Be Positive Day 25 | I am Responsible . . .

At my Catholic high school, theology was a requirement. But beyond Christian dogma, the teaching branched into being a good person and following a positive moral compass throughout life. It was about learning to be generous, respecting others, learning different ways to look at the world. Theology class went hand-in-hand with community service requirements and yearly retreats. Mr. Mehle taught theology to juniors and seniors. Our wooden desks were arranged in a wide circle that took up the entire space of the room but made discussions easier. Mr. Mehle would sit back, cross one ankle over the opposite knee and lace his fingers behind his head. He listened as much as he spoke, which is important in a class that teaches teenagers respect and encourages thinking for yourself.

Early into one school year, “YARFYODA.” was written in square handwriting across the blackboard. (Mr. Mehle was fond of acronyms.) “You Are Responsible For Your Own Decisions and Actions.” Simple, direct, and perfect.

This, as much as any other in-classroom lesson from high school, has been amazingly applicable in my everyday life. And yes, I’m putting it in the same category as all my book lessons of grammar and writing skills or my math to balance my checkbook or at the grocery store. But YARFYODA didn’t come from a book. It was a lesson that came straight from my teacher. And think about it. It’s relevant in my each and every day, without fail.

I’ve been thinking a lot about YARFYODA during these 30 Days to Be Positive because positivity is this decision that I’ve been forgetting to make, and it’s actions that I’ve been failing to take. And while Mr. Mehle might’ve meant that I should apply his theory of culpability to more earthshaking moments in my life, it applies here too. He might tell me that yes, those deflated feelings and heavy emotions I heaped on myself were my responsibility. He might tell me that all that time I wasted feeling awfully physically and emotionally, wallowing in the bad parts of my life rather than celebrating the good, could’ve been time spent being effective, productive, and moving forward. And you know what, Mr. Mehle would be right.

YARFYODA is like positivity’s support staff. Knowing that a grateful, fulfilled, and positive frame of mind is my responsibility is a beautiful lesson. And remembering that positive actions-treating myself and the people around me with kindness and patience-shape who I am and my world. And that feels even more important to keep in mind.

So today I’m passing on YARFYODA to you. And I’m reminding myself too. Because no matter which path my life takes me down, no matter which challenges I’m facing or fighting, making the decision to be positive, grateful, happy should always be my first step.

Thank you, Mr. Mehle.

My favorite Life Pulp Inspiration today is this one. It was posted by JOY to the World.