There is a responsibility in making a difference. A universal pact that the difference should, do no harm.

In Bruce Weinstein, PhD’s book Ethical Intelligence, the first principle of living an ethical life is ‘To do no harm’. He goes on to say that if you must do harm, minimize it and gives the example of having to lay someone off. Do it, he counsels, in a way that retains their dignity, that respects and honours them and you and your organization.

Yesterday, in an effort to do something good for someone, I harmed them. It wasn’t intentional, harm seldom is when we come from a place of wanting to do good. But, in the act of creating ‘a moment’, I didn’t consider the consequences of some of the aspects to what I was doing and the recipient felt unheard and unseen.

I am 100% accountable for my footprint in the world and in other people’s lives.

When I take a misstep it is my responsibility to acknowledge it, apologize (without excuses), commit to making amends and recommit to the relationship.

Yesterday, I made a difference I didn’t want to make.

Today, I recommit to doing my best, being my best, to paying attention, staying focused and present in what I do, and when I make a mistake, as I inevitably will, I commit to acknowledging my mistake, in love, and honouring the other through my amends.

We all make mistakes. It’s not the mistakes that make the difference. It’s the being accountable for what we’ve done by turning up, paying attention, speaking our truth and staying unattached to the outcome that creates the difference between harbouring resentments or moving forward in love and forgiveness.

In my mistake I have taken action. Embraced the opportunity to learn and grow. I have apologized and am committed to stay present in my desire to make a difference.

It is the best I can do and my best is good enough.

Namaste.