Self Responsibility

You know, we all make choices in life and with those choices come responsibility. And, just because we make a decision about this or that does not mean we can expect everyone around us to participate in those choices. So, it would be my belief that it is imperative to be fully aware of the decisions and the consequences of those decisions, realizing that it is our own and not the responsibility of others to rectify or accommodate those things we opted for. And, when others don't follow what we WANT doesn't make them the bad guy. It only means those choices should be owned by the one who made them. It also doesn't mean they are no longer our friend. It does mean that when making a decision it is imperative to know as best we can the long term ramifications of that decision. We must also know that others have to make their own choices and that we won't always be on board to suffer their poor choices, either. So, when confronted on either account of two sides of the coin, don't allow guilt make you do what you don't want to do. And, we must always remember that our choices are our own responsibilty.

Self

Sometimes when in the throes of some kind of drama, be it relational, financial, work, family, kids, emotional,...we forget the one most important thing. That is to take care of one's self. Because of all that may be happening and our mind might be preoccupied with the subject at hand,...we lose sight of the most important person to us. Our SELF. This is unfortunate because it generates so much negativity into our lives. When we don't place ourself in the number one status, we lose the ability to take care of those around us. How could we if we can't even be good to our own person? Some people think that giving begins with others. That is a great concept, but if our own person isn't intact...that is all it is, a concept. Not a viable one, either. It has too many holes in it to be solid. In my mind the holes take the form of low self esteem, self worth, self love, some lack of some kind. It seems to me it is kind of like trying to 'look' like one is trying to 'be' this giving or whatever type of person. In reality, as the saying goes, ' you can't love someone else until you love yourself ', still stands on all fronts. So, the bottom line is to learn to be good to one's self first. When, even in the midst of life's trials and tribulations, one is able to take care of theirself spiritually, mentally, physically, and financially, then there is something to offer others.

Change

This is the one thing in life that we all can depend on. From the moment we are born, we are on a never-ending cycle of change. Fortunately, somehow, people manage to deal with it. We do this one of two ways; gracefully or kicking and screaming. Well, really, there are more because of all the variations in between. I have been successful at times and not so graceful other times. Through the years I have learned to change with more ease than when I was younger. I like to think that age has gifted me with some grace, anyway. :) 

As a child I moved a lot and was forced to deal with those changes and they weren't easy. Every time we moved, I had to go to a new school and meet altogether new people. I am certain that prepared me for the future in different ways. However, at the time, I was too young to know that and was kicking and screaming. Well, like any child would. I do know that all things come with pluses and minuses. I grew to believe that it is better to keep a child in one place, if possible. I also can say that those events forced me to adapt and improvise which was and is necessary still to this day. So, honestly, I am grateful for those lessons. To all who are struggling through change right now...it will pass and what doesn't kill you will make you stronger,...as the saying goes.