When you hear the word responsibility, what comes to your mind?
You probably think something along the lines of: “a particular burden or obligation.”
You have a responsibility to your employer to show up on time and do your job.
You have a responsibility to your children to pick them up after school like you said you would.
You have a responsibility to your bank to pay your mortgage on time.
We agree, yes? But, is being responsible always the right thing to do?
For most of my childhood – and adulthood – I thought this word meant something else.
Getting perfect grades while being the best part-time employee
Being the responsible daughter who is also the super cool and protective big sister
Working towards goals that weren’t mine but were “the grown up thing to do”
Ignoring my gut.
And of course, never saying NO.
Haven’t we all struggled with“responsibilities” that don’t actually serve us?
Responsibilities to:
- keep a perfect house
- fix family members’ problems
- work, work, work and put off self care or God forbid….fun
- stay in a job you don’t like because that’s what grownups do
- be a domestic goddess, even if you hate it
- take care of everyone else first
- And do all of this without asking for help and with a smile on your face?
So, what would happen if we started creating a new list of responsibilities? What if being responsible meant something else? Like maybe…
- Saying yes to things you actually want to do – not things you feel you should do
- Listening to your gut, and acting on it
- Making sleep a priority
- Self care is mandatory
- Bring more love and fun to our romantic relationships and friendships
In the comments below, I’d love for you to share one new responsibility you would include on your list.
As always, thanks for reading, and have a fabulous weekend.
Ana xo
Rosa Campagna says
7 November, 2014 at 13:20It is my responsibility to take a warm shower to help my body decompress and mentally slow down and regain my focus for the rest of my day.
it is my responsibility to budget/ fill out my agenda every Sunday so that I am mentally prepared for the following week
It is my responsibility to go out with my boyfriend/ friends at least once or twice a week
It is my responsibility to slow down when I need to in order to achieve my goals
Thank you for the inspiration and I hope that this new look on responsibility can change my anxiety levels
Regards
Rosa Campagna
Ana says
11 November, 2014 at 08:26Thanks for sharing Rosa. I love the new responsibility regarding slowing down to achieve your goals.
Donna says
10 December, 2014 at 15:25So true! And I was just thinking this week that maybe I’m being too hard on myself- expecting to be able to juggle my business, my family, and also keep a perfectly neat, uncluttered, organized, beautiful house!
I think I would add to the list, I am responsible for letting go of the guilt. 🙂
Anjie Cho says
10 December, 2014 at 21:32I’m taking responsibility for spending quality puppy time with Javier every day! And for having drinks outside business events.
Cheryl says
10 December, 2014 at 23:28It’s my responsibility to take care of myself, to have fun on a daily basis, and to sustain healthy energy all day long.
Thanks for helping me refocus on what’s most important, Ana!
Cheryl
Midori Verity says
11 December, 2014 at 01:15Great article!
Jennifer Zivic says
11 December, 2014 at 08:38Yes , I want sleep as a responsibility and to do the things I want to do not what I feel I have to do. Hmmm a new one. I want to make living in the moment a priority not a choice. XO
Ana says
11 December, 2014 at 23:45I love the sleep responsibility.
Ana says
11 December, 2014 at 23:46Gracias Midori!
Ana says
11 December, 2014 at 23:47Cheryl, self care is a great responsibility.
Ana says
11 December, 2014 at 23:47Awesome Anjie.