Empowerment

The wonderful poem, The Journey, by Mary Oliver, is a powerful voice for not being
responsible for the happiness of others. The last line of the poem, "...determined to save the only life you could save," is a strong invitation for all of us to start our journey of independent, responsible living. But what about the other guy? Aren't we responsible for our brothers and sisters? Isn't that what the world says?

Well, we can care for others, we can want the best for others, we can love others. But the very best way we can do exactly that - care for, want the best, love others....is to not take their lives away from them be deciding to be responsible for them.

That's like saying, "you can't do it without me."

That's the road to Disempowerment and Victimhood.

What do you think? I'd love to hear from you.

Clyde Haberman, Senior Teacher,The Option Institute