What is personal responsibility? Huh? What did you say? ~crickets chirping~
Well, what is it? I guess first of all you want to know why I'm asking. A friend of mine is shopping for a new car. For multiple reasons, of course, but one thing/thought leads to the next, leads to a conversation with someone else, on, and on and it just got me thinking. What is it?
I actually did a google search for the definition of personal responsibility. Some definitions I agreed with, some I didn't. I think for me personal responsibility is the feeling that there is something out there bigger than me and that I owe it something, some effort on my part, to make it better. I'm not talking religion here, though I guess in a way it sounds similar. I'm not even talking about success, just effort.
I'm but one person in a big world. But I truly believe one person can make a difference. Whether that be directly through my own actions, or indirectly through my influence on someone else, I firmly and absolutely believe it. Not that I'm selfless or by any means a crusader or anything. I often tend to be a bit self centered. Don't let me fool you. But opinions? I have them - oh do I ever have them - and they shape what I see as my personal responsibility.
Who are these responsibilities to? My family. My friends. My community. The world at large. The environment. You name it. Seems I've tagged myself with a shitload of responsibility! Yet, I do believe it is something I am responsible for.
I think that people often absolve themselves of their responsibilities for what they see as perfectly rational reasons. They are only one person. They aren't rich or powerful. No one would listen to them. And you know what? All of that may be true. But does the fact that your actions, however well intended, may amount to nil, resolve you of your responsibilities? I don't think so.
What do I feel responsible for today? Let's see.
I could go on and on. You never would have guessed that, would you?
I know the trolls have been out in full force lately and this post may just draw them to my little corner of the blogosphere. Bring it on. I don't know what brought this rant on - maybe to run off my last ten commenters?? hehe I accept the responsibility for it though.
So do you accept that you have a personal responsibility to yourself and others? How do you express that belief? Do you figure you won't have an impact and just say screw it? Do you feel like you've tried and failed? Have you just give up? Talk to me people.
Talk to me or I'll start begging for recipes again........
Well, what is it? I guess first of all you want to know why I'm asking. A friend of mine is shopping for a new car. For multiple reasons, of course, but one thing/thought leads to the next, leads to a conversation with someone else, on, and on and it just got me thinking. What is it?
I actually did a google search for the definition of personal responsibility. Some definitions I agreed with, some I didn't. I think for me personal responsibility is the feeling that there is something out there bigger than me and that I owe it something, some effort on my part, to make it better. I'm not talking religion here, though I guess in a way it sounds similar. I'm not even talking about success, just effort.
I'm but one person in a big world. But I truly believe one person can make a difference. Whether that be directly through my own actions, or indirectly through my influence on someone else, I firmly and absolutely believe it. Not that I'm selfless or by any means a crusader or anything. I often tend to be a bit self centered. Don't let me fool you. But opinions? I have them - oh do I ever have them - and they shape what I see as my personal responsibility.
Who are these responsibilities to? My family. My friends. My community. The world at large. The environment. You name it. Seems I've tagged myself with a shitload of responsibility! Yet, I do believe it is something I am responsible for.
I think that people often absolve themselves of their responsibilities for what they see as perfectly rational reasons. They are only one person. They aren't rich or powerful. No one would listen to them. And you know what? All of that may be true. But does the fact that your actions, however well intended, may amount to nil, resolve you of your responsibilities? I don't think so.
What do I feel responsible for today? Let's see.
- the environment. It's pretty much going to shit, right? What difference would it make if I drove a Hummer? I'm just one person, after all. But with the state of things in the world I just feel that for me - for myself - this is where I'm held responsible. I don't drive a Prius or ride a bicycle to the grocery store, but I do try to be environmentally responsible when I can. I drive a car with decent fuel mileage. I just spent Punkins college fund on a new central AC with out freon. I did use disposable diapers and I buy plastic cups. But damn it, I'm trying. I'm trying to have a positive impact where I can.
- other people. Ok, I know I can't really be responsible for other people, but I can use my voice, no matter how small, to state what I believe in and to reject injustice and unfairness when I see it. I strongly believe that when you keep silent about an injustice you are just as complicit in it as those who are its most vocal perpetrators. Speak up people. YOU can make a difference. And even if you don't think you can? Speak up anyway! You just might be surprised.
- myself. How many people don't seem to take responsibility for themselves? I wish I had a dime for every one of them. They seem oblivious to their impact on those around them: their friends, family, children. They are oblivious to their impact on the environment. They are oblivious to their impact on themselves. They create a hostile or unpleasant environment for themselves and then whine/bitch/cry about such environment. Come on, people. To a great extent you determine your own path. Take charge of it. Be responsible. Own it and deal with it. YOU are responsible for YOU! And if that means getting some kick ass happy pills to help you on your way? Go for it! I believe that no one can MAKE me happy, or MAKE me sad or MAKE me complete. Those feelings come from within me and I alone retain ultimate responsibility for myself. I'm a work in progress....but I'm happy with how it's going so far.
I could go on and on. You never would have guessed that, would you?
I know the trolls have been out in full force lately and this post may just draw them to my little corner of the blogosphere. Bring it on. I don't know what brought this rant on - maybe to run off my last ten commenters?? hehe I accept the responsibility for it though.
So do you accept that you have a personal responsibility to yourself and others? How do you express that belief? Do you figure you won't have an impact and just say screw it? Do you feel like you've tried and failed? Have you just give up? Talk to me people.
Talk to me or I'll start begging for recipes again........
