Personal Responsibility For Happiness
Personal Responsibility For Happiness
Principal 8
We affirm the personal responsibility of the individual, and that we choose our happiness or unhappiness as we apply the laws of the Universe.
Happiness is each person's responsibility. I don't look for another person or thing to make me happy. That's too much and unfair responsibility to put on another person. If another person truly believes I'm responsible for their happiness or they're responsible for my happiness, I'll do a 180° and walk away.
The only exception is a parent's responsibility to care for their child or children. That includes giving them a safe and protective environment that promotes their happiness.
Ideally, over the years, parents teach their children to make choices that promote their own happiness. These are empowering lessons.
Adults learn along the way, most of the time from their mistakes. These are life lessons.
This means moving forward, stop blaming others and being the victim. I'm among those who blamed and acted like a victim far too long.
It's true there are life circumstances harder to cope with, accept, and overcome in order to move forward.
There are some personality traits and types that make this harder. That's okay.
Everyone is human and does their best under the circumstances. Humans make mistakes. My daughter wisely reminds me we are all flawed…
"To err is human, to forgive divine". It comes from the 18th century poem An Essay on Criticism by Alexander Pope. The quote is often used to encourage forgiveness and to remind people that it's normal to make mistakes.
So now you're an adult, it doesn't matter when you start taking full responsibility. It's the fact that you do.
I think it helps to list the things that make you happy or brings you happiness. The things that you include in your life that enriches it, makes it more fun, and you're just plain happier. In essence, it's the familiar gratitude list.
I'm happier and blessed…
I like myself
I have family who love me
I have friends who love me and they are my family of choice
I have people in my life that enhances my happiness
I'm liked by many
Little things have an accumulative effect towards enhancing and building happiness. What are those things or activities that bring me those moments of joy?
*Dancing
*Fireflies
*Snowflakes and catching one on my tongue
*Good books
*Music
*Singing
*Walking
*Taking pictures
*Writing
*Pets
*The smell of freshly mown hay
*The smell of pine in the air
*The blue haze between night and dawn on a cold winter's morning
*The diamond like sparkles of snow or ice on trees on a cold brisk winter morning
*Holding another person's hand
*Watching a well-played game of basketball, soccer, volleyball, softball, etc. The game is pure, the rules are followed
*Kissing a l.o.v.e. one (not a loved one… I still love them)
*Campfires and bonfires
*Aurora Borealis
*The warmth of a sleeping cat on my lap
*My alarm clock, Lily, rasping his tongue on my face telling me it's time to feed him and his sister Waffles
*Sunsets
*Sunrises
*Soft, gentle, and warm misting rain
*A full moon
*Waterfalls
*Rainbows
*Fireworks
The list is endless…
Post Comments
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.
Please
Login
to post a comment