In healing, awareness is the first step towards getting better, but it is not enough. Healing… any true change and growth requires accountability.
Accountability is the voice that asks us “what now?” after we awaken from ignorance, after life has smacked us with undeniable pain. It is what should follow awareness. And yes, most times, before accountability knocks, shame, blame, guilt, criticism, resentment, anger, disappointment—they all rush in to take their place in our bodies, and sometimes they linger.
But the spirit of the brave embraces accountability, enabling us to move past all those other difficult emotions. It is what gently guides us to compassion. Accountability doesn’t take our pain away, but it provides enough safe space to hold the pain and then allows us to seek the tools we need to fully embrace the human experience of pain and not let it obstruct the love we deserve. In a way, true love, whether it’s self-love or love for others, demands accountability. Just as kindness and genuine compassion do not enable.
Accountability, after asking “what now,” then assures us “we can do this,” enabling us to take the next steps toward a kinder, more empowered, and more authentic version of ourselves.
What better way can we show love to ourselves and to others than to show up with the best intentions and alignment? That’s what accountability does. It allows us to reflect, be honest with ourselves, and take the necessary actions so we can show up with utmost presence and love in this world.
Thus, true love and true compassion involve being accountable.
