LFTK: Accountability

Tomorrow is my birthday, and I am approaching a borderline that I am not ready to cross just yet because I am reminded that with this great privilege comes an even greater responsibility. Knowing what I know about myself I know that I must do better and ground myself deeper in my purpose but the “how” part isn’t always clear to me so what’s a guy to do? Trust the process?

Trust the process.

I used to cringe whenever I would hear people say something to that effect because younger me wanted to be made absolutely sure of things before making a move but if I’m being honest, I was never 100% sure of anything because there was always room for chance. When I compare my now to my then I can see so much change and I must say those results are incredibly inspiring. I am no longer discouraged that my dreams aren’t on a fixed timeline but instead I am encouraged by the fact that I have an opportunity each day to become a better friend, community member, and leader; in other words, I am discovering the joy of sharing myself with the world but with that privilege comes an even greater responsibility.

Despite my best efforts to remain under the radar during my DCCK experience I was often called out to contribute and give more. Obviously that was no accident but being identified as a leader is something that I do not take lightly and quite often I did not feel deserving and I retreated into my shell as a result but no more. Taking a stand on issues that matter. Being a protector of the vulnerable. Feeding the minds of the next generation. These are just a few principles that I hold dear, but I have not always been accountable to them.

This is the shift that I am speaking of — — this is the part where I actually live by my values instead of hiding in the shadows. Accountability is a word that carries a heavy weight but that same weight can be used to anchor our proverbial ship.

With just hours away from another birthday celebration I am mostly grateful to say that this is my journey and mine alone — over the years I’ve wished for some guidance or definitive sign that I was doing the right thing, but I see now that it’s been in me all along and now it is time for me to finally let what’s on the inside shine through. I am accountable for manifesting my dream and I possess everything I need so more excuses. It’s game time.