virgin islands scene

The more powerful you are, the more responsible you are to act humbly.
-- Pope Francis
 

 

Thursday, November 8, 2001

Your responsibility

You are responsible for everything in your life. If a windstorm blows over the trees in your yard, you’re responsible. If a drunk driver runs through a red light and smashes into your car, you’re responsible. If your employer goes out of business due to poor management or poor market conditions and you’re left without a job, you’re responsible.

Is it fair that you should be responsible for all these things? No, it is absolutely not fair. And if you wish, you are perfectly justified in feeling sorry for yourself and complaining to anyone who will listen about the unfairness of it all.

That’s certainly one option. But here’s a better one. Take responsibility. Even though it’s not your fault, take responsibility. Even though it’s not fair, accept the responsibility to make it better.

Responsibility is not a burden that’s heaped upon you. Responsibility is the exact opposite. Responsibility is your way to free yourself from those burdens. Responsibility is the way for you to take control. Look at the word itself. Responsibility is your “ability” to act in “response” to whatever circumstances the world might dish out to you.

Who is responsible for all this? You are! Accept your responsibility, live it and use it to shape a more positive world filled with true joy and fulfillment.

— Ralph Marston

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Copyright ©2001 Ralph S. Marston, Jr. All Rights Reserved. The Daily Motivator is provided for your personal, non-commercial use only. Other than personal sharing, please do not re-distribute without permission.