3 Reasons Why Taking Responsibility Is Spiritual

When I was a girl, I couldn't wait to grow up.

At 10, I fantasized about having my own apartment in New York City and running a chic restaurant. I yearned to be an adult because I wanted to be in charge. I hated feeling like I had no control of my life -- of where I lived, went to school, what I ate.

All too quickly, I was a young, clueless adult overwhelmed by the world. It was easy to feel oppressed. I couldn't get a good job because the market was tight and there was too much competition. Poor me, no one could see the value that I could offer.

I fell into feeling like a victim.

Life was too hard. I was misunderstood. I couldn't stop eating the plate of cookies, the bag of chips, but it wasn't my fault. I couldn't help myself.

Slowly, as I began making my way in the world, I saw how I was giving my power away by being a victim. Maybe I couldn't control the weather or the attitude of my boss or coworkers, but I could control my response to them.

What if I stood up to my colleague and told her that I didn't' appreciate her lack of professionalism?

What if I really looked at how I avoided going to the gym, making excuses every night to watch TV on the couch?

In my journey to self awareness, I've realized that I must take 100 percent responsibility for everything in my life.

• My finances
• My health
• My relationships
• My career

When we do this, then we really become grown up.

Responsibility is about ownership, about acknowledging when things work and don't work.

It's the difference between saying the company almost went under because I didn't manage the financials rather than blaming the near bankruptcy on the economic downturn.

It is the acknowledgment that I am in charge -- always. Even when I choose to watch a movie instead of run errands.

If you're ready to take 100 percent responsibility in your life. Here are three questions to ask yourself:

1. Are you willing to own whatever happens in your life?

2. Can you discern between what you do and don't have control over?

In other words, you only have control over you, and how you respond to life's challenges and opportunities. You do not have any control over what other people do or say.

3. Are you ready to be okay when you screw up and when you succeed?

We are often our own worst critics, hard on ourselves when we fail and unwilling to savor when we succeed. Can you be gentle and loving with you -- knowing that everyone makes mistakes from time to time?

Taking responsibility for your life will transform it! Here are three reasons why you want to:

• Feel Empowered Instead of Being a Victim

When we decide that we are in charge, we have the power. We haven't given it away to anyone or anything. Take charge of your life and create all that you most deeply desire.

• Be Beholden to No One or No Thing

When you decide that you own your life, no one or thing has any power over you. Wow, how cool is that!

• Set Yourself Free

Taking 100 percent responsibility for your life is the path of spiritual growth, of total freedom.

Being a spirit having a human experience means we have to step fully into life. Into our roles, actions and emotions. When have you felt like a victim or decided to take responsibility? Think back through your past. How can you begin to own every aspect of your life?

It may sound difficult but it will provide the ultimate reward -- total and complete liberation. Aren't you ready?

Shakti Sutriasa is a devotee of the Divine Feminine and is committed to helping women find their passion and soul purpose through life coaching and workshops. Isn't it time you felt empowered to live the life you deserve? Learn more