So it’s me and the dog.
A really big dog, left behind while it’s owners, my son and daughter-in-law head off to celebrate the holidays in New York City.
What is so important about this? Why do I even bring up the topic?
Well, as I was thinking to myself, I realize that I am now tethered to the dog. She is my child for the next week and a half. I have RESPONSIBILITIES now. No running off to wherever I want.
Thankfully, she is not a puppy and is used to being at home during work days. She was too cute this morning when my kids left. Her head hung low and her tail was tucked between her legs. She knew they were leaving for a while. However, when she realized I was staying as I shut the door, she bounced back to life.
Responsibility is a scary word to some.
dictionary.com tells us this.
re·spon·si·bil·i·ty
/rəˌspänsəˈbilədē/
noun
1. the state or fact of having a duty to deal with something or of having control over someone.
2. the state or fact of being accountable or to blame for something.
3. the opportunity or ability to act independently and make decisions without authorization.
For “most” of us, we are taught this word from childhood. Those guiding us as we grow don’t always use the word, but the actions required instill the trait. From pick up your dirty clothes, make the bed, feed the dog, pick up your toys, watch your brother/sister, go play in the other room, to too many others to list.
These commands soon turn into questions. Did you pick up your clothes, make your bed, feed the dog, etc. Now, unknowingly, these tasks have become a responsibility. It is something we are supposed to do without being asked.
How the heck did that happen? Feeling like you got blind sided? Taken advantage of? I think it can feel like that until we are in our own position of authority, and have responsibilities to pass on as well. It happens every day and every where; home, school, work, etc.
How we handle these responsibilities makes us who we are.
I’m not here to tell you how to be responsible; or to teach you seven or thirteen or 21 days of habit making, responsibility grabbing, organizing, mega genius knowledge like a lot of people buy in to. I’ve been to the workshops (job requirement) and most of it is just plain common sense. I guess a lot of people have to pay to have their senses tweaked.
But back to responsibility. I wake up every day and have to make a conscientious decision to get out of bed, put a smile on my face, and do what has to be done to live a productive life. There are those days, however, when a total shirking of responsibility has occurred. It felt good. But a responsible person knows that can only occur every blue moon.
Oh the heck with it. I’m going to tell you how you handle your responsibilities. YOU JUST DO THEM. It’s that simple. Quit your bitching and whining and do what you have to, and should do.
I’m actually giving this advice for free.
Well I hope my vast wisdom and knowledge has enriched your life today, and I welcome you back another day to glean what knowledge you can. (That’s sarcasm and a joke, BTW)
Who knows what’s coming next.
Cheers
The Every Man 