Responsibility is our Power

Most people don't want power.

They want the illusion of an external locus of control.

They don't want to feel the feelings or think the thoughts that come with being an active participant in their lives—not just some passive passenger.

They don't want the responsibility of knowing that all consequences are directly related to their choices—actions and inactions—whether they choose to perceive them as positive or negative...big or small...right or wrong.

They would rather believe the illusion that positive consequences happen by chance. They would rather be taken by surprise than acknowledge the power they hold in their own hands—and minds.

They don't want the potential for failure that exists alongside the potential for success until one or the other inevitably comes, and then they take comfort in the illusion that it isn't "because" of them.

The comfort that comes with being able to play victim to one's life circumstances rather than choose to exert energy to change it or keep it.

To live blameless in a society where only others take the blame.

But it takes bravery to wield true power.

To take responsibility for one's actions and inactions, one's successes and failures.

It takes courage. It takes resilience. It takes confidence.

It takes accepting that there is not only one or a select few in power, but that we all possess it and can choose to exercise it—if we wish.

That, sometimes things happen when we don't mean for them to, and when they do, we can still choose to do something—or nothing.

It takes empowering ourselves and one another to face the fact that with great responsibility comes great power—true power—that is shared and distributed to all.

And must be seized if it is going to be utilized at all.

And it's those who realize this, who cultivate this, who understand that it's always worth taking the risk to rise—even, when with it, comes the potential to fall.