What if the heavy burdens you’re carrying were never meant to be yours? Many of us find ourselves shouldering responsibilities that don’t belong to us, whether it's in our homes, relationships, or work.  Today’s episode is a call to action — to stop being the excuse and start empowering others to take responsibility for their own actions. When we take on what belongs to others, whether in parenting, relationships, or work, it leaves us feeling overwhelmed and burdened with guilt.  We often confuse this behavior with resilience, thinking we can handle it all, but in reality, it just leads to stress and an ever-growing emotional load. When we constantly step in to carry others' responsibilities, we prevent them from growing and becoming accountable for their own actions. By lightening our own load and giving others the space to rise to their own challenges, we can create healthier, more resilient relationships. True strength doesn’t come from carrying everything on our shoulders—it comes from knowing when to let go, trusting others to handle their responsibilities, and focusing on our own well-being. So, the next time you find yourself carrying more than your fair share, ask yourself: Is this my burden to bear? And remember, it's okay to let others step up and take responsibility for their own lives. Quotes from Today’s Episode: "You have to give yourself permission to delegate responsibility and give people back their own responsibility. You have to." "True empowerment isn't about carrying others' burdens; it's about showing them they have the strength to carry their own." "Setting boundaries is an act of love—it teaches others the value of responsibility and accountability." (00:00) Personalized story inspired by Joanna Weaver's book. (04:49) Stop excuses; empower responsibility in others. (08:18) Confusing resilience with guilt and shame impacts. (11:37) Parenting stress from shielding kids from mistakes. (14:44) Empower adult children, stop being their excuse. (18:35) Reject being used as an excuse. (23:12) Motherly leadership style: accepting undue responsibility. (26:35) Leaders shouldn't always accept fault for problems. (30:33) Empower others; delegate responsibility; find joy. (32:04) Live purposefully, delegate responsibilities, avoid distractions. (37:02) Encourage responsibility; address unfinished work constructively. (38:59) Assess burdens and focus on personal growth Connect with Dr. Phyllis Hayes-Ream http://drphyllishayesreams.com/ https://www.instagram.com/drphyllishayesreams/ https://www.facebook.com/phyllis.hayesreams