by Kayleigh Roberts and Christine Harris
Responsibility may sound daunting. That’s because it takes courage and compassion. While we wage our daily battle, we know fortitude perhaps more than anyone. It lends a sense of agency, accomplishment, and independence to take responsibility for ourselves within our ability.
Dictionary.com defines responsibility as “the state or fact of being responsible, answerable, or accountable for something within one’s power, control, or management.” To do that it’s vital that we understand what is within our realm of responsibility and ability. We need to be compassionate for ourselves, and realistic with managing expectations.
Taking personal responsibility for yourself often involves stepping back and allowing other people to take responsibility for themselves. It’s so important to allow your loved ones and people you spend time with to make their own choices and to care for themselves, even if you don’t personally agree with their decisions. People need to make mistakes, own up to the consequences, and clean up the mess – it’s all about learning. It can be incredibly difficult not to offer your services to friends and family in the form of advice, a listening ear, a shoulder to lean on, favors, cleaning their dishes, and everything else under the sun. Sometimes we take on more than we can chew, including tasks others need to accomplish for themselves. If we do someone's homework, how will they manage to learn and accomplish the next day’s assignments?
If you begin to feel worn out emotionally, physically, or mentally it’s incredibly important to take care of yourself and take a moment for yourself. It is not selfish to choose self-care first – it’s empowering. Saying no can mean saying yes to yourself, to relaxing, to enjoying how you spend time versus overdoing it. We build trust by communicating, taking responsibility, and being genuine.
Step forward and do what you can. When you become overwhelmed or annoyed it’s time to step back. You don’t want to give so much of your energy that you feel taken advantage of or feel resentful. The point is to contribute freely and responsibly.
Build Your Strength: In your journal list responsibilities for you and prioritize. Cross out other people’s responsibilities and issues outside of your control -- You can even make a list of tasks not to take on and burn it to let go.
Step Forward, Step Back.
