Who's to blame?

I remember being 17 and angry at the world. I was angry that "thing aren't the way they were supposed to be." I constantly pointed fingers at everyone else. I would say malicious things to mame just because I had the wit and the ability to manipulate. This was the height of my complete lack of responsibly. It's easier to live with your self when when you don't have to take responsibility for life letting you down. This mindset slowly faded for about 10 years.

By 27 it was very rare for me to blame anyone else. I took extra steps (I still do) to figure out how I could fix or change the situation. I often say things that surprise people because I admit outright I screwed up. I may not have the solution yet and I may continue to do stupid things but the first step is taking personal responsibility.

Because I feel like I've come this far I see finger pointing as a serious weakness. The worst thing someone can say is "you made me do it." Really??? I put a gun to your head? C'mon! Tony Robins talks often about perception. He constantly ask's "Why did he/she react that way to me or a situation?" He then drawn a hopefully accurate conclusion from asking probing questions and tries to rectify the situation. He does this because if he blamed the other person for their reaction then he would not have the power to change the outcome. It's much harder to change someone else instead of yourself.

Buddha said. "All that we are is the result of what we have thought. If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him. If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him."

I choose purity. I choose to be self aware. I choose to take responsibility for my actions and the environment they create. I choose the road to improvement because even though it is a treacherous one, it's a much more fulfilling one than the well traveled path.