No commitment. No obligation. No responsibility.
That's how a friend summed up the simple life s/he was living.
It was one of those comments that stuck with me; and had me thinking about it over the next couple of days.
At first glance, that lifestyle might seem appealing. "No commitment. No obligation. No responsibility." Afterall, isn't that how we describe our vacations? And what we love about them?
This lifestyle has alot of freedom, flexibility and opportunity to be spontaneous. Live in the moment, you might say, or at least the short-term, immediate future.
However, it also got me thinking that there are alot of benefits from life that are a result of commitment, responsibility and obligation.
Only in a committed relationship, do you get to explore certain hidden depths and heal them. And have someone know you inside and out and evolve together.
You can't have children without commitment, responsiblity or obligation. Or pets. Or friends.
Can you really have a deep relationship with others, with your God, or even with yourself without commitment or responsibility?
And what about long-term achievements?
Being the oldest of eight children, I understand the desire to be free of commitment, responsibility and obligation. They can be heavy burdens to carry. I remember well at age 9, feeling the weight of being the 'role-model' for my younger siblings. I would have gladly released that burden, given the chance.
It seems to me, living our lives fully and richly is really about being conscious of our choices, so that we have commitments, responsibilities and obligations of our choosing. And that certainly means learning to say NO to unwanted situations.
I choose commitment, responsibility and obligation - to myself, to Spirit, to others. My life is richer and fuller for it.
What do you choose? And why?
In Spirit,
Lauren Lee
Master Spiritual Life Coach
Certified Prosperity Guide
Women'sU CEO
www.womensu.com
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