Personal Responsibility and Respect
September 8, 2009The last week or so has had a few incidents that have me really thinking, about a lot of things, but mostly about taking responsibility for our own actions and respect.
I’d like to think that I do a pretty good job taking responsibility for my actions, my choices and how I interact with the world around me, so it always comes as a shock when other people do not do the same. I am really kind of floored by how many people don’t. I am even more so when they out and out blame or put the responsibility for those actions on another, especially when it is blatantly obvious where the responsibility should lie.
It seems that this attitude is also really closely related to a lack of respect for others, including a feeling of not needing to abide by rules or common courtesy, a feeling as though they are somehow special or better than others and deserve special treatment. I have seen it manifest in a complete lack of regard for personal property and space as well as blatant rudeness and passive aggressive attempts to make the other person involved feel responsible for something they aren’t responsible for. I think you can often pick these people out rather easily when on the road because they will display the whole “I own the road” kind of an attitude that usually ends up in a road rage incident due to some assumed slight from another motorist.
As much as I’d like to rant over every little detail of each event, I realize that they really aren’t important. What is important is what I have learned from these two events. I learned that it doesn’t matter what you say, how you say it or how angry or nice you are about it. The people with this particular mindset are not ever going to see it from your perspective because they believe so strongly that they can do no wrong.
I have learned that it is a complete waste of my breath or energy to try and explain my side of things in an effort to reach common ground and understanding. Really, that is fine by me. I don’t have the energy or the breath to waste. I’ll use them where they will actually do some good.
I love your attitude..I agree don’t waste your energy on such!
Good energies and peace of heart to you,
~g-h
It is an attitude that I have to try and continue to remember with each encounter. Sometimes it is much easier said than done.
I’m hearing every word you say. It is too true about these people and I have run afoul of them too much in the past months.
I’m sorry to hear that, goldenferi! It is easy enough to walk away when the people are online. It is another entirely when they live next door. That, unfortunately, is VERY difficult to walk away from. I am learning, though. Hopefully you can find it a bit easier than I have!
Hmmm,its difficult isnt it? I sometimes have the urge to run up to people and tell them to take responsibilty for themselves, but realise this will not change a thing and it is taking my anger out on others.
Jen
Hi, Jen! For most of these people, it wouldn’t change anything. You may find that you cross paths with one that really doesn’t realize what it is they are doing and saying something might actually make a difference and open their eyes to a new perspective, but that is really rare. Most of the time it really is just a waste of energy. It is better to just walk on by and let the frustration of the moment slide right off of you.