Columna, Jessabel B.

3rd year Batch 15

CMU

Reflection Paper #7 

You Are Responsible 

This book entitled You are Responsible is all about how people face their misfortunes or
shortcomings without blaming others. This book made me realize that it’s our own responsibility
to do whatever happens in our lives. We are the captain of our own ship meaning we can do
whatever we want, but always be responsible for whatever the outcomes would be. I’ve learned
that we shouldn’t blame other people just because we are experiencing suffering or problems
instead reflect on our actions, and try to solve it by ourselves. Just like what our teacher told us
in seminar about Attribution Theory, wherein people tend to praise themselves if something
good happens to them or if someone compliments them. However, if bad things happen to
them they tend to blame other people. That’s why it’s important to know how being responsible
as a person helps you to grow and earn respect from others. Honestly, in seminar, I became
more responsible because of the practices that we do. It helps me to be mindful of whatever I
say and act especially inside the temple knowing the fact that I will be responsible for it. I’ve
learned that we are the one who decides on ourselves, and not other people. That’s why we
don’t have the right to blame them if something didn’t happen just what we have expected.   

On the other hand, this book also tackled the right attitude towards criticism. People
tend to judge easily based on the appearance, fashion, lifestyles, or interests. However,  as a
person you also have the responsibility what to accept with those criticisms. Personally, I have
been criticized for being competitive in school, and pointing out that I always want to be on the
top. They thought that it made me guilty, and affect my relationship with my fellow students but
it’s not. Honestly, I didn’t blame them because that’s what they see in me. However, it didn’t
affect me on my study because I didn’t accept those criticisms, I know the fact that I just want to
strive harder not because I want to compete with them. But because that’s what makes me
happy, to see high grades that I really word hard. That is why after I’ve read this book, I’ve
realized the essence of constructive criticisms, wherein even though people have a bad-
mouthed about you, or have the guts to criticize with bad intention, you don’t need to accept
these kinds of criticisms. Always remember what have Buddha says, “There is no one who is not
blamed in this world.”

I also learned in this book the importance of not expecting anything in return just
because you helped someone. To avoid disappointments the best way is to not expect in return.
I’ve learned that if you really want to help someone it should always for the sake of doing good
with kindness. I have been giving street people food without expecting any reward. It’s the
compassion, empathy, and love that really matters. Because at the end of the day, it creates
happiness and satisfaction in our lives that will forever be cherished. On the other side, there
are people who keep on helping others but still they get blamed from others. However, in this
book I’ve realized that it is normal to face those evil forces. Just continue with what you are
doing, and those evil forces doesn’t matter anymore. Lastly, I realized the essence of gratitude,
we should always be grateful and learn to give appreciation. If someone helps you out of
kindness, just be thankful and appreciate their good deeds. Knowing that this world is changing
over time, I hope having gratitude towards others will still remain.