Who is Responsible for You?

In the past few years I have been learning something about responsibility. I used to find it easy to blame others when I felt they made me mad or frustrated about some thing. Not so much any more.

Lately I have been learning something about myself ... perhaps about all people. That is, we all can be pushed over the edge on some subject. For example, I know some people who are absolutely aghast at how some could have voted for one presidential candidate or another. Some people can hardly believe that you could vote for a republican like McCain because of his view on war, while others can hardly believe that you could vote for Obama because of his stance on abortion. If one or the others hears about how you voted, it may push them over the edge. They may actually not like you very much anymore because you voted for the "wrong" candidate ... at least in their mind. But they still hold you responsible for blowing it and voting the "wrong" way.

But here is my point ... if you are frustrated at your one time friend for how they voted, then get over it. Yes, they pushed your button that led you to be frustrated with them, but that is not their problem. That is your problem. They are not responsible to you or for your peace of mind about the vote or anything else. You are responsible. We are all responsible for our own buttons and triggers. No one can take you where you do not decide to go. You are responsible for you.

Let me take it one step further. In a marriage, one partner is not responsible for the other's happiness. For someone to say my spouse no longer brings me happiness is foolish. My happiness depends on no one but me. For happiness is a state of mind and only you can control your mind.

So be responsible for yourself. Stop letting others push your buttons. And Don't Worry ... Be Happy!