When exactly was it that personal responsibility fell by the wayside…
THE STORY
…Speaking in generalities, when did we, collectively as a country, decide that nothing that happens is ever our fault? Some scholarly types speculate that it started after World War II when the United States emerged from the ruins as the dominant world super power. That newfound feeling of power and prosperity slowly gave way to a perhaps unconscious sense of entitlement; and those with a sense of entitlement often feel that nothing is their fault. The belief that “nothing is my fault, so I’ll blame someone else” gradually seeped into generation after generation like a hidden sickness leading us to the rather frightening place that we are today. Perhaps this theory is accurate, perhaps not. Either way, there is now a conspicuous lack of personal responsibility that permeates every corner of our society.
From my classroom all the way to the highest levels of government, there’s plenty of blame and finger pointing to go around with only the barest shred of personal responsibility still in tact. Oftentimes the mantle of responsibility is only accepted when positive accolades are involved. “Why yes, I did that good thing single-handedly all by myself because I’m that good…that bad thing though? No, that wasn’t me, that was someone else. I’m the victim because everyone is out to get me.” It’s just so much easier to place the blame elsewhere as opposed to addressing our own mistakes and shortcomings and in turn, learning from them. In this case, easy sure isn’t a good thing.
I like to think that this is one area in which I do a fairly decent job as a human being. I’ll readily admit if I am wrong or if I’ve made a mistake; I have really never been one to play the victim. It’s true that I do struggle sometimes with saying “I’m sorry”, but that doesn’t mean I do not accept responsibility for any wrongdoing on my part. I’m responsible for the good decisions and the bad in my life. I, and I alone, am responsible for my successes…and my failures. See how easy that was? It’s not only easy, it’s empowering. It’s empowering because when you own everything that you do, then you own you. No one else has power over you, your decisions, or the outcomes of said decisions. You are in charge of your life.
That is really the only way that we can even begin to change the current trajectory that we are on. Each and every one of us has to commit to taking responsibility for our choices and our lives. Every. Single. Day. Yes, there are some things that are absolutely out of our control, but for the most part, our lives and our response to events in our lives are very much in our own hands. It might be difficult sometimes…it might even be ugly on occasion, but that’s okay. We need to own it…all of it; the successes and the failures. We need to be responsible for the path we are following and stop blaming someone else for giving us the wrong directions…
THE OUTFIT
Saturday was the perfect Spring day and this was the perfect outfit for the weather. A lightweight sweater, cami and distressed jeans were just what the doctor ordered to cure the Winter slump. This snake print cardigan from H&M is the definition of lightweight layering perfection. So much so I just ordered it in the yellow floral print as well as plain black and olive. When I find something that I love as much as I do this cardigan I often purchase it in multiples.
There’s something that I love about the look of a cardigan layered over a lace cami. I styled my tie front thermal top over a cami at the beginning of Fall, and if the cardigan is substantial enough, like this chenille cardi, the look can even be pulled off in the chillier months. This snake print cardigan though, is just right for Spring/Summer layering. It is a super lightweight fine gauge knit, and it’s also incredibly soft…and that is the only downside. The very qualities that make it perfect are the same ones that make it crazy easy to snag as well.
My American Eagle Tomgirl jeans remain my all-time favorites. I understand that shredded jeans are not everyone’s thing, but that’s how I prefer mine. I don’t get to wear them a lot in the Winter unless I layer them over leggings for extra warmth. Since they are also obviously not work friendly, they are a downtime staple only. If you do prefer your denim distressed, I’ve found AE jeans to be some of the best. From the distressing to the fabric, they’re the just right off duty denim.
THE TIP
If you truly love a piece, it works well with other pieces in your closet and you know that you will wear it often, buying in multiples makes perfect sense.
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Cardigan: H&M; Jeans: American Eagle; Cami: Nasty Gal (Similar); Boots: Similar
