Elie Wiesel's words at the dedication of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in April of 1993 remind us not only of the museum's purpose. He reminds us of a shared purpose.

"Oh, I don't believe there are answers," Wiesel said. No answers for how the atrocities of the Holocaust could ever happen. No answers for how people could go on living after committing such atrocities.

He went on to say, "There are no answers. And this museum is not an answer; it is a question mark. If there is a response, it is a response in responsibility." 

When will we learn from history? We often hear folks say that in trying times. We learn from history when we take responsibility for our own.

Responsibility is something most parents hope to instill in their children. We teach children their actions have consequences, not only on themselves but also on others. Our words, tone, intentions, choices, and actions all impact others.

We live in a shared collective of tones, intentions, actions, and choices. When we fully grasp that our life today and the world we live in reflect our choices, whether words or actions, we move to a higher level of self-awareness and consciousness. We are more apt to live at the cause of life rather than its effect. 

Wiesel's premise is that there are no answers; only our responsibility in the matter can make some angry, some depressed, and others empowered. Another choice we make. Which response do you gravitate toward—anger, depression, or empowerment?

Choosing responsibility might look like this:

You might not feel so happy right now, smile anyway. Your body will catch up and will uplift you and those around you. 

Your health may not be great right now. Take a step today to make it better. Make that call to a health practitioner you've been putting off. Do one push up on the wall each day this week and then next week do two/day. Drink one more glass of water each day this week. Get outside and notice the trees, flowers, and animals around you. You'll feel better for it!

Seek understanding. Spend more time asking questions than talking, judging, and blaming. Then listen to the answers. 

You might be thinking: the world seems so screwed up right now, I want to give up. Move into desire. What do you want it to be more of? Be that. 

If there is a 'they' that is responsible, then you are a 'they' to someone else. Learn more. 

What are you passionate about? Do it. 

What breaks your heart? Do something about it. 

Someone recently said, "The level of consciousness that brought us here will not get us there." Self-responsibility is the there. 

No more wasting precious time and energy shifting responsibility to some 'other.' Choose to spend time and energy on solutions. Hang out with those who do.

When we point our attention inward, we enter a world of compassion, care, kindness, and empathy. That's where growth and freedom reside and where our consciousness is elevated. We now see our part, and with compassion, we move in new directions. We understand we are responsible for the energy we share with with our very presence, our words, and actions.

The next realm of being is a higher level of consciousness that, at the moment, shifts from blame (self and others) to 'sign me up.' I'm all in. I'm ready to be the solution.

The shift is already happening. More and more see what is possible after years of wear and tear from evading their lives and responsibility. An old Talmudic saying is helpful:

 "You are not expected to complete the task, but neither are you permitted to abandon it."

Each day a person takes 100% responsibility for their life, is a day closer to the life of their dreams. You may not see all the fruits of your labor, but you will see more fruit.