Just when you thought you knew it all....

There were some excellent posts in this thread. It's true. We are all responsible for own choices which lead to actions which we are also responsible for. It's also true that this society seems to be bent on either afixing blame or abdicating the responsible. How do we break the cycle? I particularly like what Brian Tracy said on this topic. (I'll have to paraphrase.)

"Blame is a thing of the past. Don't place blame. Instead, accept responsibility for all of your own actions no matter what. How do you do that? When something happens use the following affirmation, 'I am responsible. I am responsible. I *am* responsible.' Do it even when someone cuts you off in traffic."

"Don't let others make you feel guilty. There are guilt catchers and guilt throwers. When someone attempts to throw guilt your way, don't catch it. Instead, say something like, 'Are you trying to make me feel guilty?' "

(Back to Rick.) Do these techniques work? Well, I can't speak to the one about the guilt catcher. (I have to be careful with my tendency to be a guilt thrower. *g*) But the affirmation, "I am responsible", works quite well. Even if someone has cut me off in traffic, when I use that affirmation, I've noticed it has a calming effect. Using that affirmation also helps me to curb my guilt thrower tendencies.

This affirmation also has the ability to make me more "responsABLE" as well.

Please don't misunderstand the intent of this affirmation. The idea is not to make you a milquetoast, (when was the last time you saw *that* word? *g*). The idea is to empower yourself with it. What can you do about everyone else that refuses to accept responsibility? Not much. You have power only to control your own choices and actions. Start by trying this affirmation. It's worked quite well for me when I've used it.

Rick Smith, "The Net Guerrilla"