Responsibility

Oooh! Another bad word! Many of us have the same reaction to the word responsibility as we do when we hear the word discipline. We recoil with a high pitched shrill scream! 

(Ok maybe not quite that dramatic.)

At one some point along the way, most of us have been told, “It’s your responsibility” Whether ‘it’ was keeping track of your stuff, being on time, completing chores, your children, the list goes on. 

How many of us were told “It’s your responsibility to express your feelings in a healthy way.” or “It’s your responsibility to take care of yourself in regard to your physical health” “It’s your responsibility to express your needs” – physical or emotional. (If you’re reading this, I am assuming that you are old enough to feed and clothe yourself.)

 Oftentimes we expect others to be able to know what our needs are, or we expect them to take care of things for us. But in reality, it is up to each one of us to take responsibility for our own well being, our own lives. It’s up to us to use our big girl or big boy voices, not to blame others, but to communicate in a healthy way and take action to care for ourselves. Very often we don’t do that for fear we will be ignored, rejected or we won't get our fair share.  Then resentment builds, then there is a breakdown, and possibly an explosion…

For some of us, it may be difficult to figure out what that looks like. So today, I’d like for to take the first steps in the process and ask yourself – What do I need to feel (fill in the blank) examples – healthy, loved, accepted, content, significant, valued. Then begin to look at whether or not you are being responsible to yourself and others in meeting those needs.