Originally posted by
Dreamtimer
Hi Sam. As an American it's been pretty much impossible for me to not spend some time thinking about personal responsibility since that's been the political catch-phrase being shoved down our throats by Republicans since Reagan and my high school days.
I don't go by their definition, of course, for obvious reasons. I don't need them or any other organization telling me how to be responsible, thank you. I had my family who taught me values and set examples, both good and bad, for me. I have my own sense of right and wrong which, I believe, we all are born with. And I have a very strong desire to take credit and responsibility for what I do. Can't blame anyone else and neither do they get credit for who or what I am. I do.
I have an independent mind and I also have a strong desire to get along with people. This has made it challenging to learn when and how to stand up for myself/to others. Going along to get along doesn't work in the long run.
I've been complaining for years about people who make excuses for themselves by saying things like, "I'm just doing what my boss/spouse/leader told me," or, "I'm just being a good _________(fill in the blank)." Cop outs.
Not that it's so easy to rise above...