I was recently reading an article on kindness and the simple ways we could show kindness toward others throughout the day.  The article did not identify anything new and groundbreaking, but it did include some great reminders.  Afterward I started thinking about kindness in relation to dependability.  Thinking about those I know who have gone through or were going through difficulties, and could still be counted on for their kindness, concern, and care for others.  And I found encouragement in these examples of dependability and I was reminded, I want to be that person.

Life often presents hardships and does not go as planned, and there are times we may feel as if we have no control.  But regardless of circumstances, we always have control of our attitude and how we treat those around us.  Reflecting on the character trait of dependability is more than just an opportunity to evaluate how well we keep our commitments, and can be more reflective than just asking, do we do what we say we are going to do.  It is an opportunity to honestly look at whether or not we can be counted on to choose our attitude in good times, in stressful times, and when events or life do not go as planned.  It is a reminder to ask ourselves whether or not others can count on us to be consistent in the way we treat them, or do they feel like they are on an emotional roller coaster, never knowing what to expect.  Can we be counted on to remain steady in our demeanor or does our demeanor change with the wind?

We can ask ourselves the same question about our character.  Are we dependable in our character, or does our character depend on who we are with and the situation.  Do we practice situational ethics, or can we be counted on in our goal to have integrity in all that we say and do.  Are we dependable in seeking personal growth and self-improvement?  When we have a critique of someone else, do we take the opportunity to ask ourselves, have I have done something even remotely similar.  It is far too easy to look at the wrong or annoyance in another.  Being dependable to improving ourselves would cause us to first look in the mirror.

As with each trait, the character trait of dependability gives us a lot to think about.  One of which is it is a choice to show dependability in our character, and in choosing positive thoughts, actions, and attitudes regardless of circumstances.  That simple choice, along with doing what we say we will do, is powerful enough to improve, or negatively affect, interactions and relationships with those around us, from close family to the stranger on the street.  Dependability makes a difference!

Originally published in the Owasso Reporter October 2017