Freedom and Responsibility - a podcast by David K Payne

“Most people do not really want freedom, because freedom involves responsibility, and most people are frightened of responsibility.” 
― Sigmund Freud, Civilization and Its Discontents

I have referenced struggles in life and remaining flexible on the path. These facts are at the heart of an authentic life. We are free to make decisions and live life as we see it, but in doing so, we understand that we must take responsibility for our lives ultimately. Freedom and responsibility are gracefully moving through the changes in your life, never avoiding problems and regardless of outcomes continuing to live and do your best with your life.

The writer of Ecclesiastes speaks to this.  

Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind or the mystery of a tiny baby growing in its mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the activity of God, who does all things. Plant your seed in the morning and keep busy all afternoon, for you don’t know if profit will come from one activity or another—or maybe both. Ecclesiastes 11:5-7 (NLT)

Peck in his book “The Road Less Traveled” addresses this as well. “We cannot solve life’s problems except by solving them. This statement may seem idiotically tautological or self-evident, yet it is seemingly beyond the comprehension of much of the human race.”  

Peck goes on to talk about responsibility and how we must take responsibility for the problems in our lives and solve them. Abraham Lincoln said it this way “you can’t avoid the responsibility of tomorrow by avoiding it today.”

The person living the authentic life embraces the path they are on, and they deal with problems created or inherent in their lives. No one else, and I would even say not even God is going to solve your problems for you magically. You though do possess all the ability and ingenuity to face whatever is in your path. There may be times you have to reach out to others for advice and counsel. You may have to deal with hurts and pains from the past, but ultimately if you are to live your best life, you must take responsibility for where you are and face your challenges, solve your problems and taking the steps necessary to move forward in your life.

Please be encouraged that you can do this. It is challenging, that is why most people never live an authentic life, but settle for a life lived to please others, blaming others or believing the discouraging lies of others. Open your heart up and hear the voice inside speaking direction about where to go next and what to do and follow it. You living an authentic life may disappoint others, but it will never be disappointing to you. Just Be

David

 

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