To Be Or Not To Be ... Responsible
By dazediva
@dazediva (166)
March 8, 2007 7:35am CST
What am I responsible for ? What am I not responsible for ?
I was asked this yesterday and felt that I had an answer. After getting home, I thought about it a little bit more about the question and realised just how deep it can get.
Responsibility is the ability to respond with awareness. What are the things that you take responsibility for ? Are you responsible for the actions of those around you ?
When I think about it - I feel that I am responsible for: my actions, my deeds - good & bad; my siblings and their wellbeing; my family; my career; my happiness and my sadness; my wellbeing and health. I am responsible to a certain degree to those around me.
I feel that I am not responsible for the actions and deeds of those around me. I might be able to influence them somewhat - but never completely - hence I cannot be held responsible for them. I am not responsible for the negativity and chaos that has become a part of everyday life. In short, I am not responsible for the things that I have zero control over.
What are your thoughts about this ?
2 responses
@Mickie30 (2626)
•
8 Mar 07
I think you are responsible for anything that you do that is wrong or bad. As a christian when we do something wrong we can confess it to God and He forgives us so our consceince is clear.
If you have a child you are responsible for them because you brought them into the world. If you want that child adopted it is your responsibility to make sure the child is given the best possible care. If you are not capable of looking after your child it is your responsibility to find someone who is.
Anything you have choice or control over is your responsibility. I was raped when I was 8 and this was not my responsibility.
1 person likes this
@dazediva (166)
•
8 Mar 07
I'm so sorry that you had to go through that at the tender age of 8 *hugs*
Parents bear a large amount of responsibility for their children - giving birth, raising them, educating them, providing food + clothing and shelter. Parents are also responsible for their children's wellbeing and ensuring they are always in safe hands.
I don't know what your circumstances were, and I won't comment on such a personal experience. I thank you for being so honest about what happened to you and am glad to know that unlike others out there, you do not take responsibility for what you were put through. My thoughts are with you.
You've answered wisely - 'anything you have a choice or control over is your responsibility'
@aliasad (1567)
• Pakistan
8 Mar 07
A good topic, congrats! Responsibility is shouldered to him to whom trust is there. Being a human I strongly believe that God has given us almost all sort of powers like our five senses, a little bit of sixth(Lol), a society where do we live, a sweet home with some members called patrons (parents), a country with head of state etc. Everybdy is surely responsible for the actions he performs intentionally by excercising the powers he holds. A family head is responsible for all under his jurisdiction likewise head of state is responsible for his. Again, in person if I break some law, I must be held responsible. If some certain actions (seen or un-seen) are done using the under control powers, if performed well then reward will be mine otherwise punishment. Thanks for sparing some time.
@dazediva (166)
•
8 Mar 07
I agree with you when you say that God has given us 'powers'. Responsibility means to respond with awareness. So therefore, if you are aware of the consequences of your actions, then one is held responsible for them. However in certain situations, you could bear the responsibility to the best of your ability but there is no control over the end result. If there is zero control of the consequences of your actions, then you can't be held responsible.
