Responsibility

                What is responsibility?

                Merriam Webster defines it as “the quality or state of being responsible.” Responsible is “liable to be called upon to answer for one’s acts or decisions; answerable. Able to fulfill one’s obligations: reliable, trustworthy. Able to choose for oneself between right and wrong. Involving accountability or important duties.

                Accountability.

                Reliability.

                Trustworthiness.

                Discerning.

                All of the above are important characteristics for the term “responsibility.” We each have “responsibilities.” But how do we perceive those responsibilities?

                Many a mother has said, “Think past the end of your nose, down the road a piece, and consider the consequences of your actions BEFORE you actually do those things. Can you live with those consequences of your actions if you have to? If the answer is “no” it might be best NOT to do them. That is being responsible and it’s also respecting yourself.

                It has been said, “Two wrongs don’t make a right.” But when you make a mistake it is often easier to own it, admit it, make restitution for it and move on with your life. When you do this, you are accountable – responsible – for what you’ve done and proven trustworthiness.

                Sometimes responsibility is heavy and burdensome, so burdensome that it seems like it would be easier and solve everything if you could simply lay down and die. Many people have “ended it all.” But you become stronger, more knowledgeable and resilient with each challenge you conquer, each obstacle you manage to defeat. Challenges are much easier than obstacles.

                Who is responsible for substance abuse?

                Who is responsible for the global economy?

                Who is responsible for the good things in life?

                Who is responsible?

© 2014 Cathy Thomas Brownfield ~ All Rights Reserved