Responsibility

Responsibility. 

"The state of being answerable, or accountable for something within one's power, control or management."

Today I'm going to focus more on personal responsibility, remembering that every action we take has a consequence. 

Often we forget that our lack of responsibility most often effects those around us. Many times children pay the price for our selfishness, and poor choices. Responsibility is a virtue that needs to be nurtured from the very beginning. 

Each time we choose to do something we must be willing to stand up, and accept responsibility for what we have done. Our words and actions are judged by others, and cannot be taken back. Only thinking of yourself really cannot be an option, unless you are a castaway on a deserted island. 

It seems today each time you turn on the news you hear someone making an excuse for why things may be going wrong. Dr. Laura likes to point out that, "It happens," is not an excuse for poor behavior. We are better than that, and should be quick to offer an apology for our part in something that has gone south. 

In high school we learned the famous words of President Truman, "The buck stops here." We can't keep passing the buck onto someone else each time we mess up. It is so easy to claim victimhood, and seems to be a popular trend these days. 

No matter what our circumstances the final choice is made by us. Teach your children to be responsible, and their chances for success will be greatly increased. Start with small responsibilities around the home, and learning to be accountable for their actions.

"The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence."

Denis Waitley