“The greatest day in your life and mine is when we take total responsibility for our attitudes. That’s the day we truly grow up.” – John Maxwell
Taking total responsibility for your attitudes requires that you eschew blame altogether. To turn your back on blame you must:
- Realize that you have a choice as to which feelings to “get behind” or “give weight to” in your heart.
- See limitations in others as an opportunity to test and refine your guiding skills. You may have to lead from behind, above or around the corner, but in all cases you can provide leadership.
- Forgive regularly, thoroughly and creatively. Forgiveness can and should be offered artfully, that is, packaged in a way that it is most likely to be received.
No one can make you feel a certain way. They may influence your sympathetic heart strings, but like on the Indian sitar, only you – the musician – can pluck the melody-producing playing strings.
You can either accept this and finish the process of maturation that you were born to complete, or resign yourself to being a victim of your immediate circumstances for the rest of your days. The choose is yours. Choose wisely!
Gregory Hake 
Thank you Gregg. It’s so good to daily evaluate one’s world and see where refinement needs to occur, and then to actually make those needed changes. Change rather than been a dreadful thing can be so wonderfully liberating. Thank you for your leadership.
LikeLike
As simple as this sounds, it is simply profound. It really feels great to take responsibility for your own emotions, thoughts and actions. Although I may be effected by the decisions of other people, how I act/react is entirely up to me. I especially liked your second point as taking this approach reveals maturity – to help others regardless of their perceived limitations.
LikeLike
Powerful words and the most powerful experience. It is possible for everyone. Thank you!
LikeLike