Sometimes, it's my fault...

As I begin this post, I'm reflecting on when I first recognized the need to take responsibility. I'm uncertain about the exact moment. It might not have been a specific event or age, but I know it has been some time.

A couple of weeks ago, my son and I discussed this topic. He recognized my capacity to own up to my actions. Although it's challenging, it's essential. Recently, I've observed in several instances that this isn't commonly practiced.

Eventually, you need to understand the idea that "it takes two to tango." I can't place all the blame for a problem or situation solely on my partner. A portion of it falls on me. Depending on the situation or the discussion, that portion varies, but it exists.

I don't understand the victim mentality. On that subject, the whole "he or she made me feel" is completely ridiculous. I taught my boys when they were young, nobody makes you feel anything. You allow their actions to affect your emotions. Now, don't get me wrong, I am not perfect. I have definitely allowed people's words and actions to affect my emotions dozens of times since I even taught them that. But it still remains the truth.

I truly believe, especially the older I get, that accountability is a very important part of healing. It's like the first step: admitting. Admitting and taking accountability are interchangeable. And if it's the first step in one type of situation, shouldn't we investigate the idea that it may be the first necessary step in many types of situations?

There is nothing wrong with showing a little bit of humility and accepting with grace the fact that you are wrong. Until you see that you are wrong, you will never fix things and be right. It's time to say, 'Sometimes, it's my fault'.