Who is Responsible for You?

In the past few years I have been learning something about responsibility. I used to find it easy to blame others when I felt they made me mad or frustrated about some thing. Not so much any more.

Lately I have been learning something about myself ... perhaps about all people. That is, we all can be pushed over the edge on some subject. For example, I know some people who are absolutely aghast at how some could have voted for one presidential candidate or another. Some people can hardly believe that you could vote for a republican like McCain because of his view on war, while others can hardly believe that you could vote for Obama because of his stance on abortion. If one or the others hears about how you voted, it may push them over the edge. They may actually not like you very much anymore because you voted for the "wrong" candidate ... at least in their mind. But they still hold you responsible for blowing it and voting the "wrong" way.

But here is my point ... if you are frustrated at your one time friend for how they voted, then get over it. Yes, they pushed your button that led you to be frustrated with them, but that is not their problem. That is your problem. They are not responsible to you or for your peace of mind about the vote or anything else. You are responsible. We are all responsible for our own buttons and triggers. No one can take you where you do not decide to go. You are responsible for you.

Let me take it one step further. In a marriage, one partner is not responsible for the other's happiness. For someone to say my spouse no longer brings me happiness is foolish. My happiness depends on no one but me. For happiness is a state of mind and only you can control your mind.

So be responsible for yourself. Stop letting others push your buttons. And Don't Worry ... Be Happy!

Just Hanging Out ... It Can Accomplish Much

I feel sometimes that there has to be a goal accomplished, or that I have to be involved in some thing in order to be considered succesful. It seems that our culture puts pressure on us to accomplish something. But is there not merit in just being together with someone else...talking, laughing, and listening to each other? No goal or purpose, just hanging out. Somehow I think we need more of that in our world. Perhaps such time with others would propel us to accomplish more in life.

My suggestion to you is to find someone today, and just hang out with them. Maybe that is your son or daughter, your husband or wife, a friend, a neighbor, a co-worker, a stranger...you get the idea. At the end of the day you may have just accomplished more than if you had planned out an agenda with several goals in mind. Think about it!

Now I am off to hang out with someone.