Willingness (Kate Soles)

Keith’s most recent post poses a thought-provoking but difficult question: what distinguishes dedication from commitment? I think of commitment as an act of caring about a person, goal or belief. After discerning a direction, commitment makes us keep promises, achieve dreams and remain faithful to relationships. It requires us to carry responsibility with integrity and grace. Dedication grows out of commitment, turning it into a passionate focus of our life’s purpose. Dedication means wholehearted service to an endeavour, ownership of something that requires all that we have and all that we are.

But prior to commitment or dedication comes willingness: a freedom from reluctance, an openness of mind and a readiness to embrace life on its own terms. In fact, willingness lies at the core of all virtues; one cannot show kindness, sympathy or faithfulness without the desire to do so, without the openness to accept the consequences of our actions. The Serenity Prayer asks for the wisdom to know the difference between the changeable and the unchangeable but, first, one must be willing to recognize that such a difference exists.

The concept of willingness has occupied my thoughts this week as I continue my personal journey towards health, happiness and fulfillment. I cannot face truths, seek help, increase flexibility and avoid judgment without it. Therefore, before striving for serenity and courage, I seek a preparedness to accept the outcome of my own commitments.