This is Your Life
This morning, the pastor at church delivered a sermon titled, "This is Your Life." He came at the issue slightly differently than we do, but essentially, the message was the Rudy Syndrome, in spades. His point was simple: this is your life, what are you doing with it?
How many times have you heard someone blame someone else for the circumstances in their life? Their parents did this or that to make them this way or that way; their teachers didn't inspire them to learn; their boss failed to give them opportunities; or, my personal favorite, someone hurt their feelings. You've heard them all before. This is excuse making, plain and simple. And, it's one of the classic symptoms of the Rudy Syndrome. Do you need to stop blaming others? Maybe it's time for you to admit this is YOUR life.
This may seem harsh to some people, particularly those who have had a difficult past. But, isn't it time we stop making excuses and start taking responsibility for our own actions? We aren't saying life's circumstances don't help shape who we become. On the contrary, each experience is an opportunity to learn and grow. Some experiences are more difficult than others. We get that. Sickness, tragedy, crime, natural disaster. There are plenty of life events that challenge us. We are just saying this is your life, not someone else's, and it's up to you what you do with it.
That's right, it is up to you what you do with your life. We have to stop the I'm-a-victim-someone-hurt-me mentality that is gripping lives and keeping people from achieving. We have to move away from the psycho babble finger pointing that tries to place responsibility for our stupid actions on anyone but us. We have to insist on excellence, rather than mediocrity, in all we do. And, most of all, we have to admit that we make choices every day and those choices collectively determine who we are and what will happen to us.
A disclaimer for the dedicated pesimists: Don't get the wrong impression here folks, we understand there are greater forces at work. Sometimes you get stuck in challenges, like Job. Again, we get that. We are talking about the things you can control. It's important to keep in mind that even when bad things happen, we still have to press on and make the best choices in the totality of the circumstances.
This is your life. You only get one chance to live it. So, take responsibility for it. Stop pretending like it's someone else's fault when you fail to achieve. Get off the couch and develop your skill on par with your talent.
It's up to you.
How many times have you heard someone blame someone else for the circumstances in their life? Their parents did this or that to make them this way or that way; their teachers didn't inspire them to learn; their boss failed to give them opportunities; or, my personal favorite, someone hurt their feelings. You've heard them all before. This is excuse making, plain and simple. And, it's one of the classic symptoms of the Rudy Syndrome. Do you need to stop blaming others? Maybe it's time for you to admit this is YOUR life.
This may seem harsh to some people, particularly those who have had a difficult past. But, isn't it time we stop making excuses and start taking responsibility for our own actions? We aren't saying life's circumstances don't help shape who we become. On the contrary, each experience is an opportunity to learn and grow. Some experiences are more difficult than others. We get that. Sickness, tragedy, crime, natural disaster. There are plenty of life events that challenge us. We are just saying this is your life, not someone else's, and it's up to you what you do with it.
That's right, it is up to you what you do with your life. We have to stop the I'm-a-victim-someone-hurt-me mentality that is gripping lives and keeping people from achieving. We have to move away from the psycho babble finger pointing that tries to place responsibility for our stupid actions on anyone but us. We have to insist on excellence, rather than mediocrity, in all we do. And, most of all, we have to admit that we make choices every day and those choices collectively determine who we are and what will happen to us.
A disclaimer for the dedicated pesimists: Don't get the wrong impression here folks, we understand there are greater forces at work. Sometimes you get stuck in challenges, like Job. Again, we get that. We are talking about the things you can control. It's important to keep in mind that even when bad things happen, we still have to press on and make the best choices in the totality of the circumstances.
This is your life. You only get one chance to live it. So, take responsibility for it. Stop pretending like it's someone else's fault when you fail to achieve. Get off the couch and develop your skill on par with your talent.
It's up to you.
This one makes me think and that is good. No need to do less than the best we can with time we have.
BJoe
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BJoe, getting you thinking is half the battle. You doing the best with the time you have finishes the equation. Thanks for the post.
Atty Jones
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If only everyone felt this way. I hear it every day. If it weren't for the people who do not take responsibility for their actions, I would have fewer emails in my inbox. People should focus on the solution rather than harping on the problem. Excellent article.
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I'm sure you could tell a thousand stories of people who want to blame you for a problem they created. But, you know as well as anyone that life is so much more fulfilling if you set a goal, challenge yourself to meet it, and then look back with pride and a sense of accomplishment. Thanks for being an example and not making excuses!
Atty Jones
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I've always found the saying "God only gives you what you can handle" to be true, but only if the individual wants to handle it.
I speak from experience regarding difficult health issues. Due to a rapid failure of my liver that required a liver transplant 10 years ago, I could have given up, but I didn't. After the surgery, and some serious complications, I didn't just want to be alive, I made it a goal to be able to do everything I did before and not let this make me "disabled".
I have been able to accomplish my goal, but it is an ongoing effort. I have had to deal with issues along the way that are related to the transplant and being immunosuppressed, but I look at them as "speedbumps" along the way, deal with it, get healthy, and continue living my life how I want to live it.
I'm currently dealing with one of the biggest "speedbumps" I've had to deal with, and your post has helped remind me of my goal, and that it is my life.
Thanks Ms. Jones.
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Thanks, so much Jeremiah. You probably don't know how many people you inspire on a day to day basis just by being an example of determination, positive attitude, and keeping the end goal in mind. We respect and admire you and appreciate your fight. We will be there to celebrate with you when it's done.
Keep the faith.
Atty Jones
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Atty Jones,
This is so true. We all fall down in life and have to pick ourselves up, dust off the dirt and get going. I started a blog today. Actually it helped me to express my opinion and if it helps anyone else great, if not that's ok too. Thanks for your inspiration and all your post.
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Thanks, Pam. You were never one for making excuses. You pretty much just do what needs to be done without complaining. We admire your hard work and dedication. Thanks for the comment.
Atty Jones
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author, good work
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Winter is over! Hooray!
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