How many times a day do I blame someone or something else for my misfortunes? Probably more than I'd like to admit. Just recently I started thinking about what it means to have an "own it" attitude. It's so easy for me to blame others or circumstances when I mess up and instead of truly fixing the problem, I choose to ignore it and hope it doesn't come along again. But, guess what, the problem always returns and I am always at a loss as to how it happened again. Ignorance isn't always bliss, people!
Blaming others is the coward's way out. It helps you refuse to become accountable to your own actions. For example, "I'm in a career I don't enjoy because my parents wouldn't let me choose the major I wanted". Not so much. My parents honestly wouldn't have cared what career choice I made if I enjoyed it. Instead, I kept with the major I initially had while at UNL and became a lesser version of it. Not that I don't enjoy my job, but I could see myself doing something more. My fault, not my parents.
Another example, "We never have enough money". Again it's easy for me to point the fingers at others rather than realize it is I that need to do a better job of managing. I can't recall the individual, I want to say Dave Ramsey, but a certain quote has stood out to me for awhile "It's not about how much you make, it's about how well you manage" and has helped me get our budget in track. I could blame my husband for spending money on items but in reality, it's my lack of communication that makes him think it's ok to do. I could blame my parents for not teaching me more about money management but it easily could have done nothing for me still. I could blame bills! Especially those surprise ones.
Yet anther example, "My children never behave". Well, maybe it's because I didn't make them a priority when we were together or didn't give them enough attention. When they do misbehave it's usually because I'm being selfish and forget their most basic needs of love and attention.
I really could go on and on unfortunately.
So here's what I've decided to do. I've decided to "own it". On every matter listed above as well as those that I didn't list. Whatever decision I make, I need to take a moment to reflect and think to myself, "Can I own this?". We'll see how this can change my perspective!
Dear God, thank you for all the blessings you have given us. Help me to own my decisions and to take time to communicate with my husband and others as well as make time for others and put my own selfish needs aside. Amen
