OWN Your Life

I saw this quote on one of those inspirational posters in a doctor's office. I always thought it was a good thing being an optimist. I took great pride in the fact that I see the world half-full instead of half-empty but this quote made me stop and think. Perhaps to be an effective leader of my life I need to stop all the complaining and even stop the silver-lining stories...perhaps what I need to do is suck it up and set the new course! BUT....It's so much easier to complain, to offer excuses as to why something can't happen, why it's unfair. It's easier to justify my inaction and blame the world, the situation, another person, the lack of resources, education or time. AND I can enlist others - misery does love company you know. As I complain, others follow suit and I create my own little support group! All of us feeling justified and righteous in our discontent. It's nice - there's no responsibility - I don't have to do anything but sit in my sad place, but then, all I do is sit in my sad place. I don't get anywhere. So, I turn up the dial of optimism and tell myself that it'll be okay, that something will give, money will appear, opportunities will present themselves. I just have to be patient and listen. So, how's that working for me? I'm still waiting to find out.

Instead, as the quote says...to lead my life I need to stop (not talk) and adjust the sail. To lead my life, to OWN my life, I must DO, not say, for it is my actions that will move me forward.

What actions will you take today to OWN YOUR LIFE?