Comments on: Park Closes at Sunset

By: Finding New Perspective – An Enchanted Walkabout — Eden Journal

Finding New Perspective – An Enchanted Walkabout — Eden Journal — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 02:37:24 +0000

[...] to find things to do that were inexpensive or free. We did lots of things like exploring local parks, playing at the beach, and wandering around the zoo. That was all great, but I still had quite a [...]

By: Eric Watermolen

Eric Watermolen — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:46:59 +0000

Thanks Ralph. That is such a great concept. “taking accountability is the first step in taking control of your life. By blaming someone else, you are actually giving your power away.” I really like the idea that taking accountability actually creates power.

By: Ralph

Ralph — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:39:26 +0000

Great post Eric! I agree wholeheartedly with this post. Taking responsibility is hard for humans to do. When things go wrong, people like to look for someone or something to blame.

I really believe that taking accountability is the first step in taking control of your life. By blaming someone else, you are actually giving your power away.
Ralph´s last blog ..The Ultimate Guide to Giving and Taking Constructive Criticism

By: Eric Watermolen

Eric Watermolen — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:10:57 +0000

Thanks Anastasiya. Every time I come back to this post I think of how wonderful it is to spend time outside at night. It’s a very peaceful and magical time. You made me think though, this whole park issue is only for us city dwellers. If you live out in the country, it’s very easy to spend time outdoors at night.

By: Anastasiya

Anastasiya — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 03:08:36 +0000

Great post Eric! The park issue is an unfortunate side effect of modern progress in my opinion. People are drawn towards big or relatively big cities where they can make money. Unfortunately cities also attract scumbags and perverts who can use open at night parks for something horrible. I personally would not feel comfortable going to the park at night and I live in a safe area!
I agree that each of us is personally responsible for what is going on around us. We cannot always blame somebody else for our problems and mishaps. We just have to get over them no matter what and our complains are not great helpers when it comes to solving any problems. I definitely support you in your idea about changing the world by changing yourself. I am doing the same thing
Anastasiya´s last blog ..A Simple Way to Be Thankful and to Help Someone in Need

By: Eric Watermolen

Eric Watermolen — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:55:46 +0000

Things often do come down to finances. It’s funny, in this case it didn’t even enter my mind. Probably because this “closed path” was litteraly a path along the bank of a really big lake. There wasn’t even a way to physically close it, no fense, no chain, no security, no gaurd dogs. Even so, in the background, this is likely driven by a financial issue. The cost potential of being liable for accident or injury, and the cost of repairing vandalism. The root of all this points back to the lack of personal responsibilty.

By: Eric Watermolen

Eric Watermolen — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:43:48 +0000

What a great quote to use “I choose to take responsibility for my life and my dreams today.” I can only imagine how different our world would be if everyone lived it.

By: Julie

Julie — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:05:06 +0000

As I was reading your post, the first thought that came to mind was that it probably is just too expensive to keep a park open at night especially with government’s economic problems. How often do things also come down to finances?
Then I read further and I totally agree that there are also the libility issues that come into play and how quickly we blame others insteady of taking responsibility. I am also a believer in changing yourself because that is really the only one we can change. As many times as I have tried to change someone else, it has seldom worked. So instead I now analyze the situation and determine how I can change instead. Of course, that change may be as simple as accepting what is and moving on.

By: Patty @ Why Not Start Now?

Patty @ Why Not Start Now? — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:27:36 +0000

Hi Eric – Great post! I chuckled a bit because I’ve wondered about that sign too. I absolutely agree with you about responsibility. I think we often define that word in terms of our responsibility to others, but true responsibility starts with us, then works outward. What a world it would be if we all woke up each morning saying “I choose to take responsibility for my life and my dreams today.” I’m by no means fully there yet myself, but am certainly more willing to admit mistakes. I think I’ve actually come to the place where I expect to make mistakes so they don’t surprise me so much. Thanks.
Patty @ Why Not Start Now?´s last blog ..The House of Belonging