they clearly saw what had happened and owned the consequences of their actions.
The fourth was a remarkable woman from another state who, at the last minute, canceled a newsletter advertisement she had reserved because HER plans had changed. When I explained that this wasn't appropriate because I'd held the space for her and now there was no time to replace it, she slipped into the very human survival mode of justification, blame and denial. I remained clear with my position and, when resolution didn't appear to be happening, I simply said, "Okay, you don't have to keep the ad or pay the money; you apparently don't fit well with our project, so it's best for everyone."
About a week later I received a three-page letter and a check from this responsible being who had spent several days pondering the events to really understand what had occurred. With a wonderful sense of her own dignity, she acknowledged the ways she had affected others and apologized for her behavior. Upon receiving this "reciprocal gift," I immediately called and told her that she truly DID fit the energy of Lightship and would be welcome to advertise or present her workshops with us at any time.
Seeing someone step beyond their personality self to be in alignment with their own Essence is one of life's greatest joys. Accountability is, indeed, the purest form of compassion.
***************************************************
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Chelle Thompson has an extensive background in recovery programs, motivational counseling, psychology, theology and human relations. In Santa Fe, Chelle established a nonprofit personal growth center dedicated to advancing human potential through self-empowerment and now publishes the e-zine http://www.InspirationLine.com. Inspiration Line is a FREE weekly e-mail magazine for people seeking encouragement and fresh perspectives. Our intent is to inspire through motivational articles, poems and uplifting quotes, while balancing the equation with lighthearted humor, historic wonders, interesting news and helpful tips on relationship skills, pet care, health issues, world travel and more. Chelle may be reached at
Editor@InspirationLine.com
|
.
