Responsibility As A SuperPower

The world globally is a challenging place right now. Uncertainty is the new color of existence. The collective of most countries, including my own, seem to be in a state of consistent anxiety, fear, and stress. From government leaders to regular Jills and Joes pointing the finger of blame seems to be the status quo for many. When we feel we are powerless and have no control often we focus upon and vocalize anger and confusion. Underneath that anger, fear, and confusion lies a layer of stress. The fear of the unknown is rampant. We might reflect back to our ancestors’ patterns of fight or flight when Mr. or Mrs. Tyrannosaurus Rex was in hot pursuit on their heels. Would they try to battle the monstrosity or would they run into their dark caves to escape? When the masses are not protesting in public, arguing with those who do not agree with their perceptions , many are flocking with high levels of anger and finger pointing on social media as they increasingly are reacting to their anxieties and fears. I will be the first to admit uncertain times certainly do present with uncertain outcomes, and anger can be the catalyst for solutions. However, staying in that swamp of anger, rage, and fear does not really seem to be accomplishing much change. It is reminiscent of being called to the Principle’s office when we were accused of some rule we broke..trying to look tough in front of our peers as the teacher led us down the hallway, not knowing the outcome that we were facing. I believe there is another choice.

In my life I have had many opportunities to either be the proverbial caged rat re-cycling the same perceptions with the same patterns as I run in circles on the wheel of making no decisions to do things differently or to be the visionary who had a lightbulb moment to do things differently…even if no one else was making a similar choice! My lightbulb moment came when I realized if I changed my reaction from anger and fear of what might happen in the field of the unknown to a place of taking responsibility for what I actually had control of instead of wearing a cloak of victimhood of having no control , I experienced a profound paradigm shift! Taking responsibility for my thoughts and actions gifted me personal power I could own instead of giving away my power . When I stopped pushing against the forces I was blaming for the reasons I was unhappy and began finding ways I could not only help myself, but also help others in my community life changed for the better.

When I decided to cultivate and take actions of courage and resilience especially faced with uncertainty of my future, I was taking responsibility for creating the destiny that I truly desired. I long ago had engaged in certain practices that empowered me. It was easy to keep up those practices when things were going well, and going my way. Maybe they still would work when I changed my thinking , my mindset from worrying to proactive steps . I decided to remember what had worked in my past when life through a monkey wrench into my plans of how life was supposed to look!

1. Chop wood, carry water! Being in the present without being the judge, jury, and executioner works! Using mindfulness in simple activities such as in washing the dishes, doing deep breathing exhales/inhales, and listening to my body brought up inner peace.
2. Talking back to my negative thoughts and stories my negative mindset came up with me helped! Letting go and surrendering the “what if syndrome” by telling it to go live in another house for the time being was a great tool. Asking who told me that, is that true, what evidence do I have to support that thought and story propelled me into a more positive state of being.
3. Creating certainty in uncertain times with simple activities was beneficial. I could write a gratitude list, go to the gym or walk, set aside time in the morning to journal and reflect on the positive things in my life.
4. Consciously listening to another got me out of “but it’s all about me, isn’t it?” Listening to another without inserting my opinion and reflecting back to them not only stopped my monkey-mind, but also helped the other person to feel heard.
5. Volunteering in my community where I can be of service took away my anger and fears of the unknown , and benefitted someone else.

Yes, the world is challenging right now. Change and uncertainty is in all our faces. However opportunities to empathically and compassionately treat myself and others, focusing on what I do have control over, maintaining emotional boundaries, offering support to my tribe of supporters as they do the same for me is significant , and being grateful for what I currently have all reinforce to my mind, body, spirit that I can walk through challenges with hope and determination.

When I choose taking responsibility to change my mindset , to respond instead of reacting, maybe the scary things going on outside of myself do not go away, but I sure do feel I have a purpose and can share my purpose with someone who has yet to know about the superpower of responsibility. We are in this thing called life together, and together we can do what we could never do alone.

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