A Bike Ride and a Pivotal Moment in Responsibility

Can you recall your exact aha moment of what it really meant to be responsible. To be accountable and keep your word? To understand that if someone is counting on you, you can't just change your mind because you don't want to do it? Or back out because you want to make other plans?

I can remember precisely, and that moment sticks with me to this day.

I was about 12 years old, and one of my friends called to ask if I wanted to go bike riding with her and another friend. I said yes. Then I changed my mind. This was the 80s. There were no cell phones. I couldn't just text her.

But I had a solution. As soon as the two girls arrived at my house, I would tell them I had changed my mind. Simple, right? No big deal. It was JUST a bike ride. (you know how I feel about that word 😉) And they still had each other. They didn't need me.

But my mother said, "no. You made a commitment to them. You have to go. They are counting on you." This wasn't world peace. I wasn't the forth in a tennis match. It was just a bike ride. And they still had each other.

But my mother was right. I HAD made a commitment, and if I didn't want to go, it was my responsibility to have been honest and brave enough to say that upfront.

That moment has stuck with me in every action and commitment I have made since then. You must keep your word. Regardless. It is your BRAND. Who you are.

Be careful not to say "yes" to things when you really want to say "no". Be brave enough and value yourself, your time, and your mental and emotional well being to say "no" if you can't or don't have the time to do it.

Take care of yourself. Prioritize. You can't say yes to everything. And always keep your word.