Tarnished Reputation

Question: I have recently encountered challenges at work and even found my integrity being questioned. Naturally, I am very upset. To be honest, I admit it might be partially my mistake. I am worried that my reputation has been hurt.

Response: One of the most painful things that can happen to us is when our integrity is questioned. Feeling the need to explain and set things rights comes not just from our ego being hurt, but the concern that we will not be as trusted in the future.  

Is there any way you can talk to the person? Apologizing for being partially at fault can be very difficult to do, but once done leaves us calmer and happier as we turn something bad into something good--we were humble and apologized, did the best we could to repair and learn from the situation, and can now move on and not dwell on whatever we did that was wrong or unwise. 

If there is not an option to talk to the person or apologize, then you'll need time to repair any damage that might have been done to your reputation. This will happen as you are even more careful about the karmas you commit in the future.

Please understand that any just accusations happened as a consequence of what you did in the past. So you have moved towards repaying a karmic debt. Unjust accusations will also serve to reduce your negative karma. So painful as the situation is, if you react wisely it can be to your advantage. 

With understanding cause and effect, apologizing whenever appropriate, and being patient with the adverse conditions you cannot change and with yourself as you cultivate more, painful situations will gradually lessen.