One of the cornerstones of American Indian thought deals with responsibility. It is the simple fact that we are responsible for our lives; for our thoughts, our feelings, our actions. No other person truly has the ability to "make" us happy, angry, sad. We each have a choice, and how we feel reflects that choice. Realizing and remembering that empowers us and gives us control over the one thing in the world that we truly have the ability to control...ourselves. It is a challenge, but at the same time, it comes with rewards, for it lets each of us see that we do NOT have the responsibility for others, because just as we have a choice in all things, so do they. They cannot "make" us angry, but neither can we "make" them upset. So it frees us.

Remembering this, and trying to live our lives as we believe the Grandfather meant us to live, combine and lead to happiness...if we allow it. Practice today, being happy.