Good Monday Morning!
I hope you enjoyed the weekend and were able to manage the extreme weather in your favorite ways. Hopefully, you reserved some time for self-care. In the weeks and months ahead, implementing some creative and intentionally healthy habits may be critical to balanced wellbeing.
For some time, I’ve been curious about the reasons why humans tend toward or shy away from personal responsibility. I think of the natural need for independence and our propensity to want to be in charge of our lives’ circumstances. When we do accept responsibility for our words and actions, we seem better equipped to manage adversity.
Conversely, when we fail to recognize or accept the challenging aspects of responsibility, we effectively allow others to make decisions for us, limiting our ability to make choices that are uniquely ours to navigate. Further to the point, we may take exception to the decisions made for us and even complain about the outcome. What an interesting conundrum ~ responding to imposed limitations rather than engaging in our right to choose. The exchange seems highly inequitable.
Jim Rohn was a motivational speaker who mentored some of today’s noteworthy influencers, such as Tony Robbins (Life Strategist), Jack Canfield (Chicken Soup series), and a score of others. Mr. Rohn had a unique understanding of motivation and authored 17 works focused on personal development. Here’s what he shares about personal responsibility:
There are certain circumstances we cannot change, although many can be affected by our choices. Some seasons are beyond our comprehension in the questions they pose, but we can strive for understanding and look forward to future benefits. We can’t harness the wind (unless we’re gifted in the science of alternative energy systems), but we can learn to find peace in the midst. We have the ability to take charge of our responsibilities and seek to engage in personal accountability that has the potential to add to the quality of life ~ both ours and others’.
A quick review of Ezra 10:4 shows us that God wants us to be set apart from the norm and model values that others may choose to follow.
“Arise, for this matter is your responsibility. We also are with you. Be of good courage, and do it.” (NKJV)
And then there’s Galatians 6:5 where we’re instructed to diligently carry our responsibilities, in addition to sharing in others’ sufferings and sorrows.
“Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.” (MSG)
If we purposed to take the task of shouldering our personal responsibility seriously, creatively, and with conviction, many of the modern-day dilemmas that are burdening our minds and hearts would cease to be as problematic. We would be able to combine efforts to problem-solve and provide support on national and global levels to those without the means. We may even create new, more effective systems that add depth to the quality of life. The possibilities are endless, mind-boggling, really.
Being the eternal optimist and encourager, my hope for you this week is that you’ll take an intentional look at the breadth of your personal responsibility. Once done, release yourself from those things that are not yours to hold. Then make space for managing those that belong to you. The process may astound you!
Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda
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