The inquiry today centers on what it looks like to be accountable to oneself. What is at stake when we abandon ourselves, and what do we gain by making life choices aligned with our inner compass?
When we only focus outward, we often ignore the messages of our inner wisdom.
The antidote to this occurs when we take time each day to check in with ourselves, with compassion for whatever we are going through and feeling. Then, we can see more clearly what energy we have, we can communicate better with others about how we are, and we can take care of ourselves in the ways we need that day.
I know some people fear it would be selfish to prioritize more time for their own well-being. However, it is only through taking time to observe oneself compassionately through meditation and/or other self-reflective practices; to connect with supportive people; and to learn what is best for one’s own body, mind, and heart, that people can stay aligned with who they truly are.
Five Ways To Be Accountable to Oneself
1. Observe with compassion the fluctuating thoughts, feelings, and sensations you experience by meditating once or twice each day.
There are free meditations on the Insight Timer app, including some guided by me: click here.
2. Allow your thoughts to unfold on the page by journaling.
A simple practice to start with is to write “What I am thinking right now is …”
3. Make a goals list of real, big dreams that come from your heart, then list actual small steps you can take to make them come true.
4. Sit outside at night as darkness brings a hush to the world and envision the next steps in your life: how you want to feel, who is there, and what your days look like.
5. Read books that resonate with you whether they are fiction, non-fiction, or both.
Each of these practices can be something you choose to do only for fifteen minutes, as a break in the day. With little breaks like this to nurture yourself, you begin to build trust with yourself: that you will show up for yourself and be accountable to yourself.
The more accountable you are to yourself, the more you make space to hear what your mind, body, and heart are trying to tell you. This is not selfish: it will support you in showing up in the world fully, which includes your most important relationships.