Die Schreibmaschine als Psychiater

Noch ein ziemlich guter Satz fiel mir ein, während ich durch den graunieseligen Vormittag fuhr, an dem der Nebel so tief hing, dass ich das andere Ufer der Elbe nicht sehen konnte. Die Schreibmaschine sei sein Psychiater, weil sie den ersetze. Ein Bekenntnis, das viele unterschreiben würden, die schreiben. Ich bekenne mich dazu, Mitglied dieses Clubs zu sein.

Michael Jürgs

in einem Artikel über Siegfried Lenz

Responsibility for ourselves

Caretaking: the act of taking responsibility for other people while neglecting responsibility for ourselves. When we instinctively feel responsible for the feelings, thoughts, choices, problems, comfort, and destiny of others, we are caretakers. We may believe, at an unconscious level, that others are responsible for our happiness, just as we're responsible for theirs.

It's a worthy goal to be a considerate, loving, nurturing person. But caretaking is neglecting us to the point of feeling victimized. Caretaking involves caring for others in ways that hamper them in learning to take responsibility for themselves.

Caretaking doesn't work. It hurts other people; it hurts us. People get angry. They feel hurt, used, and victimized. So do we.

The kindest and most generous behavior we can choose is taking responsibility for ourselves - for what we think, feel, want, and need. The most beneficial act we can perform is to be true to ourselves, and let others take responsibility for themselves.