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Making a commitment means I have to uphold my end. I've made a promise not to be taken lightly. I am somewhat cautious about making a commitment to do something that requires action and responsibility.

I don't like the feeling of being obligated. I like having choices. In this context I'm not referring to the commitment I'd feel toward a significant other, but rather, the commitment to be an officer for an organization (I was treasurer in a group for two years because the group was small and everybody has a position to fulfill). Having that commitment, I went to the meetings every week whether I felt like it or not. Finally, the group grew in number and I was able to pass the treasurer position over to someone else! Oh happy day . . . I could skip meetings if I so chose.

Some commitments cannot be avoided, such as keeping doctor appointments. That's okay, it's part of taking care of business.

I chose to be committed to going to church for a couple years. That commitment has fallen by the wayside since. I don't know why, it just did. I allow myself to feel guilty, after all Jesus did for me by dying on the cross. I continue to feel blessed in my life. God never leaves me, it is I who has turned away.

One group in which I participate, the facilitator asks each of us if we'd like to make a commitment for the next week. It's voluntary, but I make commitments based on something I'd like to do anyway. However, on many occasions I do not fulfill my commitment. Last Wednesday my commitment was to clean my house. Today is Sunday and I have not made a dent yet. I keep putting it off . . . there are no tangible consequences except that my house continues to need my attention.

I'm putting the blame on the computer. There's an old saying, "To err is human, to blame it on someone [something] else is cool."

I loved a tee-shirt I saw a woman in a restaurant wearing. It said, "It's All About Me." In reality I know that's not true, just tongue-in-cheek humor. Maybe that's what I'd like . . . even though it's never going to happen. How does that relate to commitment? Well, if it was all about me, other people would be committed to letting me have my own way and I'd be spoiled rotten. I don't think I could handle being spoiled rotten. It would change my personality from easy-going to demanding and keeping friends is more important to me.

I am committed to friends as a natural part of our relationship, and they respect their commitments to me, so it's a win-win situation.

Thanks for letting me share on this subject as it is one that concerns me almost every day.

Learn more about this author, Joyce Bocek.
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