On Growing up

By Robert E. Gebbie

As an observer of human nature, I have noticed how often people look for reasons beyond themselves for the troubles in their lives. They make excuses and cast blame at others when things go wrong. Even the people we once looked to as examples in the professional and political environment appear to be doing more pointing at others than accepting any responsibility for their own failures.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but maybe it’s you. That’s right, I said it, and maybe the problem is not the situations around you, but you yourself. Perhaps it is time for a deep and honest evaluation of your own words and actions. Maybe it is time we all grew up a little, quit finding fault on the outside, and did some serious work on who we are as individuals.

Everyone has situations that are beyond their influence or control, not everything in life is neat and orderly. If it was, we would never have a reason to move forward. There would be little purpose to aspire to be anything more than what we are. The lessons that are learned from failure progress both individuals and humanity forward to seek a greater existence.

While I must admit not everything is your fault, and not every disaster or failure can be put on your shoulders, sitting with your head in your hands sobbing is not going to do you any good either. Get up, take action, do something about it. Quit complaining about what others are doing or failing to do to change the situation. Stop waiting for the world to make a decision for you, and become part of the solution. Nothing is going to change in your life until you take the steps to change it yourself.

Become your own hero and example. Inspire others to stand up and take control of themselves and their lives. Take charge of the things that you can have an influence over and create a better tomorrow. Take a deep look at who you are. The greatest problems may not be the things you cannot change on the outside, but those you are unwilling to change on the inside. Admit your imperfections, be honest and move on.

There are few guarantees in life, not even your own mortal or immortal survival is divinely granted. No one else is going to save you, take some control of your responsibilities and do something about it. Unhappy or dissatisfied by what the world has given you? Perhaps you have received what is rightly earned if all you have done is wait for those things to be handed to you. Everything comes with a price, and people must work for their place in this world and their everlasting mark in existence.

Get up, step away from that television or computer and fight for what you believe in. Make the effort to do something about your future, because if you don’t, the only person you can blame is yourself. Take action today or the tomorrow you hope for may be one that never comes.