My Responsibilities, Not Just Rights

Wouldn’t it be great if we had complete control? Well, maybe not!

I can recall thinking in my adolescence that I had some brilliant ideas that I could put into action if only God would appoint me to his Board of Directors. How naïve!

Over time, I came to understand that not having that role was for the best because I would have ruined a lot of things.

Now that I am older and hopefully much more “mature” I am aware that on a personal level, I have both duties and rights to uphold. Everyone seems to be focused on their rights and what should be provided for them. Few people consider or discuss their responsibilities.

Here are three things that I think are important to consider when it comes to responsibilities:

BE AWARE: Knowing oneself is crucial. Improve your areas of weakness. Know what’s happening in the world in general without allowing events or opinions to have a negative impact on your outlook or health. By acquiring knowledge and putting it to use, you can defend yourself against threats and issues.

BE AWAKE: In this world, there are countless opportunities, but if we are zoning out, we won’t even be aware of them. Unfortunately, people frequently get sidetracked by mindless pursuits and miss out on wonderful opportunities as a result. Pay attention, be open to new ideas, and be prepared to take a calculated risk.

BE ALIVE: Every day is a gift, and you get to decide how to appreciate it. Except when you choose to be one, you are not a victim. Own up to your life and where you are now! People who are focused on putting the blame for their circumstances on others miss out on joy. Your actions, emotions, and thoughts affect not only you but also those around you. You have control over these things.

I often say to my customers that we are all like glasses of water. The other person will be burned if we spill toxic liquid on them. If we have cleaned ourselves and fixed any issues, we have pure, clean liquid inside. Splashing on others results in them exclaiming “That was refreshing!”

This week, emphasize being awake, aware, and alive. I believe that these three concepts will surprise you in the ways that they will enhance your life and the lives of those with whom you interact.