I have been thinking a lot about the theme of taking responsibility for myself and my health, happiness, relationships, hopes and dreams. Do I accept my obligation to communicate my needs to others or do I sit back and chastise them for not responding to the unspoken signals of what I want? Am I cautious about what I feed my mind through what I watch and read turning off the tv when it is just too much and self-soothing in any way available? Do I even appreciate the importance of self-soothing – the sheer grace and loveliness of it? Have I looked at my past and made peace with it or do I hold others accountable for righting past wrongs? Do I go to a doctor seeking a pill without doing my part in maintaining good health or do I participate in a partnership of healing and wellbeing?
There is great satisfaction in taking responsibility for our growth and choices. It is the unique expression of who we are. No one else is able to sort through the mixture of genes and experiences and apply them the same way. Years ago I was in a stone sculpture class. The teacher came over and asked if she could make a change in my piece. I acquiesced and she carved out the next direction for the piece. I never felt connected to the sculpture and finally gave it away to a neighbor. There were probably ten different ways to finish the piece, but since I wasn’t the one who made the decision it felt alien to me. I didn’t love it or feel that I had influenced its creation.
Taking responsibility is a right of adulthood. It feels powerful to be clear. I cherish it. Do you?
Please share!
