Accountability

Today I've been thinking about accountability. Accountability to remember to do this blog every other day (good lord), accountability for my own decisions, and giving accountability back to others for their decisions. That last one is a tough one. Almost impossible. And you know what the hardest part is? Walking away when I've passed the monkey back to the a-hole that gave it to me in the first place. Why? Because I care.

At first I felt a little bad for this, as though maybe it's my fault for caring too much, caring about the wrong things, moving forward to achieve my goals. Uh - no. The problem here is that the other person does not care enough about the human race to be accountable, responsible, and vulnerable. Funny thing, I can't, you can't, own that one for anyone.

So, as I soared up and down the rails of the emotional roller coaster today, in the moment where you're thrilled, terrified, and furious that you subject yourself to this ride all at one time, I had an epiphany. Pretty lights, music, and an angel, with a hammer, saying WAIT! Just stop engaging. This isn't your burden to bear!

And just like that, I let it go. Let's be real, sometimes I have to physically pull myself out of the funk and scrub my brain (remember that movie, Men in Black? Yeah.)

So, Monday, I will walk in to that meeting clear headed with the person who wants control without accountability and grant what it is the other wishes. Why? Because sometimes the right thing can be achieved many ways. And, other times, you have to let others figure it out on their own. Unfortunately, when the latter happens, it's tough to save that person when what I know will be miserable, is miserable. Learning is hard sometimes. Leadership is a stinky business. Happiness happens when we realize our purpose and don't let anyone else drag us down. That's a tough one - people love to drag. But we get there...if we pass that damn monkey back and get it off of our shoulders.

Free the monkeys!